Earn 8 PDH | .8 CEU (Total course 8 hours)
ABOUT THE COURSE
Registration deadline, August 5, 2024
Course description
This course caters to Engineers, Technicians, Facilities Managers, Energy Professionals, Architects and others who are interested in enhancing their understanding of solar and wind renewable energy, and would like to learn about methods, best practices and strategies for selection of the most suitable solar wind or renewable energy alternatives, with technical, geographic and financial feasibility in mind. The course highlights the four-pillar approach or perspective on formulation of a business entity’s energy vision and how solar and non-solar renewable energy options fit within. Participants are primed by introduction to a few important fundamentals of energy, energy facts, and the “grid” to set the tone for better comparison of current source of energy with optimal renewable energy alternative, solar, wind, and others. Importance of the concept of most direct application of solar or wind renewable source to the final energy demand point is highlighted. Current footprint and specific applications of major solar wind renewable energy systems are examined. Key differences between solar heat and solar PV systems are highlighted. Since renewable energy storage is gaining increased importance – as companion investment to solar and wind capital investments - various proven energy storage technologies are explored, including batteries, flywheels, and electrolysis systems. Hybrid, Off-Grid, solar and wind renewable energy systems are discussed. Utilization of solar light in day lighting applications is covered. Combined use of day lighting, energy conservation and PV in Zero Energy Buildings is explained, aided by real life examples. Use of solar heat in building heating and cooling processes is highlighted. Futuristic, space-based, solar PV array type solar energy harnessing systems are presented and explained through illustration. The physics principles behind wind turbine design and it’s performance are introduced. Lessons learned from the Texas freezes of 2017 and 2021 are reviewed and associated myths are debunked. Participants are apprised of major solar and wind energy installations currently in operation and some that are work-in-process, in the US and abroad. The discussion on the topics of solar and wind renewable energy is sustained by diagrams, schematics and pictures pertaining to major renewable energy systems.
Learning Objectives - Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• See the role of solar, wind, and renewable energy in general, within the four-pillar energy vision that every energy manager should consider.
• Perform technical/engineering and cost comparisons between energy obtained from the grid versus the energy harnessed from solar, wind, and non-renewable sources. Identify and quantify technical and financial benefits of solar and wind renewable energy systems.
• Specify and implement solar and wind renewable energy systems that leverage direct application of solar renewable energy sources to the point of use, thus maximizing the efficiency and net benefit of renewable energy systems.
• Examine and assess alternative solar and wind renewable energy technologies on the basis of physics and engineering principles that correlate physical parameters, climactic conditions, and geographical locations to the power and energy output of solar renewable systems.
• Evaluate technical/engineering strengths and weaknesses of major solar and wind renewable energy technologies relative to other renewable technologies like biomass, geothermal, and the grid.
• Follow progress on some of the major, more recent, notable solar and wind renewable projects in the world. Learn from the lessons learnt on these projects in the past to avoid pitfalls in the design/specification of solar, wind, and other renewable energy systems in the future.
• Perform and objective comparison between energy obtained from the grid versus the energy harnessed from wind turbines and solar renewable sources. Identify and quantify technical and financial strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with wind and solar renewable energy systems.
• Identify some of the more unbiased and reliable technical and commercial information sources in the energy arena; thus, staying abreast of progress and current data in the solar renewable energy realm, beyond this seminar.
Topics
1. Four faceted superordinate energy management perspective
2. Energy Facts
3. Energy Basics
4. Electrical Power Basics
5. Load Factor & Capacity Factor in the Solar Energy Realm
6. Comparison of solar energy versus other renewable and non-renewable energy technologies:
a. Cost comparison of solar versus other renewable technologies
b. The history, importance and benefits of most direct application of renewable technologies to the point of use
c. Solar renewable energy storage systems
d. Capacity factor-based comparison of solar versus other renewable and non-renewable energy sources
7. Solar Technologies
a. Introduction to different types of solar technologies and their inherent differences
b. Solar energy trend
8. Solar Heating
a. Use of solar heat for buildings
b. Use of solar heat to serve hot water needs
c. Use of solar heat in HVAC applications
9. Solar Lighting:
a. Daylighting solutions
b. Solar-LED/ Florescent hybrid illumination
10. Solar Heat – Renewable Electrical Power Generation Technologies:
a. Solar CSP Systems
b. Solar Power Towers
c. Solar Trough
d. Solar CSP, Power Tower and Solar Trough Challenges
e. Solar Chimney Technology
f. Solar “Neo-Base-Load” technology with energy storage capability
11. Off-grid Solar – Wind Hybrid Technology
12. Photovoltaic Renewable Energy
a. Introduction to Solar PV Technology
b. Differences between different types of PV technology, their pros and cons
c. Application of Solar PV in Zero Energy Buildings
d. Residential application of Solar PV systems and devices
e. Examples of PV in aviation, transportation and other commercial applications
f. Solar Floating Farms
g. PV Systems and Energy Storage
13. Major Solar Energy Projects – US and International
14. Wind Energy Facts, Basics, and Principles
15. Renewable Energy Storage
16. Wind Energy Cost
17. Wind Energy Technology
18. Wind Classification in the US
19. Betz Limit
20. Did the wind turbines let Texas down in 2017 and 2021?
21. Major Wind Energy Projects – Domestic & International Scene
22. US Offshore Wind Turbine Projects, Current and Future.
23. Cutting Edge, Futuristic Wind Energy Systems
24. Renewable Energy Information Sources
25. Financial justification and implementation of energy projects
26. Solar and other renewable energy information sources
Why you shouldn’t miss this seminar – How this seminar can benefit your organization or clients; what is unique about this course:
• Are you responsible for identifying the most suitable solar or wind renewable energy alternatives, for your operations or those of your clients’, and you feel inadequately prepared to lead the effort; or perhaps you don’t know where to begin? Then, this seminar is a must.
• Do you manage or lead a group of energy or engineering professionals responsible for identifying solar, wind, or other renewable energy solutions and managing renewable energy projects, but you feel that your knowledge and understanding of solar and wind renewable energy is somewhat inadequate, needs enhancement and greater breadth? Then you must not miss this proven and frequently updated seminar.
• Do you feel that financial justification of solar and wind renewable energy – or energy conservation projects, in general, is an “uphill battle” in your organization? Then, this seminar will give you the opportunity to air your challenges and frustrations. You will learn about some proven approaches – both technical and financial – for successful solar and wind renewable energy project funding and implementation.
• As an engineer or energy professional, do you feel inadequately equipped to comprehensively compare various solar, wind, and non-solar renewable energy alternatives – from technical and financial feasibility vantage point? Then, this seminar will present an excellent opportunity to remedy that.
• How often do you get a chance to attend a course or a seminar that is presented by the author of books on relevant subject matter - in person? In this seminar, you will have the opportunity to interact and learn from Prof. Bobby Rauf, the author of the texts, titled: (1) Thermodynamics Made Simple for Energy Engineers, and (2) Finance and Accounting for Energy Engineers. (3) Electrical Engineering for Non-Electrical Engineers (4) Electrical Engineering Fundamentals.
• Some seminars and courses end up being monotonous monologues from the presenter to the audience. Not this one. In this seminar, you will get an opportunity to air questions, share your success stories – as well as frustrations - in the solar, wind, and other renewable energy arena. You will learn how to avoid costly mistakes and engage the instructor and other attendees in discussions.
Who should attend:
• Licensed PE’s, Professional Engineers, and CEM’s, Certified Energy Managers who need to meet the license or certification renewal PDH (Professional Development Hour) or CEU (Continuing Education Unit) requirements. This seminar couples engineering concepts and knowledge with solar renewable energy concepts and best practices.
• Facility Managers, Plant Engineers, Engineering Managers, Energy Professionals, Architects, Project Managers and other Executives who feel a need to enhance their solar renewable energy engineering knowledge, to make informed decisions on solar and other renewable energy projects or programs.
• Professionals, who do not possess prior experience or knowledge in the solar renewable energy realm, including Project Management Staff, Energy Project Financial Analysts and Technical Writers.
• Procurement/Purchasing Professionals who are responsible for obtaining solar renewable solar energy project proposals.
• Construction managers who manage solar renewable energy project installations.
• Other professionals whose annual PLP, Performance and Learning Program, include solar energy engineering courses, training, or seminars.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Bobby Rauf, P.E, C.E.M, MBA
Bobby Rauf is the President, Chief Consultant and a Senior Instructor at Sem-Train, LLC. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, in the State of North Carolina and is a Certified Energy Manager.
Mr. Rauf was inducted as “Legend in Energy” by AEE, in 2014. He is a published author of multiple engineering and energy books and professional development courses and holds a patent in process controls technology. He’s a member of ASEE, American Society of Engineering Education.
Mr. Rauf develops and instructs professional development or continuing education, energy and engineering skill building, and engineering cross-training courses. Some of his major clients include accredited universities in the US and abroad, major US and international corporations, and governmental institutions. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Gardner-Webb University.
During his long career with PPG Industries, Inc. as Senior Staff Engineer, his responsibilities included development and management of energy and ergonomics programs for multiple manufacturing plants, in the US and overseas. He also provided consultation and training services in the energy, electrical engineering, industrial safety, ergonomics and arc flash arena.