Renewable Energy Technologies and Opportunities

Earn 7.5 PDH | .75 CEU

About Course  (1 modules, 7.5 hours)
This course was recorded from a live webinar that may include discussions from attendees.  

This course caters to Engineers, Technicians, Facilities Managers, Energy Professionals, Architects and others who are interested in enhancing their understanding of renewable energy, and would like to learn about methods, best practices and strategies for selection of the most suitable renewable energy alternative, with technical, geographic and financial feasibility in mind. Introduction to a few important fundamentals of energy and the “grid” sets the tone for better comparison of current source of energy with optimal renewable energy alternative. Importance of the concept of most direct application of renewable source to the final energy demand point is highlighted. After the introduction, this seminar dives into some of the more proven and mainstream renewable energy topics. Current footprint and relative cost differences between some of the major renewable energy systems are examined. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats pertaining to some of the mainstream renewable energy solutions are discussed. Some of the cutting edge, and yet unproven, renewable energy systems are introduced. The discussion on the topic of 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: 

• Perform technical/engineering and cost comparisons between energy obtained from the grid versus the energy harnessed from renewable sources. Identify and quantify technical and financial benefits of renewable energy systems. 
• Specify and implement renewable energy systems that leverage direct application of renewable energy sources to the point of use, thus maximizing the efficiency and net benefit of renewable energy systems. 
• Examine and assess alternative renewable energy technologies on the basis of physics and engineering principles. Assess the performance of renewable energy systems on the basis of physics and engineering equations that correlate physical parameters to the power and energy output of wind turbines. These equations serve as tools in design, analysis, suitable location selection and application of wind turbines. Utilize physics and engineering principles and equations to evaluate the performance of hydroelectric turbines. 
• Evaluate technical/engineering strengths and weaknesses of major renewable energy technologies like: hydroelectric, tidal, wave, wind, geothermal, solar heat, solar light, solar PV, solar chimney and biomass.
• Follow progress on some of the major, more recent, notable renewable projects in the world. Benefit from the lessons on these projects in avoiding pitfalls in the design/specification of renewable energy systems. 

• Identify some of the more unbiased and reliable technical and commercial information sources in the renewable energy arena; thus, staying abreast of progress and current data in the renewable energy realm, beyond this seminar. 

Topics: 

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 renewable energy alternative, 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 renewable energy solutions and managing renewable energy projects, but you feel that your knowledge and understanding of 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 renewable energy – or energy conservation projects, in general, is an “uphill battle” in your organization? Then, this seminar will give you the opportunity to learn about some proven approaches – both technical and financial – for successful renewable energy project funding and implementation. 
• As an engineer or energy professional, do you feel inadequately equipped to comprehensively compare various 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 take a course or a seminar that is presented by the author of books on relevant subject matter? This seminar was recorded by Prof. Bobby Rauf, the author of the texts, titled: (1) Thermodynamics Made Simple for Energy Engineers, and (2) Finance and Accounting for Energy Engineers. (Copies of these books are available at additional cost). 

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 energy seminar couples engineering concepts and knowledge with 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 renewable energy engineering knowledge, to make informed decisions on renewable energy projects or programs. 
• Professionals, who do not possess prior experience or knowledge in the renewable energy realm, including Project Management Staff, Energy Project Financial Analysts and Technical Writers. 
• Procurement/Purchasing Professionals who are responsible for obtaining renewable energy project proposals. 
• Construction managers who manage renewable energy project installations. 
• Other professionals whose annual PLP, Performance and Learning Program, include energy engineering courses, training, or seminars. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

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.

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