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Wind Turbine Sensors

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Jay Mendelson

“Wind Turbine Sensors” starts with a discussion on how wind turbines generate energy and the major parts of a wind turbine. It then moves to a deep dive on the mechanical components (turbine blades, hub assembly, gearbox. yaw drive, brakes) and the sensors that monitor these components. Then we discuss the generator and transformer and sensors for these electrical components. Finally, we discuss the sensors that measure the wind speed and sensors that optimize electrical power.

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“Wind Turbine Sensors” starts with a discussion on how wind turbines generate energy and the major parts of a wind turbine. It then moves to a deep dive on the mechanical components (turbine blades, hub assembly, gearbox. yaw drive, brakes) and the sensors that monitor these components. Then we discuss the generator and transformer and sensors for these electrical components. Finally, we discuss the sensors that measure the wind speed and sensors that optimize electrical power.

Wind Turbine Sensors can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5350, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

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What's inside

Syllabus

How Wind Turbines Work

In this module students will learn about wind turbine architecture and how wind energy is captured

Electromechanical Components

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the fundamentals of wind turbine energy generation and components

Covers essential knowledge for professionals working in the wind energy industry

Suitable for students pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Offers a solid foundation for understanding wind turbine mechanics

Taught by an experienced instructor in the field

Provides insights into the optimization of wind turbine efficiency

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into wind turbine sensors

According to learners, this course offers a deeply detailed and practical exploration of sensors critical to wind turbine operation. Students consistently praise the thorough coverage of mechanical and electrical sensor integration, finding the content directly applicable to professional work in the renewable energy sector. The instructor's expertise and clear explanations are highly valued, making complex topics accessible. However, some learners note the fast pace and high prerequisite knowledge requirement, suggesting it's best suited for those with a strong engineering background. A few also desire more real-world case studies or practical exercises to enhance the learning experience.

The instructor's deep knowledge and clear explanations are highly valued.

"The instructor's deep knowledge was evident throughout."

"The instructor explained complex topics clearly, and the diagrams were very helpful."

"The instructor's explanations are clear and engaging."

Highly relevant for professionals seeking to enhance their industry knowledge.

"As an engineer in the renewable energy sector, I found the content directly applicable to my work."

"This course fills a niche that many other general wind energy courses miss – the 'how' behind the monitoring."

"I feel this course significantly boosted my expertise in a critical area of wind turbine maintenance and optimization."

Provides an incredibly detailed and thorough look at wind turbine sensors.

"This course provided an incredibly detailed and practical look into the various sensors used in modern wind turbines."

"The breakdown of mechanical and electrical sensors was incredibly thorough."

"The course content on sensors, from pitch control to vibration monitoring, is top-notch."

Consider enhancing interactivity for improved learner engagement.

"Some parts felt a bit dry, but the information is undeniably valuable."

"I think a bit more interactive content or short quizzes after each sub-module could enhance engagement."

"It would be great if they could add more material on IoT integration with these sensors in future updates."

Some desire more real-world case studies or practical, hands-on exercises.

"My only minor critique is that some demonstrations felt a bit theoretical and could benefit from more real-world case studies or simulation exercises."

"I wish there were more practical exercises."

"The practical examples, though limited, were highly illustrative."

Requires a strong engineering background, potentially fast-paced for beginners.

"I felt the pace was a little too fast, especially for someone who isn't already deeply familiar with all aspects of turbine operation."

"It's a good course, but perhaps more suited for those with a strong pre-existing electrical engineering background."

"I struggled with the detailed electrical engineering concepts without a strong foundation. The course description perhaps doesn't fully convey the depth of technical knowledge required."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wind Turbine Sensors with these activities:

Review Basic Physics Principles

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Refresh your knowledge of basic physics principles to enhance your understanding of wind turbine operation.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review Newton's laws of motion.
Review concepts of torque, power, and energy.
Review basic principles of electricity and magnetism.

Read 'Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Application'

Show steps

Learn the fundamentals of wind energy and wind turbine design to lay a solid foundation for the course.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1 to gain an overview of wind energy and its importance.
Read Chapter 2 to understand the basic principles of wind turbine operation.
Read Chapter 3 to learn about the different types of wind turbines and their applications.

Organize and Review Course Materials Regularly

Show steps

Stay organized and engaged with the course content by regularly reviewing and organizing your notes, assignments, and other materials, improving retention and understanding.

Show steps

Create a system for organizing your course materials.
Review your notes and assignments regularly.
Summarize key concepts and ideas in your own words.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Solve Wind Turbine Power Calculations

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Practice calculating wind turbine power output under various conditions to develop a deeper understanding of turbine performance.

Browse courses on Power Generation

Show steps

Use online calculators or textbooks to find equations for wind turbine power.
Plug in different wind speeds and turbine parameters to calculate power output.
Analyze results to understand the impact of wind speed, blade size, and other factors on turbine power.

Create a Presentation on a Specific Wind Turbine Component

Show steps

Choose a specific wind turbine component and create a presentation explaining its function, design, and operation, reinforcing your understanding of the component's role in the turbine system.

Show steps

Select a wind turbine component to focus on.
Research the component's function, design, and operation.
Create presentation slides to explain the component's role in the turbine system.
Practice presenting your findings.

Mentor a Student Interested in Wind Energy

Show steps

Share your knowledge and experience with a student interested in wind energy to reinforce your understanding and foster the next generation of wind energy professionals.

Browse courses on Mentoring

Show steps

Reach out to local schools or universities with wind energy programs.
Offer to mentor a student interested in wind energy.
Provide guidance and support on wind energy concepts, projects, or career development.

Career center

Learners who complete Wind Turbine Sensors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wind Turbine Technician

A Wind Turbine Technician installs, repairs, and maintains wind turbines. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course discusses the wind speed and electrical power optimization components. This knowledge can help you to troubleshoot and repair problems with wind turbines and ensure that they are operating safely and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of electrical systems. This course is a good fit for this role, as it covers the electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Electrical Engineers to understand. Electrical Engineers who specialize in renewable energy systems will find the course to be helpful as it pertains to wind turbine systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of mechanical systems. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the mechanical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses the wind speed and electrical power optimization components. This knowledge can help you to troubleshoot and repair problems with wind turbines and ensure that they are operating safely and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs, develops, and deploys renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines. This course is a good fit for this role, as it covers the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Renewable Energy Engineers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Wind Power Plant Manager

A Wind Power Plant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a wind power plant. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Wind Power Plant Managers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Power Plant Manager

Wind Turbine Project Manager

A Wind Turbine Project Manager is responsible for the planning, construction, and commissioning of wind turbine projects. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Wind Turbine Project Managers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Project Manager

Wind Turbine Sales Engineer

A Wind Turbine Sales Engineer sells wind turbines and related products and services. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Wind Turbine Sales Engineers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Sales Engineer

Wind Resource Assessor

A Wind Resource Assessor evaluates the wind resources at potential wind turbine sites. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the wind speed and electrical power optimization components. The course discusses the sensors that measure wind velocity near the blades and far upstream, as well as turbine pitch and angular speed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Resource Assessor

Wind Turbine Data Analyst

A Wind Turbine Data Analyst analyzes data from wind turbines to improve their performance. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the sensors that monitor the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the data that these sensors collect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Data Analyst

Power Systems Engineer

A Power Systems Engineer designs, develops, and operates power systems, including wind turbines. This course can help prepare you for this role, as it covers the electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are important topics for Power Systems Engineers to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer

Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor evaluates the energy efficiency of buildings and makes recommendations for improvements. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers the electrical components of wind turbines, as well as the sensors that monitor these components. The course also discusses power generation and monitoring, which are related to the energy efficiency of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its interactions with human activities. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers the environmental impacts of wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers the policy implications of wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers the planning and execution of wind turbine projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager ensures that products and services meet quality standards. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers the quality control of wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wind Turbine Sensors.

Cover image

Cover image

Wind Energy Handbook

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A comprehensive handbook that provides a detailed overview of wind energy technology, including design, manufacturing, installation, and operation. A valuable resource for engineers and professionals in the field.

Wind Energy Handbook

Wind Energy Handbook

Cover image

Cover image

Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines

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Covers the fundamentals of wind turbine aerodynamics and acoustics, including blade design, wake analysis, and noise modeling. A useful reference for researchers and engineers working in the field of wind turbine design.

Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines

Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines

Cover image

Cover image

Electric Machines

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This classic textbook provides a comprehensive foundation in electrical machines and their applications, including wind generators. It offers a solid understanding of the electrical principles underlying wind turbine operation.

Electric Machines (Electric Power Engineering...

Electric Machines (Electric Power Engineering...

Cover image

Cover image

Sensors for Mechatronics

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Introduces the principles and applications of sensors used in mechatronic systems. It provides a foundational understanding of sensor technologies and their integration into wind turbine systems.

Sensors for Mechatronics

Cover image

Cover image

Power Systems Handbook - Four Volume Set

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Provides a comprehensive treatment of power system transients, including their modeling, simulation, and analysis. It is valuable for students and professionals interested in understanding the transient behavior of wind turbines within power systems.

Power Systems Handbook - Four Volume Set

Power Systems Handbook - Four Volume Set

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of wind power technology, including turbine design, grid integration, and economics. A good introductory book for students and professionals who want to learn about the broader aspects of wind power.

Large Wind Turbines: Design and Economics

Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...

Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...

WEGA Large Wind Turbines

Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...

Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...

Cover image

Cover image

The Cost of Electricity

Save

Provides a practical guide to the operation and maintenance of wind turbines. A valuable resource for technicians and engineers who work on wind turbines.

The Cost of Electricity

The Cost of Electricity

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Effort

8 weeks of study, 5-8 hours/week of work

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Colorado Boulder

Instructor

Jay Mendelson

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the fundamentals of wind turbine energy generation and components

Covers essential knowledge for professionals working in the wind energy industry

Suitable for students pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Offers a solid foundation for understanding wind turbine mechanics

Taught by an experienced instructor in the field

Provides insights into the optimization of wind turbine efficiency

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