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Engr. Ahmed Mahdy

Welcome to our course "Ultimate Renewable Energy Course for Complete Beginners"

The only course out there with everything you need to know about solar, geothermal, wind, hydro, and wave energies in addition to electric vehicles for complete beginners.

What are you going to learn in this course?

Read more

Welcome to our course "Ultimate Renewable Energy Course for Complete Beginners"

The only course out there with everything you need to know about solar, geothermal, wind, hydro, and wave energies in addition to electric vehicles for complete beginners.

What are you going to learn in this course?

  • The basics of wind energy such as types of wind turbines, Betz limit, power extraction from wind, factors affecting wind speed, wind turbine generator characteristics, the effect of the rotor diameter and generator size on power, and the wind turbine spacing.

  • The basics of solar energy such as the components of the PV system, types of panels and PV systems, selection of tilt angle, installation of solar cables, how to specify the distance between PV rows, global solar atlas, charge controllers, and their types, and solar inverters.

  • The basics of wave energy including the wave space, time, and height properties, sea wave equation, wave packet, wave particles motion, dispersion relation of different sea waves, shoaling effect in sea waves, and wave buoy measurements and computation of sea parameters.

  • Moreover, in the wave energy course, we will learn about the types of wave energy conversion systems like Pelamis wave energy converter, Aquabuoy and the Aegir dynamo wave energy converters, wave dragon, oscillating column wave energy converters, AWS or Archimedes wave swing, and oyster wave energy converter. Also, we will have an overview, of types, and different projects and prototypes involving these converters.

  • The steps of a feasibility study in a wave energy resource will be explained and how can we apply this to a location in Spain.

  • The basics and types of hydroelectric power plants, hydro head and its effect on electricity generation.

  • The basics of geothermal power plants including the generation of electricity from geothermal power and the types of geothermal power plants.

  • The definition of an electric vehicle and types of electric vehicles like battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

  • The history of electric vehicles and major components of electric vehicles like batteries, motors, and power electronic converters.

  • The battery technology adopted like lithium-ion batteries in addition to advancements in battery technology, and types of electric motors in electric vehicles including AC and DC adopted.

  • The charging infrastructure including the definition of a charging station or charging equipment, and levels of charging including the home level and public level. Moreover, the definition of range, range anxiety, and the environmental impact of EVs.

Bonus Gift:

You will find the slides for the Ultimate Renewable Energy Course bundle for those who are interested in them or having them as a revision for themselves

  • 93 Pages of Solar Energy Basics Slides

  • 21 Pages of Charge Controllers and Inverters Slides

  • 26 Pages of Hydro and Geothermal Slides

  • 93 Pages of Wind Energy Slides

  • 52 Pages of Basics of Wave Energy Slides

  • 61 Pages of Types of Converters Slides

  • 23 Pages of Steps of Feasibility Study Slides

  • 64 Pages of Electric Vehicles Slides

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how pv cells work
  • Learn the difference between parallel and series connection of pv cells
  • Understand difference between solar cells, modules and arrays
  • Learn about types methods of charge controllers
  • Learn about half cell technology in pv system
  • Learn how to determine pv array maximum system voltage
  • Understand the junction box
  • Learn how to wire the junction box
  • Learn mounting of pv system
  • Understand shading and tilt angle
  • Types of wind turbines
  • Rotor solidity and selection of number of rotor blades
  • Power extracted by the turbine from the wind
  • Betz limit and maximum rotor efficiency
  • Factors affecting wind speed and density
  • Applied force on the wind turbine, torque coefficient, and the importance of the tsr
  • Wind turbine generator characteristics
  • Effect of rotor diameter and generator size on power
  • Wind turbines spacing
  • Tubular steel wind turbine tower
  • Lattice wind turbine tower
  • Concrete wind turbine tower
  • Hybrid wind turbine tower
  • Wave space, time, and height properties
  • Sea wave equation
  • Wave packet
  • Wave particles motion
  • Dispersion relation of different sea waves
  • Shoaling effect in sea waves
  • Wave buoy measurements and computation of sea parameters
  • Types of wave energy conversion systems
  • Pelamis wave energy converter
  • Overview, types, and projects of pelamis wave energy converter
  • Aquabuoy and the aegir dynamo wave energy converters
  • Overview, types, and projects of aquabuoy wave energy converter
  • Wave dragon and oscillating column wave energy converters
  • Overview, types, and projects of wave dragon
  • Overview, types, and projects of owc
  • Aws or archimedes wave swing
  • Overview, types, and projects of aws
  • Oyster wave energy converter
  • Types, projects, and design enhancement of an oyster
  • Steps of a feasibility study in a wave energy resource
  • Example of a feasibility study in spain
  • Geothermal power plant and its types
  • Hydroelectric power plant and its types
  • Hydraulic head in hydroelectric power plants
  • The definition of an electric vehicle
  • Types of electric vehicles
  • Battery electric vehicles (bevs)
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (phevs)
  • Hybrid electric vehicles (hevs)
  • The history of electric vehicles
  • Major components of electric vehicles
  • The battery technology adopted
  • Types of electric motors in electric vehicles including ac and dc
  • The charging infrastructure
  • The definition of range and range anxiety
  • The environmental impact of evs
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Mounting and Tilt Angle of a PV Panel
Basics of Wind Turbines
Introduction to Wind Energy
Selection of Type of Wind Turbine
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers a wide range of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, wave, hydro, and geothermal, providing a broad overview for those new to the field
Includes electric vehicles as part of the renewable energy landscape, which is relevant given the increasing integration of EVs with renewable energy sources
Explores the practical aspects of renewable energy, such as PV system installation, wind turbine tower types, and wave energy converter designs, offering hands-on knowledge
Includes bonus slides that summarize key concepts, which can be helpful for review and reinforcement of learning for visual learners
Requires learners to understand the terminology and concepts across multiple energy sectors, which may be challenging for some complete beginners without a science background
Includes a feasibility study example in Spain, which may not be directly applicable to other geographic locations due to varying environmental and regulatory factors

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Reviews summary

Broad introductory course on renewable energy

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview of various renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, wave, hydro, geothermal, and electric vehicles. Students frequently note that the course offers a solid foundation for beginners, making complex topics accessible. While many appreciate the breadth of coverage, some indicate that the course is better as a general introduction and may lack depth for those seeking advanced knowledge or specific career skills. The lectures are often described as clear and informative, though a few reviews suggest the presentation style or pace might not suit everyone. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point for exploring the renewable energy landscape.
Includes helpful bonus slides.
"The bonus slides provided are a very helpful resource for review and reference."
"I liked having the course slides available for download."
"The supplementary materials added value to the course."
Content is explained in an understandable way.
"The explanations were clear and concise, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"The instructor does a good job of simplifying things for beginners."
"I found the way the concepts were presented very easy to understand."
"Content is well-explained for a beginner audience."
Covers a wide range of renewable energy sources.
"I appreciated the breadth of topics covered, from solar and wind to wave and geothermal."
"It's great to get an overview of so many different renewable energy types in one place."
"The course touches upon solar, wind, hydro, geo, wave, and even EVs."
"It gives you a taste of everything in the renewable energy sector."
Accessible introduction for those new to the field.
"This course is perfect for complete beginners like me who know nothing about renewable energy."
"It provides a great starting point to understand the various types of renewable energy."
"As someone with no prior knowledge, I found the explanations clear and easy to follow."
"Excellent course for foundational knowledge in renewable energy."
Provides breadth over depth on specific topics.
"While broad, it doesn't go very deep into any specific technology."
"If you're looking for in-depth technical details or practical application, this isn't it."
"Good overview, but I felt like I needed more detail on certain areas."
"It's a mile wide and an inch deep."

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 Ultimate Renewable Energy Course for Complete Beginners with these activities:
Review Basic Electrical Circuits
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts. A solid grasp of circuits is essential for understanding how renewable energy systems connect to the grid and how electric vehicles function.
Browse courses on Electrical Circuits
Show steps
  • Review Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
  • Practice solving simple series and parallel circuit problems.
  • Identify common circuit components and their functions.
Read 'Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future'
Gain a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies. This book will provide a solid foundation for the course material and help you understand the context of each energy source.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to solar, wind, wave, hydro, and geothermal energy.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and technologies discussed.
  • Reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each energy source.
Design a Home Renewable Energy System
Apply your knowledge by designing a renewable energy system for a home. This project will help you understand the practical considerations involved in implementing renewable energy solutions.
Show steps
  • Assess the energy needs of a typical household.
  • Research available renewable energy options (solar, wind, etc.).
  • Design a system that meets the energy needs of the household.
  • Calculate the cost and payback period of the system.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Electric Vehicle Charging
Deepen your understanding of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Creating a presentation will force you to synthesize information and present it in a clear and concise manner.
Show steps
  • Research different levels of EV charging (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging).
  • Compare and contrast the different charging technologies.
  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities of EV charging infrastructure.
  • Create a visually appealing and informative presentation.
Read 'Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Application'
Expand your knowledge of wind energy technology. This book provides a deeper dive into the theory and design of wind turbines, complementing the course material.
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to turbine design and aerodynamics.
  • Take notes on key equations and design principles.
  • Consider how these principles apply to real-world wind turbine installations.
Create a Comparative Analysis of Wave Energy Converters
Synthesize your knowledge of wave energy by comparing different converter technologies. This deliverable will demonstrate your understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Show steps
  • Select 3-5 different wave energy converter technologies.
  • Research the design, operation, and performance of each technology.
  • Compare the technologies based on factors such as efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
  • Present your findings in a well-organized report or presentation.
Volunteer at a Renewable Energy Organization
Gain practical experience and contribute to the renewable energy sector. Volunteering will provide valuable insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify local renewable energy organizations or initiatives.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities such as outreach, installation, or research.

Career center

Learners who complete Ultimate Renewable Energy Course for Complete Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Renewable Energy Consultant
A renewable energy consultant advises organizations on incorporating renewable energy sources. This course exploring solar, geothermal, wind, hydro, and wave energies helps build a solid foundation for understanding the technologies a consultant would recommend. The course covers the basics of each energy source, offering a broad perspective that a consultant can leverage to provide comprehensive advice. Specifically, sections on feasibility studies and the advantages and challenges of different renewable energies are particularly relevant to the consulting process. With this course, the aspiring renewable energy consultant can gain the breadth of knowledge necessary to make informed recommendations and guide businesses towards sustainable energy practices.
Solar Energy Technician
A solar energy technician installs, maintains, and repairs solar panels. This course provides a strong introduction to the components of photovoltaic systems, including types of panels, charge controllers, and inverters. The modules on mounting, tilt angle, and shading are helpful for understanding optimal installation practices. Furthermore, the course details wiring and junction boxes, which are critical skills for a solar energy technician. Someone who wants to become a solar energy technician will find the practical knowledge of real-world solar panel installation and maintenance useful.
Wind Energy Technician
A wind energy technician installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines. The basics of wind energy covered in this course, such as turbine types, rotor blades, and generator characteristics, are valuable for anyone entering this field. The course content on wind turbine towers like tubular steel, lattice, concrete, and hybrid designs prepares someone to work with diverse turbine structures. Understanding how wind turbine spacing affects power extraction is also important. A wind energy technician benefits immensely from the practical understanding of wind energy principles.
Wave Energy Engineer
A wave energy engineer designs and develops systems to convert wave energy into electricity. This course covering wave space, time, and height properties, in addition to wave energy conversion systems provides a solid introduction to the field. The overview of wave energy converters like Pelamis, Aquabuoy, and Wave Dragon is important for understanding the different technologies in use. The feasibility study example in Spain offers insights into real-world project development. This course opens the door to understanding the complex world of wave energy conversion for an aspiring wave energy engineer.
Electric Vehicle Technician
An electric vehicle technician specializes in maintaining and repairing electric vehicles. This course covers the basics of electric vehicles, including types, major components, and battery technology, laying a foundation for success in this career. Learning about charging infrastructure, range, and the environmental impact of electric vehicles helps electric vehicle technicians understand the broader context of their work. The course's overview of different types of electric motors and charging levels prepares aspiring technicians for the evolving technology in the electric vehicle industry.
Sustainability Manager
A sustainability manager develops and implements strategies to reduce an organization's environmental impact. This course presents a broad overview of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, wave, hydro, and geothermal, in addition to electric vehicles. This knowledge is valuable for assessing the feasibility of implementing different renewable energy solutions. Understanding the environmental impact of EVs and the basics of renewable energy technologies allows a sustainability manager to make informed decisions about energy consumption and sustainability initiatives.
Geothermal Energy Technician
A geothermal energy technician works with geothermal power plants to extract and convert geothermal energy. This course covering the types of geothermal power plants and electricity generation from geothermal power helps build a foundational understanding. While the course provides an overview, further specialized training may be required. This course provides a useful starting point. An aspiring geothermal energy technician can use the knowledge gained here to pursue more advanced studies and practical experience in this vital area of renewable energy.
Hydroelectric Plant Operator
A hydroelectric plant operator oversees the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants. This course covering the basics and types of hydroelectric power plants, along with the effect of hydro head on electricity generation, may be useful as an introduction. Understanding the fundamentals of hydroelectric power is helpful for anyone working in this sector. Although further specialized training is needed, this course is a starting point to prepare oneself for a career as a hydroelectric plant operator.
Energy Storage Specialist
An energy storage specialist focuses on developing and implementing energy storage solutions for renewable energy systems. This course may be useful in providing a broad overview of the different renewable energy sources that energy storage solutions support. The sections on solar, wind, wave, hydro and geothermal energies, along with electric vehicles, provide context for understanding energy storage needs. An overview of charge controllers and batteries is also helpful. This course may help build a broad understanding of the energy landscape necessary to be an energy storage specialist.
Renewable Energy Project Manager
A renewable energy project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for providing a broad understanding of different renewable energy technologies. The course covers solar, wind, wave, hydro, and geothermal energy, which is helpful for understanding the technical aspects of different projects. The feasibility study component provides additional insight into project planning. Aspiring renewable energy project managers can leverage this course to gain a basic understanding of the technologies they will be managing.
Energy Auditor
An energy auditor assesses energy usage in buildings and recommends improvements. This course may be useful in gaining a foundational understanding of renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. This knowledge can help an energy auditor identify opportunities for incorporating renewable energy sources to improve energy efficiency. The course’s broad overview of renewable resources allows auditors to suggest a wider range of solutions. This course may help enhance an energy auditor's expertise.
Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant advises clients on environmental regulations and sustainability practices. This course may be useful in providing a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The environmental consultant can use this knowledge to assess the feasibility and impact of different renewable energy options. This course may help broaden the environmental consultant's knowledge base related to renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles.
Sustainability Coordinator
A sustainability coordinator implements sustainability initiatives within an organization. This course may be helpful in providing a basic knowledge of renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, wave, hydro, geothermal, and electric vehicles. This knowledge helps the sustainability coordinator develop and promote sustainable practices. While other training will be needed, this course might create some awareness of renewable energy possibilities.
Energy Policy Analyst
An energy policy analyst researches and develops energy-related policies for government or organizations. This course may be useful for gaining a basic understanding of various renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The analyst can use this information to better develop effective energy policies. This course can act as an introduction to the landscape of renewable energy and its potential.
Technical Sales Representative
A technical sales representative sells renewable energy products and services. This course may be useful for gaining a high-level understanding of the technologies involved. An understanding of solar, wind, wave, hydro, geothermal, and electric vehicles allows a sales representative to communicate the features and benefits of renewable energy solutions effectively. Someone in technical sales benefits from a foundation in renewable energies. The technical sales representative can use this base knowledge to close more sales.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Ultimate Renewable Energy Course for Complete Beginners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of all major renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. It delves into the science, engineering, and environmental aspects of each technology. It valuable resource for understanding the broader context of renewable energy and its role in a sustainable future, complementing the course's beginner-friendly approach with in-depth analysis.
Delves into the theory, design, and application of wind energy systems. It covers topics such as aerodynamics, turbine design, and grid integration. It valuable resource for understanding the technical aspects of wind energy and its role in the energy mix. This book is often used by engineers and researchers in the wind energy field.

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