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Wind resources for renewable energies

3.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star Empty star
Based on 130 ratings
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Alexandre Stegner, Riwal Plougoven, Martial Haeffelin, and Philippe Drobinski

The main goal of this course is to get the necessary knowledge on atmospheric and fluid dynamics in order to quantify the wind resource of a local or regional area.

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The main goal of this course is to get the necessary knowledge on atmospheric and fluid dynamics in order to quantify the wind resource of a local or regional area.

We’ll learn about basic meteorology, the specific dynamics of turbulent boundary layers and some standard techniques to estimate wind resources regardless of the type of turbine used or the level of efficiency achieved. Then, we will see what are the turbines characteristics to consider in order to estimate the electricity production from an isolated turbine or from a turbine farm. The differences and similarity between wind or marine resource assessment will also be discussed.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with real in-situ data sets and apply what you have learned on wind resource assessment.

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What's inside

Syllabus

BASICS ON ENERGY
BASIC METEOROLOGY
ATMOSPHERIC AND MARINE BOUNDARY LAYERS
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by instructors known for their work in atmospheric sciences
Develops foundational knowledge and advanced concepts in meteorology and fluid dynamics
Provides a comprehensive overview of wind energy assessment and turbine characteristics
Includes hands-on experience with real datasets, improving practical skills
Assumes prior knowledge of basic meteorology and mathematics
Useful for individuals involved in wind resource assessment, turbine design, or energy policy

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Reviews summary

Foundations of wind resource assessment

According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in atmospheric dynamics and meteorology essential for understanding wind resources. Many found the practical data analysis project particularly valuable, offering hands-on experience with real data. While the course is generally considered highly relevant for careers in renewable energy, some students noted it can be quite challenging and may require a strong background in physics and mathematics to follow comfortably. The coverage of turbine characteristics and wind resource estimation techniques is seen as comprehensive, making it a valuable stepping stone.
Highly applicable to work in renewable energy.
"This course is directly applicable to my work in the renewable energy sector."
"I feel much better equipped to discuss wind resource potential with colleagues."
"A great course for anyone looking to work in wind power or resource assessment."
Provides essential atmospheric and fluid dynamics background.
"I really appreciated the strong theoretical grounding in atmospheric dynamics and meteorology."
"The course covered the fluid dynamics principles very well, which is key for wind assessment."
"I found the explanations on boundary layers and turbulence particularly insightful."
Hands-on experience with real wind resource data.
"The final project using real in-situ data was the most valuable part for me."
"Applying what I learned in the data analysis project solidified my understanding."
"I enjoyed working with the actual datasets; it made the concepts tangible."
Challenging if you lack physics or math background.
"Some parts were difficult to grasp without a strong physics background."
"I struggled a bit with the mathematical concepts; more prerequisites should be listed."
"Be prepared for challenging fluid dynamics - prior knowledge is definitely helpful."

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 resources for renewable energies with these activities:
Review Basic Probability and Statistics Concepts
Refreshing your understanding of probability and statistics will strengthen your foundation for wind resource assessment and data analysis.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Review concepts of probability distributions, sampling, and hypothesis testing
  • Practice solving problems related to wind data analysis
Solve Wind Resource Assessment Problems
Practice solving wind resource assessment problems to enhance your analytical skills and understanding of the factors affecting wind energy potential.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Analyze historical wind data to estimate wind speed and direction patterns
  • Apply statistical methods to determine wind turbine energy production
  • Use computational tools to simulate wind flow and resource assessment
Build a Simple Wind Sensor
Build a wind sensor to gain practical experience with measuring wind speed and direction, enhancing your understanding of atmospheric dynamics.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Gather necessary materials (anemometer, data logger, mounting hardware)
  • Assemble and calibrate the wind sensor
  • Install the wind sensor in an open area with minimal obstructions
  • Collect and analyze wind data using the data logger
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Presentation on Wind Turbines
Creating a presentation on wind turbines will deepen your understanding of their operation, components, and the factors affecting their performance.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Research different types of wind turbines (horizontal axis, vertical axis)
  • Analyze the key components of a wind turbine (blades, nacelle, tower)
  • Explain the factors that influence wind turbine efficiency (wind speed, blade design)
  • Present your findings to classmates or colleagues for feedback
Participate in a Wind Energy Discussion Group
Participating in a discussion group will expose you to diverse perspectives and foster collaboration, expanding your knowledge of wind energy and related topics.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Join or create a wind energy discussion group
  • Engage in discussions on current trends, research, and industry developments
  • Share your own insights and experiences
Develop a Wind Farm Siting Plan
Creating a wind farm siting plan will challenge you to apply your knowledge of wind resource assessment and site selection factors, simulating real-world project development.
Browse courses on Wind Resource Assessment
Show steps
  • Identify potential wind farm sites using available data and tools
  • Conduct site visits to assess environmental, land use, and social factors
  • Analyze wind resource data and determine turbine placement
  • Develop a siting plan that meets technical, environmental, and economic requirements

Career center

Learners who complete Wind resources for renewable energies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Wind Resource Assessor
Wind Resource Assessors assess the wind resource potential of a site for wind energy development. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the assessment of wind energy potential, which is a growing field as the world looks for sustainable energy sources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Resource Assessor
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind Turbine Technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines.
See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers develop and implement renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar farms. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the development and implementation of wind energy projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its phenomena, such as weather, climate, and air pollution. This course will teach you about the basic meteorology, atmospheric and marine boundary layers, and wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of careers in meteorology, such as forecasting, research, and consulting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist
Energy Engineer
Energy Engineers design and operate energy systems, such as power plants and wind farms. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the design, operation, and maintenance of wind energy systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer
Researcher
Researchers conduct original research in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, science, and the humanities. This course may be helpful to Researchers who study wind energy or renewable energy. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to research in the field of wind energy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, science, and the humanities. This course may be helpful to Professors who teach or research wind energy or renewable energy. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to teaching and research in the field of wind energy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. This course may be helpful to Environmental Engineers who need to better understand the wind resource in order to develop renewable energy projects. This course will teach you about the atmospheric and fluid dynamics of wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and implementation of wind energy projects, such as wind turbines and wind farms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Energy Policy Analyst
Energy Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies related to energy, such as renewable energy policies. This course may be helpful to Energy Policy Analysts who need to better understand the wind resource in order to develop policies that support wind energy development. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the development and analysis of energy policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be helpful to Civil Engineers who need to better understand the wind resource in order to design structures that can withstand high winds. This course will teach you about the atmospheric and fluid dynamics of wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and construction of civil infrastructure projects, such as wind turbines and wind farms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study climate change and its impacts on the environment. This course may be helpful to Climate Scientists who need to better understand the wind resource in order to assess the potential impacts of climate change on wind energy production. This course will teach you about the basic meteorology, atmospheric and marine boundary layers, and wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to the assessment of the impacts of climate change on wind energy production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. This course may be helpful to Environmental Scientists who study wind energy or renewable energy. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the study of the environmental impacts of wind energy development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Geologist
Geologists are scientists who study the physical structure and composition of the Earth. This course may be helpful to Geologists who need to better understand the atmospheric and fluid dynamics of wind resources in order to assess the potential of a site for wind energy development. This course will teach you about the basic meteorology, atmospheric and marine boundary layers, and wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to the assessment of wind energy potential, which is a growing field as the world looks for sustainable energy sources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the ocean and its processes, such as currents, waves, and tides. This course may be helpful to Oceanographers who need to better understand the wind resource in order to assess the potential of offshore wind energy development. This course will teach you about the atmospheric and fluid dynamics of wind resources. This knowledge can be applied to the assessment of offshore wind energy potential, which is a growing field as the world looks for sustainable energy sources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer
Land Use Planner
Land-use Planners develop and implement plans for the use of land, such as zoning and development regulations. This course may be helpful to Land-use Planners who need to understand the potential impacts of wind energy development on land use. This course will teach you about the wind resources, wind turbines, and electricity production from wind energy. This knowledge can be applied to the development of land-use plans that consider the potential impacts of wind energy development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Land Use Planner

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 resources for renewable energies.
Cover image
Wind Energy Explained
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of wind energy, covering the fundamentals of wind turbine design, operation, and performance. Useful as a reference for understanding the concepts covered in the course.
Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Wind Energy Handbook
Save
This comprehensive handbook offers a broad overview of wind energy, covering topics from resource assessment to grid integration. Serves as a valuable reference for professionals in the field.
Wind Energy Handbook
Hardcover
$$$$
Wind Energy Handbook
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Wind Turbine Technology
Save
This textbook provides a detailed exploration of wind turbine technology, including design, construction, and service aspects. It serves as a valuable reference for approfonded understanding of wind turbine systems.
Wind Turbine: Fundamental Concepts in Wind Turbine...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Wind Turbines
Save
Provides a thorough exploration of wind turbines, covering their design, operation, and economics. Serves as a valuable reference for gaining a deeper understanding of wind turbine systems.
Large Wind Turbines: Design and Economics
Paperback
$$$$
Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...
Paperback
$$$$
Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...
Paperback
$$$$
WEGA Large Wind Turbines
Paperback
$$$
Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...
Hardcover
$$$
Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies,...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Meteorology for Wind Energy
Save
Offers an in-depth examination of the meteorological aspects relevant to wind energy, providing a strong foundation for understanding wind resource assessment.
Meteorology for Wind Energy: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$$
Meteorology for Wind Energy: An Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Wind Energy for the Rest of Us
Save
Provides a comprehensive history and overview of wind energy development, covering technical, economic, and policy aspects. Offers a broader perspective on the field.
Wind Energy for the Rest of Us: A Comprehensive...
Paperback
$$
Wind Energy for the Rest of Us: A Comprehensive...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Wind Resource Assessment
Save
This practical guide provides hands-on guidance on wind resource assessment, covering methods, data analysis, and project development. Useful for gaining practical insights into wind resource assessment.
Wind Resource Assessment: A Practical Guide to...
Hardcover
$$$
Wind Resource Assessment: A Practical Guide to...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of boundary-layer meteorology, which is essential for understanding the dynamics of wind near the Earth's surface.
An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Wind Power Plants
Save
This practical guide focuses on grid-connected wind systems, providing hands-on guidance for designing, building, and selling such systems. Useful for those interested in the practical aspects of wind energy.
Wind Power Plants: Fundamentals, Design,...
Paperback
$$$$
Wind Power Plants: Fundamentals, Design,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Wind Farm Noise
Save
Focuses specifically on wind farm noise, providing guidance on measurement and assessment techniques. Useful for understanding the environmental impact of wind energy systems.
Wind Farm Noise: Measurement, Assessment, and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Renewable Energy
Save
This introductory textbook provides a broad overview of renewable energy technologies, including wind energy. Serves as a useful resource for gaining a general understanding of the field.
Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future
Paperback
$$$
Renewable Energy: Ten Short Lessons (Pocket...
Paperback
$$
Ten Short Lessons in Renewable Energy
Audible Audiobook
$$
RENEWABLE ENERGY 4E Xe
Paperback
$$
Renewable Energy: Ten Short Lessons (Pocket...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Performance Calculation
Save
Explores the design and operation of wind turbines, providing technical insights into their performance and efficiency.
Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Performance Calculation
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Course image
Rating
3.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star Empty star
Effort
Approx. 17 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
École Polytechnique
Instructors
Alexandre Stegner
Riwal Plougoven
Martial Haeffelin
Philippe Drobinski
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by instructors known for their work in atmospheric sciences
Develops foundational knowledge and advanced concepts in meteorology and fluid dynamics
Provides a comprehensive overview of wind energy assessment and turbine characteristics
Includes hands-on experience with real datasets, improving practical skills
Assumes prior knowledge of basic meteorology and mathematics
Useful for individuals involved in wind resource assessment, turbine design, or energy policy
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