Topics include wind characteristics, wind energy resources, the yaw orientation system, the mainframe, the tower structure, the supporting foundation, and the control system for the wind turbine. The principle subsystems of the wind turbine will be studied. These include the blades, the supporting hub, the rotating parts such as the shafts, gearbox, coupling, mechanical brake, and the generator. The integration of wind turbines into the power system and wind-energy systems' economics will also be addressed.

AET112 Introduction to Storage Battery Technology (3-0-3)

This course is an introduction to storage battery technology. Topics include electrochemistry (oxidation- reduction reactions), simple voltaic cells with aqueous electrolytes, primary or non-rechargeable batteries, and secondary or rechargeable batteries. This course focuses on the Zebra nickel-sodium chloride battery to be manufactured by General Electric in Schenectady, including the chemistry, cell characteristics, and in particular the ceramic electrolyte, electric data, energy density, capacity retention and cycle life of the Zebra battery. PR: CHM 113 or higher

AET114 Introduction to Solar Power Technology (3-0-3)

This course is an introduction to solar power technology. Topics include diffuse and intermittent sources of sunlight, the conversion of sunlight into electricity using the physics of the photoelectric effect in photovoltaic cells, the integration of solar power plants into the electrical grid and solar energy systems' economics. This course includes the study of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, silicon wafer photovoltaic cells, amorphous thin-film silicon photovoltaic cells, dye-sensitized organic semiconducting solar cells, semiconducting polymer/metal oxide photovoltaic cells, polymer photovoltaic diodes and nano solar cells. PR: CHM 113 or higher

AET116 Introduction to Fuel Cell Technology (3-0-3)

This course is an introduction to fuel cell technology. Topics will include the operating features of a fuel cell, the underlying thermodynamics and physical factors that determine their performance, and the integration of the fuel cell itself with other key components such as fuel processing, heat exchange, power conditioning and control systems. Six main types of practical fuel cells will be discussed-the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), the alkaline electrolyte fuel cells (AFC), the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), the phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), the molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), and the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The progress of the development of hydrogen fuel cells and the problems involved in producting and storing hydrogen will also be discussed.

AET118 Lean Manufacturing (1-0-1)

This course will utilize TPS (The Toyota Production System) for implementation of Lean Manufacturing. Using 5S and Standard Work, students will study the importance of establishing visual management to enable the recognition of abnormal conditions (defects), so that they can be addressed and resolved. In addition, students will learn about kaizen (continuous improvement) and a problem solving approach (PDCA) involving all employees with the ultimate goal of supplying the right part, in the right quantity with the right quality, at the right price, and at the right time. Some classes may be held at the Schenectady GE plant.

AET210 Power Generation (3-0-3)

This course examines the generation of electrical energy by renewable energy sources. This course details the principles of operation of the two main classes of generators used extensively in wind power systems: the synchronous generator and the asynchronous or induction generator. The generation of direct current by photovoltaic cells and fuel cells is also discussed. PR: ELT 121

AET272 Power Transmission (3-0-3)

This couse is an introduction to the methods by which alter- nate generated power is transmitted and distributed to the consumer using the existing power grid. The connection of electrical transformers, wind turbines, and photovoltaic cells to the electrical grid will be discussed. Examples will be taken from systems used by General Electric. PR: AET 210