Duration
36h Th, 16h Pr, 12h Proj.
Number of credits
| Master Msc. in Energy Engineering, professional focus in Energy Conversion | 5 crédits | |||
| Master Msc. in Energy Engineering, professional focus in Networks | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Wind energy is one of the renewable forms of energy available, and is derived from the motion of air on Earth. The kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by means of Wind Turbines, via aerodynamic forces exerted on the blades of the turbine rotor.
Due to the highly variable operating conditions, low energy density, harsh operating environments, and high loads wind turbines are complex system involving aerodynamic, mechanical and electrical aspects which have very specific characteristics; different types of wind turbines exist depending on the application and the fast paced evolution of the technology.
The purpose of this course is to provide a physics-based insight into the main aspects of the design, choice and use of wind turbines. The course spans from the fundamental level (how the wind turbine works) up to the farm level (how to choose a site and operate a wind farm).
The following topics are covered:
- General considerations about wind energy
- Aerodynamic models for design and performance prediction
- Control strategies for power maximalisation and durability
- Electrical systems
- Structural aspects
- Wind resource and siting
- Wind turbine development and operation
The course includes two group projects:
- Project 1: implementation of a wind turbine model using BEMT with the objective to study the effect of geometry and operating conditions on the performance of the turbine.
- Project 2: a wind tunnel test campaign is planned on a blade of a wind turbine or on a small scale complete horizontal axis wind turbine. Several measurements will be performed, reported and discussed.
A visit of an industrial actor active in wind turbines is planned.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
- Understand the physical principles behind the exchange of forces and energy between wind and turbine
- understand the aerodynamic design in function of the operation conditions and use of the turbine
- predict power and the operation curve of the turbine using simplified methods
- understand and describe the needs, strategies and organs for control
- describe the evolution of the drive train and alternator technology
- Apply the different considerations in the evaluation of the site selection and production losses
- Understand the specific aspects of offshore installation of wind turbines
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.2, II.3, III.1, III.2, III.3, III.4, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2, VII.4 of the MSc in Energy Engineering
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
To efficiently follow this course, it is important to have basic knowledge in fluid mechanics and mathematics.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Face-to-face course
Lectures are mainly theoretical but can include exercise sessions.
The course is organized during the second semester over 13 weeks including: 12 lectures, 1 lab session and 1 industrial visit.
The planning of the course is presented during the first lecture. Room and timing can be found on CELCAT
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Two textbooks are used in this course.
Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Application, 2nd Edition
James F. Manwell, Jon G. McGowan, Anthony L. Rogers
ISBN: 978-0-470-68628-7 September 2010
Wind Turbines Fundamentals, Technologies, Application, Economics
Eric Ahu, Horst von Renouard
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Written work / report
Additional information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam (open-ended questions)
Written work / report
Additional information:
The final grade is obtained from three contributions:
Written exam (exercises and theory): 60%
Group project: 20% (based on a written report)
Lab report: 20% (based on a written report)
The groups for both Project and Lab are composed of maximum 3 students.
The submission of project and lab reports are mandatory prerequisites for participation to the exam in both the 1st and 2nd session. The grade obtained for the reports are communicated for the 2nd session. Students are thus strongly advised to put sufficient effort into the project.
The written exam is a closed-book exam. However, students are allowed to take a self-made handwritten summary of 12 one-sided pages.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The course is jointly taught by Prof. Andrianne, Prof. Hillewaert and external contributors from the energy industry.
All course material is posted weekly on e-campus.
Questions can be addressed daily to dedicated discussion fora on the course web site.
Note that, depending on the sanitary situation, the course organization might need to be adapted.
Contacts
Students are encouraged to actively interact with the instructors, also outside of the lectures. It is recommended to set up an appointment first, and first address any question through the forum.
Prof. Thomas ANDRIANNE - Aeroelasticity and Experimental Aerodynamics ; t.andrianne@uliege.be; https://www.wind-tunnel.uliege.be
Prof. Koen HILLEWAERT - Design of Turbomachines and Propulsors, B52/3; Koen.Hillewaert@uliege.be; https://www.designofturbomachines.uliege.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.