Texas Tech University
Wind Energy Education
Wind
Education
2-YearEnergy
Transfer Curriculum
2 Year Sample
TransferCourse
Curriculum
©
WE 2300
Social Impacts of Wind Energy
www.texaswindenergyinstitute.ttu.edu
3 Credit Hours
www.texaswindenergyinstitute.ttu.edu
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Required Textbook:
Title: Wind Energy Impacts: A Comparison of Various
Sources of Electricity, Volumes I and II
Authors: Richard Walker, P.E. and Andrew Swift, ScD.,P.E.
Reference Books:
No reference books are recommended other than the lecture notes.
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Expected Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
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Identify and critique alternative explanations for claims about social issues and human
behavior relating to the production of electricity from wind energy and other sources
Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate methods, technologies and data that social and
behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition
Distinguish between the environmental/ecological impacts of wind energy as compared to
other sources of energy
Evaluate the economic impact of various sources of energy
Debate national and global issues related to climate change and energy policy
Assess the level of public support for increased use of wind energy and other forms of
renewable energy
Evaluate the benefits of green marketing for businesses
Appraise the opportunities for the U.S. to lead in development and manufacturing of wind
and other renewable energy technologies
Analyze the impact of wind energy on rural U.S. economies
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Course Units:
Unit I: Impacts of energy and electricity on society
Unit II: History of wind energy
Unit III: The basics of electricity
Unit IV: Overview of wind energy and other sources of electricity
Unit V: Conversion of wind into electricity
Unit VI: The wind energy development process
Unit VII: Societal impacts of wind energy, including offshore wind
Unit VIII: Societal impacts of non-renewable energy sources of electricity
generation
Unit IX: Impact of wind energy on the electric grid
Unit X: Wind energy workforce, education, and jobs
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Sample Topic: Power Curve
• Wind turbines produce power as a function of the wind speed.
• The relationship between the power output and wind speed is shown on what
is called a power curve:
Blue line represents “power curve”
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Terminology of the Power Curve:
• Rated Power: Maximum power that the generator is
designed to produce.
• Cut-in speed: Wind speed where energy production
begins. (~ 4 m/s)
• Cut-out speed: Wind speed where energy production is
designed to end (to prevent damage to turbine
components). (~ 25 m/s)
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Sample Illustrative Slide:
© Texas Tech University 2011
WE 2300
Sample Assessment Questions
1)
2)
3)
When wind power production fluctuates due to the
constantly changing nature of the wind, what type of
electric generation resource is typically used to balance
the total electric generation with the total customer
demand for electricity?
A good wind site typically requires wind speeds of at least
11-13 mph. T/F
Is it possible to mitigate the many potential impacts by
being knowledgeable about the issues and being diligent
while developing energy plants?
© Texas Tech University 2011