Aim

The Alternative Energy Technology Course is a practically based alternative energy course designed to give participants an understanding of alternative energy options and provide them with that practical knowledge and skills to build solar to electric and wind to electric systems at a foundation level. The course is designed to be of benefit to people either working or intending to work as:- Alternative Energy Installers or anyone just wishing to gain practical knowledge of Practical Alternative Energy Systems.

Duration and Schedule

The Alternative Energy Technology commences on Tuesday 1st October at 7.00pm and takes place from 7.00pm – 10.00pm every Monday and Wednesday evening for the duration of the 5-week Course.

A payment of £65 secures your place on your chosen course. The balance of the course fees of £600 can be paid shortly before course commencement.

Online Virtual Classroom – how it works?

The course will be delivered through blended training consisting of 10 online virtual classroom sessions. The 10^th and last session will involve the written examination and assessments.

During the virtual classroom sessions, Trainees will have a live video feed with their instructor talking to them, doing practical live demonstrations on equipment being involved actively in the learning).

In preparation for this, we plan to have a quick informal free online meeting prior to course commencement for about an hour just to make sure that people get connected through Zoom properly, let them know what the virtual classroom will be like and go through any questions they may have. To join the virtual sessions, you will need a PC/Laptop or Tablet with an internet connection. Joining instructions (login IDs, etc.) will be sent before the Informal Induction session.

Learning Objectives

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different alternative energy systems
Demonstrate a knowledge of the operation of a wide range of electronic components and circuits and their applications in Alternative Energy Systems
Become competent in the correct use of electronic test and measurement equipment such as Analogue and Digital Multimeters
Build a simple photovoltaic to electric system
Build a simple wind to electric system
Effectively connect up, test and fault-find system elements

Course Content

Alternative Energy: – Introduction, terminology, types and applications
Using technology to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs
Advantages and disadvantages of the various types of alternative energy including Solar Thermal Energy, Hydro Energy, Biomass Energy, Geothermal Heating.
Terms: – Source, Renewable, Sustainable, Photovoltaic, Carbon neutral, Active/Passive
Sustainability Issues, Health & Safety and Environmental precautions.
Introduction to Electronics: – Electric Current, OHMS Law, Insulation, Conduction, Kilowatt-hours, and related power calculations and formulae. Fuses and trip switches. Wiring techniques. Practical uses of commonly used components e.g. diodes, relays, transformers
Become competent in the correct use of electronic test and measurement equipment such as Analogue and Digital Multimeters, Battery Test Meters.
Inverters; – types, uses, ratings, calculations, connection s
Connections to electrical devices
Calculating loads and selecting battery ampere-hour capacity
Construct, test and fault find a Wind energy harnessing system
Construct, test and fault find a Solar energy harnessing system
Determine using online data sources the effective performance of systems at different global locations and seasonal variations
Sustainable and Energy Efficient Building Design
Relevant standards and issues, Changing technology and keeping updated

Certification

On completion of the Course, having been successful in TWO examinations (one written, one practical) the participant will receive a Hi-Tech Training Certificate stating the Grade obtained, be it: PASS, CREDIT or DISTINCTION.

PASS = 50% – 64%. CREDIT = 65 – 79%. DISTINCTION = 80% – 100%.