Renewable Energy

IntroductionRenewable energy quickly replaces itself and is usually available in a never-ending supply. Renewable energy comes from the natural flow of sunlight, wind, or water around the Earth. With the help of special collectors, we can capture some of this energy and put it to use in our homes and businesses. As long as sunlight, water and wind continue to flow and trees and other plants continue to grow, we have access to a ready of supply of energy.

Solar energyFor billions of years, the sun has poured out huge amounts of energy in several forms, including light, heat, radio waves, and even x-rays. Direct sunlight is available from sunrise until sunset, except during solar eclipses. Solar collectors and modules are designed to capture some of the sun’s energy and change it from radiation into more usable forms such as heat or electricity.

Wind energyWind energy is really just another form of solar energy. Sunlight falling on oceans and continents causes air to warm and rise, which in turn generates surface winds. The wind has been used by humans for thousands of years, fi rst to carry ships across oceans and, later, to pump water and grind grain. More recently, wind has been harnessed as a clean, safe source of electricity.

Hydro Electric energyHydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source dependent upon the hydrologic cycle of water, which involves evaporation, precipitation and the flow of water due to gravity. It is the flow of water and the height of the drop of the water that determines the size of a hydroelectric facility

Hydrogen and fuel cellsHydrogen is the most plentiful element on Earth and is found in combination with oxygen in water, and in organic matter including living plants, petroleum, coal, natural gas and other hydrocarbon compounds. The great attraction of hydrogen is that, once isolated, it is a clean burning fuel that produces neither carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) nor toxic emissions and can be used for electricity production, transportation, and other energy needs.

Training System DescriptionThe Progressive Educational System’s Renewable Energy training systems uses real world technology to demonstrate how wind turbines, solar cells, hydro-electric stations and hydrogen fuel cells are beginning to transform the way the world is powered. They explore popular alternate energy sources that can be used to help reduce dependence on exhaustible, non-renewable fuel sources. They gain a global perspective when they understand the economics, efficiency, and low environmental impact of producing energy from non-polluting, renewable sources.

CurriculumThese Alternate Energy modules include everything required to function as a “turn-key” learning station; lesson plan, student guide, DVD video, training station with fault insertion and energy producing equipment. The modules provide student instruction, in teams of two, for up to 25 hours.

The Lesson Plan includes an Instructor’s Guide which provides instructions for installing, setting up, and implementing the module. It also includes learning outcomes, testing and evaluation procedures, answer keys, student skills response, inventory list and print CD.

The Student Activity manual guides students through 8 - 12 multi-disciplinary activities using the tools, and equipment included with the module package. It also contains optional enrichment and career exploration activities, daily activity response sheets and activity notes.

Training Systems Include the following:	07-WSEM-400	07-WSEM	07-WEM	07-SEM
Wind Generator:	X	X	X	-
Power Inverter:	X	X	X	X
Volt and Ammeter:	X	X	X	X
Computer monitor:	X	X	X	X
Tower Kit:	X	X	X
Solar Panel:	2	1	-	2
Solar Stand:	X	X	-	X
Solar Charge Controller:	X	X	-	X
12V Deep Cycle Battery:	2	1	2	2
Load Device:	X	X	X	X
Stydent Activity Manual:	X	X	X	X
Instrtucrot Manual:	X	X	X	X

The Renewable Energy training systems are usually permanently installed. It is recommended that a licensed Renewable Energy Technician install this system.

However, an In-Class system is available for the wind and solar systems. This includes a mobile stand and halogen lights for the solar panels and a variable speed motor assembly for the wind turbine.

Mounting Options07-CLWIn-Class Wind Energy Assembly DC motor for driving the wind turbine when operating indoors; Coupling between motor and wind turbine; DC motor speed controller; Desk-top design; The blades of the turbine are removed when the system is used indoors; emergency pushbutton.

07-CLS In-Class Solar Energy assemblyMobile platform for use when the solar panels are used indoors. Flood lights on adjustable stand