Energy Courses

This course reviews the history of the power technology industry up to and including the present and a review of common terminology and definitions used in the industry. An overview of the components and the function of a powerplant will be presented. The student will engage in hands-on activities that support principles of physics, as they apply to hydraulics and pneumatics, and the basic knowledge of the many components used in these systems. This introductory class will alert the student to the many hazards encountered in the production and use of high and low voltage electrical equipment. Other topics explored in this class will be related to Lifting and Rigging, Fire Prevention, Lock Out Tag Out, as well as Confined Space and Hazmat Safety.

In this course the student will learn how to succeed in their postsecondary education program by learning strategy skills such as basic computer and software application, time management, study and testing techniques, note taking and other similar skills. This course reviews the history of the energy industry up to and including present. Also included in this course is a review of common terminology and definitions used in the industry. An overview of the components and the function of a powerplant will be presented. The student will learn basic math and formulas which will be encountered and used by the technician in performing daily activities. In this course the student will also learn how to read, convert and understand the metric system of measurement.

Students will learn the safety required in the field while performing tasks on the job. Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures will be learned and demonstrated. This class will approach safety from a behavioral prevention standpoint. General shop safety and material handling will be covered as well as regulatory compliance. The student will learn how to function safely and understand the importance of compliance when on the site at a power generation facility. Emergency Response will be discussed and reinforced through case studies.

The student will learn the criteria used when selecting the proper tool for the task, whether it is a hand or power tool. Students will learn general shop safety and the importance of preventing damage to components when using tools. The importance of personal protective equipment is emphasized to help ensure a safe working environment. Concepts such as professional behavior on and off the job will be examined. The student will learn the proper code of conduct required to ensure success when working on the road with little or no supervision. Additional subjects learned will include how to manage expenses, the expectation of an employer regarding attendance and job performance and global etiquette when overseas. Another factor emphasized is the ability to learn from experienced technicians in the field during on-the-job training.

The student will learn the proper use and interpretation of precision measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, depth gauges and gap measuring devices. This course will include both standard and metric tooling to teach the student about the equipment that will be encountered in the field. The student will learn basic skills based on standard industry practices. Safety will be emphasized and will prepare the student to participate in lifting and rigging on-the-job training when they enter the power generation field. The student will demonstrate the skills they have learned by participating in an actual lift operation.

In this course, students will learn direct current (DC) electrical theory and applications. This course is designed to teach students electrical circuit schematics and diagrams including, charging and storage functions. This also includes circuit operations and electrical fundamentals, which will prepare the student for electrical functions, design, and troubleshooting. Generator and motor maintenance, repair, operations, and troubleshooting will be taught to students, and then demonstrated by the students. Students will design, calculate, build, and troubleshoot a variety of electrical circuits using electrical schematics and the proper testing equipment. Students will learn single phase, alternating current, electrical theory and principles, and their application to energy technology and power generation systems. Students will learn AC electrical circuit schematics and design, including AC electrical component operation, electrical fundamentals, circuit calculation, circuit design, circuit construction, and proper procedures for testing for advanced electrical functions and troubleshooting. Students will complete lab projects, with the use of schematics, troubleshooting electrical faults, disassembly of components for repair, testing, and inspections.

In this course the student learns to recognize, properly select and use a variety of hardware and materials used in the repair and maintenance of energy technology equipment. Proper filing and honing techniques are demonstrated. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by identifying and installing specialty hardware such as Heli-Coil inserts as well as become proficient at the use of easy outs and drilling without damaging the surrounding structure. Skills learned will include standard practices such as safety wire and the use of torque wrenches. Basic composite identification will be included in this training. The student will learn how to weld safely and the techniques used in a maintenance environment. Skills such as heating bolts and components without doing damage to the materials is learned and demonstrated. Basic skills such as how to successfully complete a tack weld is demonstrated and practiced by the student. Proper heating and installation of bolts is also learned in this course. Specific procedures when accomplishing “hot work” will also be learned.

In this course the student will learn various inspection techniques employed in the field. These inspection techniques will include visual, borescopic and dye penetrant. Advanced methods such as eddy current and magnetic particle will be demonstrated. The importance of recognizing degrees of damage and distinguishing between negligible and serious flaws will be learned. The student will demonstrate what they have learned by inspecting various valves and other assigned power equipment.

The students will learn electrical theory and principles, and their application to power generation systems. This course is designed to teach the student electrical circuit diagrams, including charging and storage functions. This will include circuit operation and electrical fundamentals, which will prepare the student for basic electrical functions and troubleshooting. Generator design and operation will be demonstrated and learned. Students will also learn basic electricity concepts and schematic interpretation.

The students will learn AC 3-phase electrical theory and principles, and their application to power generation systems. This course is designed to teach the student about AC electrical circuit diagrams, including solid state devices and logic functions. This will include electrical component operation and electrical fundamentals needed for advanced electrical functions and troubleshooting.

In this course the student will learn the hazards involved when climbing a wind turbine tower. The student will learn safety issues such as where and when to take a rest period during the climb. Emergency measures such as rescue from a tower will be learned and demonstrated. The student will demonstrate what they have learned by performing a safety inspection correctly on a given piece of climb equipment correctly.

In this course, the student will learn about wind turbine power generation and its function in the renewable energy technology industry. Fluid types, system inspection, and all aspects of component identification, function, maintenance, and repair will be addressed. System troubleshooting will be demonstrated and applied in this course. Additionally, the student will be taught proper maintenance, repair, and inspection requirements related to gear trains and lubrication systems. Inspection, mechanical purpose, maintenance procedures, and operational fundamentals of fluids, instrumentation, electrical and other components of a wind turbine will be taught through classroom and hands-on instruction.

In this course the student will learn function and design of wind turbines in the power generation field. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by identifying the various major components and their relationship to the wind turbine. The student will learn renewable energy systems other than wind turbines. They will also learn about other systems such as solar, biomass and geothermal during this course.

The student will learn operations and design of wind turbines in the energy technology and power generation industries. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by identifying the major components and their relationship to the wind turbine operation. With the use of the correct equipment manuals, and electrical schematics, the student will properly disassemble, test and/or inspect and reassemble wind turbine components and systems crucial to systems operation. They will be taught proper torquing procedures and complete torquing procedures per equipment manual instruction. Identification of and adherence to proper technical and safety procedures will be emphasized to establish a culture of safety. Students will become familiar with equipment manuals and electrical schematics using them to complete the assigned maintenance, troubleshooting, inspections, and repairs. Pre-job task meetings, documentation, job hazard and safety analysis, confined space, lock-out tag-out, and hot work permits will be utilized so students will become familiar with regard to industry procedures and protocols.

In this course the student will learn about hydraulic power and its function in the wind turbine industry. Fluid types, system inspection, and component identification will be learned. System troubleshooting will be demonstrated and applied in this course. The student will learn the maintenance and inspections required for gear trains and lubrication systems. Inspection of fluids and gear condition will be learned and reinforced through hands-on inspection activities. Proper and improper wear in gear systems will be inspected and identified.

Students will learn the hazards involved in working at heights. The student will learn the ANSI safety standards and safety regulations relating to safe, accurate climbing, and rescue operations. The student will be taught and properly demonstrate correct equipment inspection techniques and proper use of the equipment. Demonstration and use of the approved equipment and correct rescue techniques will be completed in compliance with standards. The student will then be further evaluated by demonstrating what they have learned by correctly performing multiple equipment inspections, safe climbing practices, and participating in multiple climb and rescue exercises correctly while reflecting a culture of safety.

In this course the student will learn about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and their use in the wind field as well as other industrial applications. Students will develop and install a simple program and execute same using a human machine interface system. They will learn about Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and their use in the field of wind energy. Remote recording and correction will also be learned. The data tracking and resulting trend monitoring will be examined.

The student will complete standard inspections, and preventive maintenance practices will be demonstrated. The selection and use of proper tooling and standard maintenance practices will be emphasized. The student will demonstrate what they have learned by completing assigned hands-on projects in the lab that bring together precision measuring, drilling, threading, fastening, torquing and similar other material processing techniques. In this course welding will be introduced: MIG, TIG, Stick and Oxy/ Acetylene torching. Diesel engine labs will help the student better understand the fundamentals and how diesel components relate to each other and how these prime movers can support the power industry as standby power. Students will properly complete pre-job task meetings and documentation, job hazard analysis, job safety analysis, confined space permits, lock-out tag-out forms, and hot work permits.

In this course the student will learn about gas turbine engines beginning with the history of the development of turbines followed by a study of the major sections of a typical turbine engine. Common accessories employed by gas turbine engines will be presented and discussed. Instrumentation and control systems will be learned and examined to help determine proper performance and assist in troubleshooting skills. The efficiencies derived from combined cycle power generation will be learned. The student will demonstrate what they have learned through identification and explanation of the major components found in a co-generation facility.

This course covers basic principles and fundamentals of the refrigeration processes and operations, with a primary focus on industrial and commercial refrigeration equipment. The student will understand the relationship and efficiency increase related to trigeneration or combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) systems. This application of energy technology refers to the simultaneous generation of electricity, useful heating and cooling from the combustion of a fuel or a heat collecting solar system. This course will include the basic refrigeration cycle, how to handle refrigerant, equipment to work with refrigerants, working principals/application of commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, and the rules and regulations set by the EPA for refrigerants. The student will study basic preventive maintenance, basic scheduled maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. The student will gain an understanding of the various components and operations related to compressors and pumping equipment found in energy industries. Specific equipment such as screw, reciprocating, scroll, and centrifugal compressors, along with, positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps will be taught. The basic theory behind compression and pumping will be discussed in detail. Standard inspection, troubleshooting, operation, repair, and preventive maintenance practices of these types of components will be demonstrated and practiced. The selection and use of proper tooling, manuals, documentation, safety equipment, techniques, and standard maintenance practices will be emphasized in this course.

In this course the student will learn about scheduled and nonscheduled maintenance required for gas turbines. The student will also learn about the overhaul process discussed and demonstrate their skill by performing assigned hands-on tasks.

The student will learn about scheduled and nonscheduled maintenance required for gas turbines. The overhaul process will be discussed and demonstrated. The student will learn about the water treatment process used in power generation systems and the need for water treatment and the process used to comply with state and federal guidelines to protect the environment. The student will learn the basic operation and design, as well as start-up and shutdown of boiler systems. The safety required for high pressure and high heat systems will be explained and reinforced through case studies. Fundamental operation and physics will be explained and demonstrated. Emergency procedures will be incorporated in this training.

In this course the student will learn the water treatment process used in power generation systems. They will learn the need for water treatment and the process used to comply with state and federal guidelines to protect the environment. Safety is reinforced in this course and HAZMAT is introduced to the student. The student will learn the basic operation and design of boiler systems. The safety required for high pressure and high heat systems will be explained and reinforced through case studies. Fundamental operation and physics will be explained and demonstrated. Emergency procedures will be incorporated in this training.

The students will learn about steam turbines beginning with the history of the development of steam turbines followed by a study of the major sections of a typical steam turbine. Common accessories employed by steam turbines will be presented and discussed. Instrumentation and control systems will be explained and examined to help determine proper performance and assist in troubleshooting skills. This course is designed to develop an understanding of the scheduled and nonscheduled maintenance required for steam turbines. The overhaul process will be discussed with hands-on demonstrations and will further foster an understanding of the steam turbine operation.

Students will learn process plant drawings and diagrams from a systems point of view. The concept of system integration will be emphasized as the student learns how systems interact with each other. Students will learn how to perform basic pipefitting operations. Heat sources used in process technology will be identified and explained to the student. The students will also learn about the theory of operation utilized in heat exchangers.

Students will learn about the basic principles of distillation systems, extraction/separation systems and chemical reactor systems including catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, distillation columns, absorbers and the scrubbing process. Students will learn the safety rules and practices found on an energy. Technology used on an energy platform will be learned by the student – preventative equipment maintenance, forced maintenance and troubleshooting. Technology such as fracturing, and slant drilling will be learned as well.

The students will learn an overview of the various pieces of compression equipment found in industry. Specific equipment such as screw, piston and centrifugal compressors will be examined. The basic theory behind compression and the equipment used to achieve this goal will be discussed, diagrammed and learned by the student. Standard inspection and preventive maintenance practices will be demonstrated and practiced in this class. The selection and use of proper tooling and standard maintenance practices will be emphasized in this course.

The student will be introduced to three-phase electric power, a common method of alternating-current electric power generation, transmission and distribution. The student will learn the concept of troubleshooting from a theoretical position. Input and output into a situation is examined and a logical flow is developed to determine the critical path of failure. The student will demonstrate what they have learned through the use of mock-ups and other pieces of equipment with known faults in an economical manner. In this class the student will learn an overview of the operation and design of diesel powerplants. The specific application to standby power for diesel will be emphasized. Inspection, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting will be explained and demonstrated. Subsystems such as fuel control and emissions will also be included in this training. The student will demonstrate what they have learned by performing an assigned hands-on project in the lab.

None of the above courses require completion of previous college courses. The courses have no prerequisites.

Students will cover mathematics, which are applied to the relevant subject areas throughout the program including applications of formulas, conversions, imperial systems, metric systems, and additional subject areas relevant to progress in the program. Additionally, the students will learn the safety requirements while performing tasks on the job, including an understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and certification. Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures will be learned and demonstrated. This class will approach safety from a behavioral prevention standpoint. General lab safety and material handling will be covered as well as regulation compliance.

In this course, the students will learn the proper use and interpretation of precision measuring devices such as dial indicators, micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, thread pitch gauges, etc., and the importance of precision measuring devices. This course will include both standard and metric tools, calculations, and techniques to teach the students about equipment that will be encountered in the field. Additionally, students will learn physics concepts and calculations, with relevance to the disciplines of this program’s course content.

Students will be introduced to more advanced electrical theory and applications. The students will work on projects that enhance their ability to design, navigate, troubleshoot, and analyze circuits with the utilization of electrical schematics. The students will complete hands-on lab projects that deal with programmable logic controllers, three-phase systems, and other industrial systems or application. Additionally, this course will cover safety hazards encompassed in troubleshooting and working with electricity. Students will complete the OSHA NFPA 70E arc flash training and testing and receive an OSHA NFPA 70E certificate for completion of the course.

Students will learn basics of digital electronics by exploring semi-conductors, diodes, transistors, and logic gates. Students will further their learning by working on applications of basic digital electronics devices. Students will also explore different numbering systems as they relate to digital electronics. In this course students will learn by constructing operational designs. Students will be evaluated using lab projects, demonstrations, and testing

Students will be introduced to instrumentation and control theory, design, components, and applications. This gives the students an initial look into functional control loops, sensors, and transducer calibration, as well as adjustable control parameters such as the proportional, integral, and derivatives. Students will learn the processes involved with monitoring and controlling of equipment. This course will present utilization and testing of instrumentation and control components.

This course will build upon many of the skills learned throughout the program. In this course, students will continue to learn about electrical and mechanical relationships and connection used in the electrical mechanical engineering domain with emphasis on industrial and manufacturing applications. This will reinforce earlier concepts learned in the program. Students will also demonstrate skills learned by connecting electrical mechanical systems and testing operation.

Students will learn to troubleshoot electrical or mechanical systems. This will include physical, mechanical, electrical, or electronic corrections for all types of electrical mechanical systems, controllers, programs, and industrial networks. Students will demonstrate and be evaluated on their ability to troubleshoot, advance, and improve systems.

Students will develop advanced critical thinking, analytic problem solving, and effective communication. This will include reporting and documenting an accurate evaluation process, faults, corrections, and prevention methods relevant to electrical mechanical engineering domain. Students will learn a common technical language and systematic problem-solving approach to identify root causes and communicate solutions.