The growing interest in alternative energy and renewable resources has created a shortage of qualified solar thermal technicians throughout the green energy sector. So what are some of the essential skills that solar thermal technicians need to succeed?

Solar thermal technicians need basic knowledge and hands-on skills in a variety of foundational technologies, such as electrical, electronics, and fluid power, as well as advanced abilities related directly to the latest solar thermal technologies. Amatrol’s Solar Thermal Troubleshooting – Closed-Loop Learning System (950-STCL1) teaches a range of solar thermal troubleshooting skills for closed-loop systems through a unique combination of eLearning curriculum and hands-on experience with real industrial solar thermal components.

Amatrol’s Solar Thermal Troubleshooting – Open-Loop Learning System features a wide variety of industry-standard solar thermal equipment to teach relevant hands-on skills. For example, the 950-STOL1 includes a mobile workstation with a digital differential controller; AC and DC centrifugal pumps; temperature probes; check valves; flow meters; relief valves; vacation bypass; tempering valves; solar storage tank; multiple component circuit panels; photovoltaic panel; and two solar collectors.

Learners using Amatrol’s eLearning will find that its comprehensive, detailed curriculum teaches both the foundational knowledge and practical hands-on skills they need to troubleshoot both draindown and pressurized open-loop solar thermal systems. It will also help students and workers prepare for solar certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the premier solar technology certification organization.

The generator control system is the heart of a utility-scale wind turbine, converting mechanical rotation of the hub into clean, 3-phase power that synchronizes with the utility grid. Keeping these turbines operational and well maintained requires a specialized skill set, and wind turbine technicians possess these skills. They know how to service, operate, and troubleshoot the generator control system, which includes the generator, rectifier, generator control unit, power distribution panel, pad mounted transformer, and generator control software.

Amatrol’s Wind Turbine Generator Control Troubleshooting Learning System (950-TGC1) allows learners to gain adaptive skills for generator system operation, adjustment, and troubleshooting in a wide variety of situations. It helps learners to develop and practice both wind turbine component and system level skills and gives them the classroom instruction and hands-on experience that they need to succeed in this emerging and growing field. Wind Turbine Generator Control Troubleshooting also includes Amatrol’s unique electronic fault insertion system, which lets learners gain hands-on experience with the troubleshooting of realistic generator control problems, as well as receive automatic feedback on their progress.

Furthermore, Turbine Generator Control Troubleshooting connects to Amatrol’s Nacelle and Hub workstations to create a comprehensive wind turbine learning laboratory.

Wind Energy Technology Foundational Skills

Wind energy is a significant source of power that is growing dramatically. The Department of Energy has set a goal for 20% of electrical energy used in the United States to be from wind power by 2030. Wind farms can be found throughout the world – from cold, arctic conditions to the tropics, from beaches to mountains to oceans. Understanding the basics of how wind energy is harnessed will prepare technicians, engineers, installers, designers, builders, and others that want to utilize wind technology in either large utility-scale turbine farms or small wind applications.

Amatrol’s Wind Concepts Learning System (950-WC1) introduces learners to a broad range of basic concepts in wind energy technology. Learners study how wind power systems work and what it takes to generate electrical power with wind. Wind Concepts training acts as a foundation for learners enrolled in wind-specific as well as general renewable energy programs.