The demand for qualified solar and small wind technicians is rising, as more consumers and businesses apply solar energy and small wind systems in their communities. Many employers prefer employment candidates who are certified. Amatrol’s 850 series Alternative Energy Learning System supports the learning necessary to prepare for portions of the solar and small wind certifications offered by such certifying groups as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), SWCC (Small Wind Certification Council), and ETA (Electronics Technicians Association).
The 850-AEC Alternative Energy Learning System teaches students key skills needed for job success in small wind and solar. Students will learn hands-on skills they can use on the job. Critical skill areas covered are system connection, operation, and programming of solar PV (photovoltaic) and small wind systems in commercial and residential applications.
The Amatrol Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar includes a mobile workstation with solar PV components, small wind components, multimedia student curriculum, and teacher’s assessment guide. The mobile workstation is equipped with pre-mounted components for easy inventory. Wind turbine and solar panels also allow for outside use with expansion capability for teaching grid-tie and data acquisition. Amatrol also offers alternate workstation configurations for either small wind or solar individually.
Multimedia CurriculumStudent Reference GuideProduct OptionsKey FeaturesLearning TopicsIndoor / Outdoor UseReal World ComponentsGrid Interactive & Data Acquisition
The Amatrol 850-AEC Learning System’s wind and solar circuits can be used indoors with sun and wind simulators, or outdoors via the detachable solar panel array or client-supplied external wind and solar sources. The solar array easily disconnects from the workstation and sets up outdoors. The 850 Learning System can also be connected to client-supplied roof-top solar panels or wind turbines with the addition of optional interface connections.
Real-world components commonly found in commercial and residential environments to help make learners job-ready are showcased in the 850-AEC. For example, the 850 is equipped with a combiner box and a multiple panel solar array, allowing learners to connect panels in series and parallel. The MPPT charge controller, which is the most common controller used today, allows programming and communications via Ethernet from an LCD panel that are typical of current practices. The 400W wind turbine and diversion load controller are commonly found in small wind applications.
Amatrol’s 850-AEC Learning System for wind and solar offers a number of options that can greatly expand the capability of the system. The 85-GT1 Grid-Tie Learning System – Solar features a single-phase inverter that enables the system to connect to the classroom grid, typical of PV systems being installed today.
The 85-ADA1 Data Acquisition Learning System – Wind and Solar features a multi-point data acquisition module, PC software, and sensors that monitor voltage and current in various parts of both wind and solar circuits, enabling students to study operation via data analysis. Both options are panel-mounted units that easily add to 850 workstations.
Amatrol’s unmatched multimedia utilizes text, audio, and stunning 3D animations that engage learners in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. This thorough, exceptionally detailed curriculum is built to begin with the basics and steadily advance to more complex concepts and skills. Through partnerships with key industry leaders and leading-edge educators, Amatrol developed the right balance of knowledge and applied skills needed to train learners to work in their chosen field.
A sample copy of this course’s Student Reference Guide is included with the learning system. Sourced from the multimedia curriculum, the Student Reference Guide takes the entire series’ technical content contained in the learning objectives and combines them into one perfect-bound book. If you would like to inquire about purchasing additional Student Reference Guides for your program, contact your local Amatrol Representative for more information.
This course engages the learner in small wind and solar technologies. PV Module Operation and Performance, Photovoltaic Arrays, Solar Batteries, Solar Battery Charging, Solar PV Systems, Small Wind Turbine Generators, Wind Turbine Batteries, Battery Charging, and Small Wind Systems are some of the topics covered in this course.
Amatrol’s extensive, thorough multimedia covers green energy themes such as alternative energy. Interactive screens paired with instructive graphics teach an array of alternative energy topics from PV module operation to DC wind turbine systems. With the optional hardware, learners can then apply this theoretical knowledge to immediate hands-on skills. For example, learners study inverters and the operations of PV systems and then manually connect and operate a stand-alone AC PV system for applied practice. This combination of theory and practice ingrains concepts in a learner’s mind and makes more advanced topics easier to comprehend. (References 850-AEC)
Solar energy is being used in a broad range of applications across industry and residences alike. From heating water for home use to creating utility scale electricity – solar energy application is growing. Understanding the basics of how we can harness solar energy is essential for technicians, engineers, installers, designers, builders, and others who want to apply solar technology either professionally or personally.
Amatrol’s 950-SC1 Solar Concepts Learning System introduces students to a broad range of basic concepts in solar energy and technology. Photovoltaic and thermal solar systems are introduced to students. They learn how to translate location, sun, and technology into practical applications. The 950-SC1 acts as a foundation for students in solar technology. Solar Concepts includes student curriculum in PC based, interactive multimedia format as well as an instructor’s assessment guide.
Amatrol’s interactive multimedia provides an engaging, stimulating experience for students. The Solar Concepts Learning System includes interactive computer-based instruction with both theory and hands-on tutorials consisting of text, digital video, voice, online self-review tests, interactive simulations, color diagrams and color photos. Amatrol’s strong interactive multimedia includes visual, auditory, and text based learning styles to reinforce each other in well organized learning segments.
Using Solar Technology to Capture Solar Energy -Location Makes a Difference!
Siting a solar array or understanding how much energy you can capture from an array in a specific location requires background provided by Amatrol’s Solar Concepts. The type of application also plays a strong role. With the 950-SC1, students learn how to site an array with optimum orientation as well as determine the insolation, which varies significantly from place to place.
Optional 95-SIP1 Solar Instruments Package
The 950-SC1 Solar Concepts Learning System teaches students to use a variety of instruments required to apply solar technology. These virtually developed skills can be reinforced with hands-on application through the optional 95-SIP1 Solar Instruments Package. The package contains a pyranometer, global positioning system (GPS), inclinometer and compass. Students will learn how to translate their virtual skills to the actual instruments and apply them to solar technology systems. All of these are required to properly orient arrays.
A sample copy of this course’s Student Reference Guide is included with the learning system. Sourced from the multimedia curriculum, the Student Reference Guide takes the entire series’ technical content contained in the learning objectives and combines them into one perfect-bound book. If you would like to inquire about purchasing additional Student Reference Guides for your program, contact your local Amatrol Representative for more information.
Wind energy is a significant source of power whose use 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 we can harness wind energy is essential for technicians, engineers, installers, designers, builders, and others who want to apply wind technology either in large utility-scale turbine farms or in small wind applications.
Amatrol’s 950-WC1 Wind Concepts Learning System introduces students to a broad range of basic concepts in wind energy technology. Students learn how wind power systems work and what it takes to generate electrical power with wind. The 950-WC1 acts as a foundation for students enrolled in wind-specific as well as general renewable energy programs. Wind Concepts includes student curriculum in PC-based, interactive multimedia format as well as an instructor’s assessment guide.
Using Wind Technology to Capture Wind Energy
Siting a wind farm or turbine is important. With utility-scale wind turbines costing several million dollars, understanding how much energy you can produce from the turbine in a specific location is key. The amount of wind available at different heights varies tremendously as you can see from the wind resource map at right. In the 950-WC1, students gain knowledge and skills in applying science and mathematical skills. Amatrol’s Wind Concepts teaches students about many of the factors involved in the critical turbine siting decision.
The Many Types of Wind Power Systems
Wind power is harnessed by a broad array of wind power systems. The most striking difference is between residential or small wind and utility-scale turbines. While each have their place in the energy landscape, they are very different in both application and design. Understanding the fundamentals of these various systems and how they are used is a good base from which to launch a strong knowledge of wind power. Amatrol’s 950-WC1 Wind Concepts teaches students about the range of wind power systems and how they are applied.
Amatrol’s unmatched multimedia utilizes text, audio, and stunning 3D animations that engage learners in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. This thorough, exceptionally detailed curriculum is built to begin with the basics and steadily advance to more complex concepts and skills. Through partnerships with key industry leaders and leading edge educators, Amatrol developed the right balance of knowledge and applied skills needed to train learners to work in their chosen field.
A sample copy of this course’s Student Reference Guide is included with the learning system. Sourced from the multimedia curriculum, the Student Reference Guide takes the entire series’ technical content contained in the learning objectives and combines them into one perfect-bound book. If you would like to inquire about purchasing additional Student Reference Guides for your program, contact your local Amatrol Representative for more information.
A sample copy of this course’s Student Reference Guide is included with the learning system. Sourced from the multimedia curriculum, the Student Reference Guide takes the entire series’ technical content contained in the learning objectives and combines them into one perfect-bound book. If you would like to inquire about purchasing additional Student Reference Guides for your program, contact your local Amatrol Representative for more information.
Wind Concepts introduces wind energy as an important source of power that is growing dramatically. Wind farms can be found in virtually all areas – from cold, arctic conditions to the tropics. Wind Concepts provides learners an understanding of the basics of how we can harness wind energy, either in large utility-scale turbine farms or in small wind applications. Provides an overview of a broad range of basic concepts in wind energy and technology including how wind power systems work and what it takes to generate power with wind technology.
Amatrol’s extensive, thorough multimedia covers green energy basics such as wind concepts. Interactive screens paired with instructive graphics teach wind concepts topics from wind power systems to wind turbine siting. Learners can then apply this theoretical knowledge to immediate hands-on skills. For example, learners study wind power characteristics and then on their own calculate the wind turbine power given meteorological conditions for applied practice. This combination of theory and practice ingrains concepts in a learner’s mind and makes more advanced topics easier to comprehend. (References 950-WC1)
Amatrol’s 950-TNC1 Turbine Electric Hub Troubleshooting Learning System allows students to learn the skills required for wind turbine operation, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
The 950-STF1 Solar Thermal Installation Learning System teaches students the installation and commissioning of closed loop and open loop solar thermal systems for commercial and residential applications. Students will learn how to install systems by selecting, preparing, mounting and connecting solar thermal components using copper tubing, PVC piping, and electrical wiring. Students will create and commission complete working systems, just as they would do on the job.
The 950-SPT1 teaches students connection, operation, programming, and troubleshooting of AC/DC and grid-connected systems. The curriculum is PC-based multimedia that is highly interactive. It allows students to use the learning style best for them – reading, listening, visual. The 950-SPT1 supports the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) test for Certified Solar Photovoltaic System Installer.
Agriculture can be considered one of the oldest industries in th world tracing its origin back 12,000 years. What started with small groups of people in various locations figuring out how to domesticate animals and grow their food has become a multi-trillion-dollar global industry.
Over the last few centuries, sparked by a series of industrial revolutions, significant changes have taken place throughout the industry that has shaped agriculture as we know it today. Machinery has replaced manual processes and hand tools. Additionally, technological advances, including computers and the Internet, have enabled agricultural machines and procedures to be more productive and efficient.
As technology continues to advance, agriculture must keep evolving to ensure that productivity keeps pace with an ever-expanding world population. Today’s agricultural experts need experience with more types of technology than ever before.
Agricultural mechanics is a critical component of robust and relevant agriscience programs. With the right equipment, educators can demonstrate how to construct and repair equipment, buildings, and facilities by following architectural and mechanical plans, show mechanical equipment and power systems, and teach hydraulic and pneumatic systems service and repair.
Plants, farms, and animals are the main functions of agriculture. Still, there are additional opportunities in this field. This career pathway covers a variety of careers - ranging from animal science and veterinary science to metal technologies/welding, oil and gas production systems, and energy & natural resources.
