Wind Energy, AAS

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The Wind Energy program provides students with the critical skills needed to become successful technicians in the rapidly growing wind industry. A balanced combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training allow students to quickly turn concepts into valuable work experience. Throughout the program, students learn basic and advanced electrical, mechanical and fluid power system theory. In turn, this knowledge is used to interpret detailed mechanical drawings and schematic diagrams to determine system operation and troubleshoot complex faults. In addition, students perform preventative maintenance tasks on an actual wind turbine nacelle and rotor housed in the college’s Wind Energy Lab. Students develop effective climb safety techniques and perform rescues at height using the program’s Fall Protection Lab. After successful completion of this program, students are prepared for direct industry employment as entry-level wind turbine technicians.

Contact Information

Contact information is available on the Wind Energy program website.

Map your individual academic plan of courses with your College Advisor.

If students choose to transition to another program within the Trades & Technical Studies pathway, they should be particularly aware of the choice points that indicate when a decision to branch off into another program must be made to ensure credits and time are not lost.

Coursework common to all degrees within this pathway is indicated by CAC, Common Academic Coursework, in the program map.

Competencies

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Describe how wind turbine system components are integrated to convert energy from the wind into electrical energy.
Interpret information contained in technical drawings, manuals, data sheets and service bulletins to determine system operation.
Apply sound troubleshooting techniques to quickly find and fix electrical, mechanical and fluid power system faults.
Perform wind turbine service and preventative maintenance per manufacturer’s specifications and common industry practices.
Demonstrate the technical communication skills required to accurately and concisely document all activities associated with servicing and maintaining wind turbines.
Demonstrate proper handling and safe usage of industrial tools, electrical meters and diagnostic equipment commonly used in the wind industry.
Demonstrate compliance with general and specific industry safety laws, standards and procedures.

First Semester

Course Requirements

STRT 1000 - Strategies for Success Credits: 3 | CAC
ENGL 1010 - English Composition I Credits: 3 | CAC
WTT 1000 - Introduction to Wind Energy Credits: 3
WTT 1100 - Climb Safety and Tower Rescue Training Credits: 2
IST 1660 - Mechanical Drives Credits: 1
IST 1661 - Mechanical Drive Assemblies Credits: 1
IST 1710 - DC Electricity Credits: 2
IST 1711 - DC Electrical Circuits Credits: 1
IST 1712 - AC Electricity Credits: 2
IST 1713 - AC Electrical Circuits Credits: 1

Milestones

Completion of two general education courses, including ENGL 1010 as a prerequisite for other courses.
Introduction to Wind Energy and technical courses and safety.

Semester Total: 19 Credits

Second Semester

Course Requirements

MATH 1000 - Problem Solving Credits: 3 Math 1000 or higher (Credits: 3-4) | CAC
IST 1610 - Fluid Power Credits: 1
IST 1611 - Fluid Power Circuits Credits: 1
IST 1770 - Motor Controls Credits: 2
IST 1771 - Motor Control Circuits Credits: 1
WTT 1200 - Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems Credits: 3
WTT 2500 - Advanced AC Electricity Credits: 3

Milestones

Completion of college-level math

Semester Total: 14-15 Credits

Third Semester

Course Requirements

PHYS 1050 - Concepts of Physics Credits: 4
OR
GEOG 1010 - Intro to Physical Geography Credits: 4
COMM 2010 - Public Speaking Credits: 3 | CAC
IST 1810 - Programmable Logic Controllers Credits: 2
IST 1811 - PLC Circuits I Credits: 1
WTT 1300 - Theoretical Concepts of Rotating Machines Credits: 3
WTT 2200 - Advanced Wind Turbine Generator Mechanical Systems Credits: 3

Semester Total: 16 Credits

Fourth Semester

Choice Points

Enter the workforce or continue to the Bachelors of Applied Science, Applied Management.

Course Requirements

Choose an approved U.S./Wyoming Constitution course Credits: 3 | CAC
WTT 2300 - Wind Turbine Data Acquisition Credits: 2
WTT 2400 - Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Credits: 3
WTT 2600 - Advanced Industrial Motor Control Applications Credits: 4

Milestones

Completion of remaining general education courses for AAS degree.
Completion of AAS in Wind Energy.

Semester Total: 12 Credits

Program Credit Hour Total: 61-62 Credits

Program Comments

The information below is intended to be a guide, and does not guarantee regional job placement, job availability, or a specific wage after completion of the program. The potential jobs listed below may require some work experience after graduation. The Wind Energy degree is intended to give students the academic coursework helpful in obtaining the potential jobs. Possible careers in or related to Wind Energy include Wind Turbine Technician, Wind Energy Technician, and Wind Turbine Mechanic.

Additional information on careers in Wind Energy is available through Career Coach.

Transfer Information

This degree is well suited for those who may be interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Management degree at Laramie County Community College.

LCCC courses may transfer to institutions in addition to those with formal articulation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to determine the degree requirements and transfer policy of the specific college/university and program to which they plan to transfer.