Web-based interactive animated virtual experiments for teaching wind energy utilization

The ongoing energy transition from conventional to renewable energy sources increases the demand for qualified personnel in the field of alternative power generation. Especially wind energy plays an increasingly important role in today's power industry as more electricity is generated by wind on a global scale. The complex and multidisciplinary nature of wind energy conversion systems makes the understanding of this topic a challenging task. In this paper current e-learning trends, like virtual and remote experiments in electrical engineering education are discussed. A novel web-based learning module on wind energy conversion and control that utilizes easy-to use interactive virtual experiments is introduced. The first part of this module, which deals with the initial stage in the wind energy conversion process, is presented. Two interactive virtual experiments are developed that introduce the learner to the energy content of wind and the operation and power control of the wind rotor. The graphical user interface and the operation of the experiments are discussed in detail, as well as different learning objectives and interaction possibilities.