Interactive virtual experiments for web-based education on wind energy

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 (WECS) 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 last two chapters of this module deal with the operating principles of a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) and with the control of a DFIG-based wind energy conversion system. For both chapters a virtual experiment has been developed that helps the learner to get a deeper understanding of the presented theory. In both cases the educational approach and the learning objectives are explained, as well as the graphical user interface of the experiment, its operation and interaction possibilities.