College unveils first-in-US wind turbine training simulation
Submitted by Clinton Community College Press Release
2010-10-18 17:28:38
Plattsburgh, NY . . . Monday, October 04, 2010, Clinton Community College revealed the first and only wind simulator training unit in use for classroom training anywhere in the nation.
The new piece of equipment, called the Turbine Nacelle Troubleshooting Learning System, or Nacelle, is designed by Amatrol of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and is a unique training platform specifically designed to train wind turbine technicians doing utility scale wind. The new unit was installed in time for the 2010 fall semester.
"For the past two years, Clinton Community College has been leading the way in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology training in New York," said CCC President John E. Jablonski. "Today, as we announce the procurement of this state-of-the-art training equipment, we take another giant leap forward."
According to Amatrol's NY representative, Tom Sprague, a lot of schools are doing wind, small residential wind, but few are doing utility scale wind. The Turbine Nacelle Troubleshooting Trainer was designed to replicate the functions of full size utility scale wind turbines. Student trainees need experience with a wide variety of conditions and break-fix situations because it is not practical for students and faculty to tinker with utility-scale turbines that are in-service. Without a state-of-the art trainer like this one that experience could takes many years. With this trainer, CCC students can manipulate turbine features including Turbine Control Unit, Gear Assembly, Yaw Brakes, Parking Brakes, Rotor Lock, Turbine Control Software, Wind Simulator, Fault Insertion, Cable Twist Box, Anemometer, Hydraulic System, and Yaw Drive.
In addition to the Nacelle, the college has four more new training system units in the technology classrooms of the Stafford Center. These training units directly benefit students studying Electrical, Environmental, Clean Room and Industrial Technology programs offered at Clinton as well as further complimenting the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program training.
The equipment purchases were made possible through funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and funds were made available from both the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and NYSERDA to attend the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conferences and training for the newly purchased equipment in Louisville, KY. ($257,000 – NYSERDA and $100,000 – NYSDOL)
Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "This new equipment solidifies Clinton County Community College's position as a leader in clean energy education. This investment will provide students with critical skills needed to support the renewable energy infrastructure and demonstrates both SUNY’s and NYSERDA's commitment to preparing our students for the jobs of the future."
CCC has strategically taken on the leadership role in wind energy and turbine technology education in New York State and the Northeastern United States. It began with the college preparing for and then announcing the first and only Wind Energy and Turbine Technology (WETT) associate's degree program and Wind Turbine Services Technician certificate program offered in New York State.
Congressman Bill Owens said, "This program will help Clinton Community College to continue to play a large role in emerging green job markets as we work together both to enhance the education that North Country students receive and to create new quality jobs in the area."
The wind program at CCC is the result of a coordinated community effort with support from a number of local agencies, including the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Investment Board (WIB), and the Workforce Development Institute (WDI).
Funding first came from the WDI in the form of a grant writer to help CCC apply for PON 1196 funds through NYSERDA. The PON was awarded in November 2008 for professional development and wind specific tool & equipment.
In June 2009, a New York State DOL grant awarded through the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce was provided to cover faculty wages/benefits and to support travel/training for faculty.
Clinton Community College is a comprehensive community college conveniently located in Plattsburgh, New York. Approximately 2,200 students attend the college known for its academically acclaimed programs in nursing, criminal justice, liberal arts, and technology. The College is proud of its academic excellence, low tuition, small classes, excellent faculty and facilities. Students wishing to pursue a four-year degree can choose from a number of 2+2 transfer agreement options with other colleges and universities.
For more information about the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program and other offerings, call Admissions at 518 562-4170 or visit their web site:
http://www.clinton.edu