Two four-hour courses designed to assist Florida Professional Engineers in meeting the continuing education requirements for license renewal (four professional development hours every two years in their areas of practice) have been developed by the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa.
Course 1, “Distributed Power Systems: Engineering Overview,” provides an engineering overview of the various distributed power technologies, including internal combustion engines, microturbines, fuel cells, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, and wind turbines. Alternatives to fossil fuels to power these engines are presented, with emphasis on hydrogen, its production, storage, delivery infrastructure and use in fueling both stationary and mobile power
systems.
Course 2, “Distributed Power Systems: Integration with Buildings,” addresses the important issue of integrating distributed power systems with both commercial and residential buildings. The energy efficiency and environmental benefits of using both the electrical and thermal power outputs of distributed power systems are examined, along with the need for appropriate codes and standards to positively affect the design, installation and operation processes. The integration of distributed power systems and buildings involves electrical, mechanical, thermal, fuel, communication and control system interfaces all of which are discussed separately for microturbine, fuel cell, and solar combined heat and power applications.
These courses specifically target professional engineers from all engineering disciplines seeking to meet their continuing education “area of practice” requirement for license renewal. The courses will be of special interest to all engineers working with engines, generators, electrical power systems, load management, HVAC and building systems, in addition to mechanical, electrical, civil, environmental, and industrial engineers.
The courses are scheduled for March 11, April 15 and May 13 at the center at 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa. Course 1 will be held from 8 a.m. to noon each day, and course 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As a condition for license renewal, professional engineers are required to complete eight professional development hours during each license renewal biennium. At least four of these hours must relate to the licensee’s area of practice. Successful completion of either course satisfies the area of practice requirement for all engineering disciplines and represents an excellent opportunity to become knowledgeable of promising new distributed power technologies. Because of the increasing importance of distributed power systems in moving the U.S. toward greater energy independence, engineers are encouraged to take both courses.
Separate certificates of completion are awarded to all registered attendees who complete each course. There are no written examinations.
The courses will be taught by Jerry Ventre, an energy engineering consultant and immediate past director of the photovoltaics and distributed generation division of the Florida Solar Energy Center. He received bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has more than 35 years of experience in various aspects of engineering, including research, development, design and systems analysis. In addition to developing and leading the photovoltaics and distributed power programs at FSEC for more than 20 years, Ventre held positions as technical director of the University of Central Florida’s Space Education and Research Center, manager of advanced technology at UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training, and deputy director of FSEC.
The registration fee is $100 for either course or $160 for both. Early registration is recommended to ensure adequate attendance. For more information or to register, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu/ed/contin_ed/dg_for_pe.htm or contact JoAnn Stirling at 321-638-1014 or joann@fsec.ucf.edu.
The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in the country. Current research activities include solar water and pool heating, solar electric and distributed generation systems, energy-efficient buildings, alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and other energy areas. For more information about the center, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu
or call the FSEC Public Information Office at (321) 638-1015.