Wind turbine class winds up for round three

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is looking for a home for the wind turbines created by its first two classes. And for more students who want to learn how the first two classes did it.For the third time, KVCC will offer a course beginning in September that teaches wind turbine design, how to fabricate its components, assemble the power-generating unit and make sure it produces electricity. There are no technical prerequisites.  The course that combines lecture and lab work is open to 18 students on a first-come, first serve basis. Students learn machining, drafting and design and welding and fabrication.  “The goal is to produce a functioning wind turbine that generates one to three kilowatts of electricity,” says Howard Carpenter, instructor and project leader.The students perform the basic functions and tasks in the design, critical machining and welding phases that produce shafts, blades and other components.The more detailed and complex jobs are handled by the instructors and advanced students.”It’s the process that is important for the students to see and understand,” Carpenter says. “The turbine we build will produce electricity, but that’s not the main function. Its function is to demonstrate the basic design, manufacturing, welding and electrical skills that are needed in making a turbine.”To register for the course, go to the school’s website or contact Sue Hills at 269-488-4371Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Howard Carpenter, KVCC