Wind energy in sight
IMPRESSIVE: Together, the nacelle, hub and drivetrain are worth R3m
Monday, 18 August 2014
CPUT is one step closer to realizing its goal of becoming Africa’s hub of training in renewable energy.
Recently three key components of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) were lifted and positioned on the floor slab of the facility, which is located at the Bellville Campus.
The equipment was sponsored by the German-based company Nordex, to the tune of R3million.
The equipment plays a key role in the construction of this multi-million rand facility says SARETEC Project Manager, Howard Fawkes.
The area housing the wind turbine components will be used as a hands-on training facility for those who will be skilled as wind turbine technicians.
EQUIPMENT: The drivetrain will form a key component of the Wind Technician training programme
Other bespoke features include the construction of a 17m tower for safety training as well as a rooftop solar photovoltaic system to generate some of SARETEC’s own electricity.
Fawkes says they have also acquired a wind turbine blade, measuring 50 metres in length, the blade will be strategically cut up before being transported from the Cape Town harbor to the site, where it will be used for training in composites, blade maintenance, design and aerodynamics.
Currently, Fawkes and his team are finalizing qualifications that will be rolled out early next year with the intake of SARETEC’s first students.
This includes the Wind Turbine Technician qualification as well as the Solar Photovoltaic Technician qualification.
For more information visit the SARETEC website.
Written by Candes Keating
Email: keatingc@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.
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