Small Wind Energy in Ports Course

This short course focuses on small and micro wind turbines as a source of distributed generation in ports, marinas and auxiliary quays. You will study the differences between small, micro and large wind turbines and hybrid port systems; the basics of wind power, turbulence, air density and power curves; typical port applications such as lighting, signaling, sensors, offices, remote stations and partial self-consumption; the particular challenges of the port environment, from gusts and obstacles to cranes, salinity and corrosion; wind measurement, siting on breakwaters, roofs, towers or technical areas and basic yield estimation; components such as towers, foundations, charge controllers, inverters, protections and batteries; and the safety, permitting and commissioning steps needed for a small wind installation.

What sets this course apart: a clear focus on small-scale wind adapted to the realities of ports and marinas rather than large wind farms; an honest comparison of small wind with solar photovoltaics, the grid, batteries and conventional generators; practical criteria for siting turbines around buildings, breakwaters, pontoons and cranes while respecting navigation and port safety; attention to hybrid integration with solar, microgrids and emergency systems; and an applied project in which you design a small wind system for a marina, quay, autonomous light or sensor station, from resource assessment to commissioning and monitoring.