Maintenance of Renewable Energy Systems - A Challenge in Academic Education

Abstract

It is an undeniable reality that new energy sources and conversion technologies related are ``stars'' of any energy policy of the XXI-th century. Few people know, however, that the between the conversion technologies, the most lifetime long technology is hydro (estimated between 50--100 years). With the condition that power output should not be less than 80% of rated power, lifetime of a wind turbine is estimated at 20 years and for solar panels at 25 years while estimation for hydro technologies is between 50 and 100 years. Also, corroborating prices per MWh installed and lifetimes, maintenance programs that we propose to implement only proactive type of maintenance, and that means monitoring and optimization. In this article the authors highlight the fact that, in the context of sustainable development is necessary to pay more attention to education in the field of renewable energy. For more than a decade in Romania, in the energy engineering field, is studying Renewable Energy Sources, in particular by approach the systems and equipment to capture and converse to renewable energy, sustainable development and resource management, the environment and ensuring health ambient space with RES etc. The authors show that is required a new approach in academic education regarding RES, focusing on operation and maintenance of capture and conversion systems, with new technologies and future trends in the field. The new methods and schemes in terms of educational approach, to address the needs of 21st century sustainable energy are proposed.