The SDT Division of NIWE had successfully conducted the International Training Course on "Design, Installation and Maintenance of Small Wind Turbine" specially for African Countries held during 15th November to 13th December 2018, sponsored by East and Southern Africa Division of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India under India Africa Forum Summit – III (IAFS-III) programme. The objective of the International Course was designed in such a way that the participants themselves would design the parts / components of the Small Wind Turbines (SWT) from the low cost and locally available materials and construct, Install, commission and erect the turbine to produce power also to know Operation Maintenance practices. The course was attended by 21 participants from 10 African countries (Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda).
The training course was inaugurated by Guest of Honour, Ms. Jessica Rivas, Coordinator, Wind Empowerment Association, United Kingdom.
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| Course Material release during inaugural function |
The basics about the wind turbine technology content was taken care by the Engineers of NIWE and the practical aspects of designing of components of SWT, Construction, Installation, Commission, Erection and Operation & Maintenance was took care by the Wind Empowerment Association team practioners came from different countries. The speakers and the trainers were having years of experience in the field. During the 29 days course, Twenty-two classroom lectures were held apart from practical training, study visits to working wind farms of different in nature having variety of Wind Turbines with different models, technologies, capacities and etc.
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| Participants learned SCADA systems operation at M/s. Suzlon (CMS), Radhapuram |
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| Participants witnessing various components of Wind Turbines at the Warehouse of M/s. Suzlon near Kayathar |
During the training course, the participants had participated in the 10 days International Workshop on “Small Wind Turbine” held during 30th November to 9th December 2018 held at NIWE and learned about the complete process of making Small Wind Turbines from the low cost and locally available materials by Hands-on-training. The participants had themselves made the parts / components of the SWT, assembled the components manufactured by them and did the Installation, Commission and Erection works and also learned the Operation & Maintenance aspects of SWT. The complete practical hands on training was handled by Shri. Jorge Ayarza, Engineer and Founder of MinVayu, Auroville and expert practioners of Wind Empowerment Association, UK with the support of NIWE Engineers. All the participants had shown tireless interest in the manufacturing session and had designed and completed 3 Working Models of SWT.
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| Glimpse of International Workshop on Small Wind Turbine |
The participants had also attended the 3 days International Conference on “Small Wind Turbine” held during 10th to 12th December 2018, which is a unique and first of its kind programme in India. The participants were learned various aspects SWT technologies available in the market and emerging technologies, solutions etc through the 10 Panel Discussion sessions scheduled during the conference.
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| Glimpse of International Conference on Small Wind Turbine |
Dr. K. Balaraman, Director General had delivered the valedictory address and distributed the course certificates to all the participants during the Valedictory function.
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| DG, NIWE distributing the Course Certificates |
The course structure and organization of training was highly appreciated by the participants. The participants were very much satisfied by the quality of lectures, practical sessions, study visits and hospitality provided by NIWE, Chennai, India.
