Two four-hour courses designed to assist Florida Professional Engineers in meeting 
the continuing education requirements for license renewal (four professional 
development hours every two years in their areas of practice) have been developed 
by the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa.  

Course 1, "Distributed Power Systems: Engineering Overview," provides an 
engineering overview of the various distributed power technologies, including 
internal combustion engines, microturbines, fuel cells, photovoltaic and solar 
thermal systems, and wind turbines. Alternatives to fossil fuels to power these 
engines are presented, with emphasis on hydrogen, its production, storage, 
delivery infrastructure and use in fueling both stationary and mobile power 
systems.

Course 2, "Distributed Power Systems: Integration with Buildings," addresses the 
important issue of integrating distributed power systems with both commercial and 
residential buildings. The energy efficiency and environmental benefits of using 
both the electrical and thermal power outputs of distributed power systems are 
examined, along with the need for appropriate codes and standards to positively 
affect the design, installation and operation processes. The integration of 
distributed power systems and buildings involves electrical, mechanical, thermal, 
fuel, communication and control system interfaces  all of which are discussed 
separately for microturbine, fuel cell, and solar combined heat and power 
applications.

These courses specifically target professional engineers from all engineering 
disciplines seeking to meet their continuing education "area of practice" 
requirement for license renewal. The courses will be of special interest to all 
engineers working with engines, generators, electrical power systems, load 
management, HVAC and building systems, in addition to mechanical, electrical, 
civil, environmental, and industrial engineers.

The courses are scheduled for March 11, April 15 and May 13 at the center at 1679 
Clearlake Road, Cocoa.  Course 1 will be held from 8 a.m. to noon each day, and 
course 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

As a condition for license renewal, professional engineers are required to 
complete eight professional development hours during each license renewal 
biennium. At least four of these hours must relate to the licensee's area of 
practice. Successful completion of either course satisfies the area of practice 
requirement for all engineering disciplines and represents an excellent 
opportunity to become knowledgeable of promising new distributed power 
technologies. Because of the increasing importance of distributed power systems in 
moving the U.S. toward greater energy independence, engineers are encouraged to 
take both courses.

Separate certificates of completion are awarded to all registered attendees who 
complete each course. There are no written examinations.

The courses will be taught by Jerry Ventre, an energy engineering consultant and 
immediate past director of the photovoltaics and distributed generation division 
of the Florida Solar Energy Center. He received bachelors, masters and doctoral 
degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has more 
than 35 years of experience in various aspects of engineering, including research, 
development, design and systems analysis. In addition to developing and leading 
the photovoltaics and distributed power programs at FSEC for more than 20 years, 
Ventre held positions as technical director of the University of Central Florida's 
Space Education and Research Center, manager of advanced technology at UCF's 
Institute for Simulation and Training, and deputy director of FSEC.

The registration fee is $100 for either course or $160 for both. Early 
registration is recommended to ensure adequate attendance.  For more information 
or to register, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu/ed/contin_ed/dg_for_pe.htm 
or contact JoAnn Stirling at 321-638-1014 or joann@fsec.ucf.edu.

The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central 
Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in 
the country.  Current research activities include solar water and pool heating, 
solar electric and distributed generation systems, energy-efficient buildings, 
alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and other energy 
areas.  For more information about the center, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu 
or call the FSEC Public Information Office at (321) 638-1015.