Wind Turbine Technicians
Additional Information
Duties
Technicians that work on wind turbines often perform the following duties:
- Inspect the towers of wind turbines for their structural integrity.
- To examine or repair wind turbine equipment, climb the towers.
- Maintain wind turbines on a regular basis.
- Electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems are tested and troubleshooted.
- Replace any worn or broken parts.
- For testing or study and analysis, gather turbine data.
Transmission lines buried beneath the ground, wind farm substations, or fiber optic sensors and controllers.
Large mechanical devices, wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity. The turbine consists of a tower, three blades, and a nacelle, which includes an exterior shell, generator, gearbox, and brakes. Technicians who work on wind turbines put in new parts and fix existing ones.
Despite the fact that some Windtech's are involved in the construction of new wind turbines, the majority of their time is spent maintaining the turbines, particularly the nacelles, which hold the technology that generates power.
The amount of time a turbine has been in use is a major factor in determining a turbine's maintenance plan, but it can also vary by manufacturer. 24 hours a day, a centralized office keeps an eye on the turbines via technological means. Windtech are dispatched to the scene of a malfunction to make repairs. Component inspection and lubrication are two common maintenance tasks. Routine maintenance may be required up to three times a year for turbines that operate year-round.
Safety harnesses and a variety of hand and power tools are used by Windtech. Electrical problems can also be diagnosed with the use of computers. The nacelle, where the majority of turbine monitoring equipment is housed, is easily accessible from both on-site and off-site locations.
Education
Technical schools and community colleges are the primary training ground for most Windtech, while some individuals prefer to get an associate degree.
There are wind turbines on campus at many technical colleges that students can work on as part of their training. For example, in addition to lab work, the following areas of study are included in the curriculum:
- First aid, CPR, and rescue training.
- Maintenance of electrical systems.
- Hydraulic repair and upkeep.
- Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) systems.
- Inspection and upkeep of mechanical systems, such as blades.
- Programmable logic control (PLC) devices and computers.
Training
Along with formal education, Windtech must complete an internship lasting at least a year before they may begin working on actual wind turbines. Manufacturer training is a component of this program. Internships with wind turbine maintenance companies are an option for additional training.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
If you want to show that you know what you're doing, professional certification is an option. Employees with certifications in workplace electrical safety, tower climbing, and self-rescue are preferred by some employers. These credentials can be obtained from several organizations, and many certificate and degree programs incorporate them.
Qualities that may matter
Skills in verbal and nonverbal communication. Proper communication with coworkers is essential for the safety and efficiency of Windtech employees.
Dedicated to accuracy. All work performed by Windtech must be documented. Maintenance of a wind turbine involves precise measurements, a well-defined method and several safety measures.
Mechanistic ability. Mechanical, hydraulic, braking and electrical systems of wind turbines must be understood and repaired by Windtech.
The ability to maintain one's energy levels. For Windtech, climbing to the tops of wind turbines with tools and equipment is a necessary ability. Tower ladders can reach heights of up to 260 feet.
Strength of body. Windtech are required to lift large tools, parts, and equipment that can weigh up to 50 pounds.
Skills in troubleshooting. Windtech must be able to identify and fix issues. Technicians must identify the problem and fix it if a turbine behaves improperly.
Pay
In May 2020, the median yearly salary for wind turbine technicians was $56,230. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is said to be the "median." Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide disparity in income.
Job Projections
By 2030, wind turbine technician employment is expected to expand by 68 percent, substantially faster than the national average.