The Wind industry is witnessing rapid growth, and so are the careers associated with it. The technology of creating power using wind energy has made it a hugely profitable industry where aspiring professionals dream of being a part of it. To associate with this industry and enjoy the benefits, students have the option of taking courses and wind turbine technical training from institutes and academies.
Who can become a Wind Turbine Technician?
According to John Holland’s theory, individuals having realistic personality type are more interested in mechanical and building jobs such as a wind turbine technician. These types of personals have good working skills with tools and handling equipment and machines.
Wind turbine technician must also posses few personal qualities before enrolling for a wind turbine technical training such as:
Physical Stamina: As wind towers are huge structures with some reaching 260 feet or higher, technicians must have the stamina to climb high along with equipment and tools.
Physical Strength: Climbing up to the tower with equipment as heavy as 50 pounds requires a lot of physical strength.
No phobia in confined spaces: Often, technicians are required to work in confined spaces to access and repair some components of the turbine.
Aspiring students must be 18 years or above and must have a high school diploma to obtain wind turbine technical training.
Training
Wind technicians are provided both theory and practical on-site training during their wind turbine technical training course duration. Most institutes offer a two-term course where more than 12 months are dedicated to on-the-job training. During the on-site training period, technicians are instructed about their role in the maintenance and service of the wind turbines. The wind turbine technical training course is divided into three parts.
Wind Turbine Technical Training Phase I
Workplace Safety: Students are trained and instructed to work safely and according to safety procedures. The course focuses on safe equipment handling and machinery on the worksite.
Electrical Theory: Students are trained in the basics of current, voltage, and power. Advanced electrical concepts are also imparted during this course, which acts as the necessary foundation for the trainees.
Laboratory Fundamentals: This course allows students to practice electrical theory in a lab. Electrical equipment is used, and students are trained in evaluating electrical properties. Electric circuits and troubleshooting are also included in the course.
Wind Turbine Safety I: This course introduces the necessary skills for students. The wind industry is filled with multiple potential dangers, so the practice of using the safety gear properly must be trained to students. Techniques and guidelines for safe work habits are included in this course.
Wind Turbine Mechanical: Wind turbine basic maintenance, the functioning of components, repairing, and components replacement are all part of this course.
Wind Energy Theory: Students are introduced to the basics of wind energy in this course. The technology behind wind energy and harnessing power from wind turbines are part of this course.
Wind Turbine Technical Training Phase II
Wind Turbine Rotor Blades: This course introduces the function and design of a rotor blade. The topics covered during this course include the basics of reinforced fiberglass plastics and troubleshooting rotor blade issues.
Motor Control & Programmable Controllers: This course trains the student in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), which are used in the wind turbines. The function of motor control is also introduced to trainees. Lab practical is also a part of the course.
Wind Turbine Hydraulics: Students are exposed to hydraulic systems of a wind turbine during this course. Fundamentals of hydraulics are discussed, which helps in maintaining the components of the wind turbine. Troubleshooting wind turbine systems are also imparted during this course.
Wind Park Construction: Assembling of components used during the construction of wind turbines and commissioning is introduced in this course. Distribution of energy generated in the wind farm and the farm infrastructure is also introduced to the students.
Wind Turbine Safety-II: In addition to Wind Turbine Safety I, module II is provided in the second phase. This course further develops those safety skills acquired in module I. Students are presented with scenarios where they can practice intensive climbing methods, rescue techniques, and safe descending procedures.
Wind Turbine Electrical: This course focuses on AC electricity in theory and how it is generated. Wind turbines have electrical equipment that converts electricity. Students are trained to control the electric conversions both in theory and in a laboratory. Equipment used in wind turbines that generates electricity is also studied.
Wind Turbine Maintenance: Documentation and inspection of components used in wind turbines are part of this course. Maintenance of the components and troubleshooting are also present in the course. The importance of safety is also imparted to the students.
Wind Turbine Industry Communication: This course is designed to increase the proficiency needed to be functional in the wind industry. Students are prepared for communications that are needed for daily operations in the wind energy sector.
Wind Turbine Technical Training Phase III
On-site Training: Wind technicians receive 12 months of on-site training at a wind farm. Technicians have to perform maintenance, service, and repair works of the wind turbines. Part of the training includes training under a manufacturing facility, which helps the technicians to understand the core parts of the wind turbine. Some students are provided internship with servicing contractors engaged with wind turbines during the on-site training.
Conclusion
The wind industry is one of the fastest-growing technologies on the planet. With the rise in wind farms, individuals are more interested in exploring this huge profitable sector. Wind turbine technical training provided by various institutes and academies helps to balance this demand and supply of wind technicians.
