Today in the United States, there are close to 70,000 wind turbines. These turbines generate clean, reliable power for homes and businesses. Currently, wind power capacity totals nearly 140 GW, which makes it the fourth-largest source of electricity generation capacity in the U.S.
As we continue to shift towards sustainable energy sources, wind power has emerged as a crucial component of the renewable energy landscape. Yet, behind the scenes, skilled professionals play a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of these towering structures.
Here is a brief overview of the vital wind turbine technician or a windtech.
What Is a Wind Turbine Technician?
A wind turbine technician is a skilled professional responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. Wind turbine technicians are trained to work at great heights. As such, they possess a combination of essential skills, including:
- Physical dexterity
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical expertise
- Attention to detail
Wind turbine technicians are in high demand in the U.S. It is estimated that the employment of wind turbine technicians will grow by 44% between 2021 and 2031. This is much faster than the average for occupations in the country, highlighting the importance of the industry.
Certain states are leading the way when it comes to embracing wind energy. These include Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy provides more than 50% of total electricity generation. Other leading states include North Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Responsibilities of a Wind Turbine Technician
In the first instance, wind turbine technicians assist in installing and commissioning wind turbines. As noted above, nearly 70,000 wind turbines are spread across the country today, which is growing all the time.
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of wind turbines and is part of the responsibilities of a wind turbine technician. This work includes routine inspections, lubrication, and cleaning of turbine components.
Wind turbine technicians also oversee troubleshooting and wind turbine repair. They use specialized tools and equipment to repair or replace faulty components, ensuring the turbines are up and running efficiently.
Safety compliance is another critical part of a wind turbine technician’s work. This is because they must prioritize safety in all aspects of their work to protect themselves and their team members while working at heights and handling heavy equipment.
Typically, wind turbine service technicians perform the following tasks:
- Help engineers and ironworkers install new wind turbines.
- Examine the exterior and structural integrity of wind turbine towers.
- Maintain wind turbines regularly.
- Climb wind turbine towers to check on or fix wind turbine equipment.
- Test and diagnose electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems and components
- Replace deteriorated or faulty components
- Gather information about turbines for testing, research, and analysis
- Support fiber optic sensing and control systems, wind field substations, and underground transmission systems.
The Role of a Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, the role of windtechs becomes increasingly essential. They help us to transition towards a more greener, sustainable future.
Here at Kor-Pak, we service and supply an extensive range of industries, including the wind turbine industry. If you want to learn more about our custom engineering services, contact us today.