Month: December 2024

Wind energy is a cornerstone of the renewable energy revolution, a sector undergoing huge growth currently. With this growth, the demand for workers has rocketed, with programs such as STL USA’s WindStart – Get Into Wind supporting bringing new people into the field.  Wind technicians, often called “wind techs,” are the unsung heroes keeping the turbines spinning. Working high above the ground in remote locations, their job is as challenging as it is rewarding. Let’s take a look at a typical day for a wind technician on a U.S. wind farm, where technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to safety go hand in hand.

Starting the Day: Morning Safety Briefing

Before the sun rises over the rolling hills or open plains where wind farms are typically located, wind technicians arrive at the site headquarters. Their day begins with a team meeting and safety briefing, a critical component of their routine. This session includes a review of the day’s tasks, weather conditions, and any specific hazards. Safety is paramount in this line of work; the risks of high-altitude maintenance, electrical systems, and remote environments demand meticulous planning and strict adherence to protocols.

Technicians inspect their personal protective equipment (PPE) during this time, ensuring everything from their hard hats to their fall arrest systems is in peak condition. This equipment is their lifeline, protecting them from the inherent risks of working at heights of up to 300 feet.

Inspections and Maintenance: The Heart of the Job

After the briefing, the team heads out to the turbines. On most wind farms, these massive structures are spread across vast areas, so technicians typically use specialized utility vehicles to reach them.

Each turbine undergoes routine inspections to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. A single turbine can generate power for hundreds of homes, and downtime can impact the local power supply and the wind farm’s revenue. Technicians climb the towering structures, either using ladders built into the turbines or automated hoist systems, to inspect the mechanical components, electrical systems, and software that control the turbine.

Key maintenance tasks include:

• Inspecting Blades: Cracks, erosion, or debris can reduce the efficiency of the blades. Technicians use binoculars or drones for initial assessments and, if necessary, perform hands-on repairs suspended by ropes or platforms.
• Checking the Nacelle: This housing at the top of the turbine contains the gearbox, generator, and other essential components. Technicians ensure all systems are lubricated, properly aligned, and functioning as intended.
• Electrical System Checks: The control systems that regulate turbine operations are complex. Technicians use diagnostic tools to identify faults or inefficiencies in these systems and recalibrate or replace parts as needed.

The Role of Weather

Weather plays a significant role in a wind technician’s day. Wind turbines are most active in windy conditions, but high winds, thunderstorms, or icy weather can make climbing hazardous. Technicians must be acutely aware of changing weather patterns, often consulting real-time forecasts to determine whether it’s safe to ascend a turbine. If conditions deteriorate, they may pivot to ground-level tasks, such as preparing parts for future repairs or performing data analysis.

Midday Break and Continuous Learning

After a busy morning, technicians regroup for a lunch break. This period also serves as a time to document their work, review turbine performance data, and plan for the rest of the day. Wind farms often rely on digital monitoring systems, and part of a wind technician’s job involves interpreting data to identify trends or anomalies that might indicate emerging issues.

The renewable energy industry evolves rapidly, and continuous learning is a core part of the job. Wind technicians frequently participate in training sessions to stay updated on new technologies, safety standards, and repair techniques.

Problem-Solving: Emergency Repairs

Not all tasks are planned. Occasionally, technicians respond to alarms signaling an issue with a turbine. Diagnosing and resolving these problems requires a mix of mechanical knowledge, electrical expertise, and creativity. For instance, a gearbox failure might demand a temporary fix until a replacement part arrives.

Emergencies underscore the importance of teamwork. Technicians work in pairs or groups, communicating constantly to ensure that no task is performed alone. This approach enhances safety and fosters a collaborative spirit on-site.

The Drive Home: Reflecting on a Job Well Done

By late afternoon, technicians return to the headquarters to debrief. They document their work, report any unresolved issues, and prepare for the next day. Maintaining wind turbines is physically demanding and mentally stimulating, and many technicians find a deep sense of satisfaction in their work. Knowing they contribute to clean energy production motivates them to face the job’s unique challenges.

Safety: The Backbone of the Profession

Throughout the day, safety remains the cornerstone of a wind technician’s work. From harnessing themselves securely during climbs to following strict lockout/tagout procedures when working on electrical systems, technicians are trained to minimize risk. A single misstep can have severe consequences, making vigilance essential.

Technicians undergo regular safety drills and certifications, ensuring they are always prepared for potential emergencies. This culture of safety extends beyond individual responsibility; it is woven into the very fabric of wind farm operations.

A word from up the tower?

We asked our training team, who all have years and years experience in the field as wind technicians, to share some of the things they’ve learned during their careers, as well as some of the things they wished they’d know when starting out.

• “How critical electrical safety training is!” – If I had a chance to start over, I would’ve focused on getting plenty of good quality electrical training under my belt. I wasn’t aware of what the most common electrical hazards are for wind technicians and having that knowledge and supporting skills early on would’ve been a huge bonus – Cody Ramos, Trainer
• “Understanding schematics” – I’d never had any previous sight of any kind of schematics before, it’s a real skill understanding them and being able to use them properly. Once I did, I felt I was able to take a huge leap forward in my competency as a wind technician and perform my job so much more effectively – Keyon Demas, Trainer
• “What are the parts of an actual wind turbine” – I know it sounds super basic, but really knowing all the individual parts that make up a wind turbine, their names and functions, and how they all work together, that would’ve been great base knowledge to have starting out – Marshall Miller, Training Manager
• “How physically demanding it can be, and how much travel can be involved” – I’ve had a great time seeing so many amazing places across the US and working with the most incredible people. Doing a job where you can be outside and challenge yourself mentally and physically is a brilliant experience, one I’ll cherish forever. But if you want to make a career out of working in the wind industry sector, it’s important to appreciate the implications of this and how you can develop your career as you move through life. Learning from those around us, people who have been there and done that in the real world, is invaluable – Brandon McKelvain, Head of Training

Conclusion

A day in the life of a wind technician is a blend of technical skill, problem-solving, and physical endurance. It’s a career that demands resilience and a passion for renewable energy. Above all, it’s a role built on safety—a principle that ensures these dedicated professionals can continue their vital work, helping to power communities across the U.S. with clean, sustainable energy.