Wind Turbine Service Technicians
In wind power service, the focus is on maintaining and ensuring the operation of the turbine. This involves repairing, maintaining, and servicing all relevant systems.
Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for troubleshooting and preventing issues in all areas, from generators to rotor blades and electrical systems. As a result, you work collaboratively with colleagues from other specialized fields.
Tasks based on the areas of deployment for wind turbine service technicians
As a wind turbine service technician, your work begins once the turbine is operational. Your primary goal is to ensure its continuous and safe operation, avoid problems, and resolve any disruptions. This profession revolves around long-term customer service, as well as the maintenance and preservation of the turbines. However, there may also be a need for involvement during the construction phase. Both activities can take place both onshore and offshore.
The tasks are quite similar in both areas. When working in construction, your focus is on assembling all mechanical and electrical components. Subsequently, the turbine needs to be commissioned. It is important to complete the work within a designated time frame, overcoming changing conditions to ensure a smooth start-up.
In a service role, you are responsible for the smooth operation of the turbine and ensuring its good condition. This involves inspecting the turbine within specified service intervals. The inspection includes checking the hydraulics, gears, wear parts, and the entire electrical system. For this reason, wind turbine service technicians usually work in teams of at least two people, with fitters, electricians, or mechatronics professionals complementing each other. If damages are detected or wear parts have reached their end, appropriate action is taken to address the issues. In case of disruptions that halt the turbine’s operation, you investigate the faults and work to restore functionality promptly. The assignments are meticulously planned and documented.
Onshore Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Onshore refers to wind turbines located on land. These wind farms require regular inspections, which can be complicated by weather conditions. Strong winds can cause delays during construction. During operation, turbines are primarily affected by wear and tear and weather conditions. There is also a risk of vandalism, which may require additional cleaning or repair work.
Offshore Wind Turbine Service Technicians
The term “offshore” refers to wind farms situated in coastal waters. The tasks for offshore wind turbine service technicians are essentially the same as those onshore. However, the turbines face additional challenges. The salt in the air and water can corrode the materials and rotor blades, requiring special care and attention. Weather conditions in offshore locations are changeable, demanding adaptability. The work is organized in “turns” of 14 days on-site and 14 days at home.
Career path
To become a wind turbine service technician, you can pursue further education. This builds upon technical professions such as electronics or mechanical engineering. However, career entry with sufficient professional experience is also possible. The training equips participants with the necessary knowledge to maintain and repair wind turbines.
Another aspect to consider is that the work takes place at heights of 100 meters and often involves working on ropes. Therefore, it is advantageous to have additional qualifications as an industrial climber according to FISAT or IRATA. These qualifications can be obtained through further training and a subsequent examination.
With such qualifications, you can engage in corresponding activities in the industry in any area, working “from the ropes.”
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Requirements and prerequisites
To work in the wind energy sector, you should meet certain requirements. Vocational education and further training provide the necessary knowledge and skills to take care of the turbines. Additionally, you need a certain level of manual dexterity to solve problems quickly and reliably.
However, succeeding in this field requires more than just professional expertise. Other demands include reliability, a sense of responsibility, and, crucially, teamwork. In a team-based environment, each member must be able to rely on others to fulfil their tasks. This is particularly important as electricians and mechanics work together, each focusing on their area of expertise. Moreover, conditions can change continuously, with factors such as weather fluctuations and delays requiring flexibility to adapt.
Wind turbine service technicians work at heights of 100 meters. This necessitates a fundamental aptitude for heights and being free from vertigo. Physical fitness is also important to cope with the demands of the job. For those working offshore, suitability for working at sea and resistance to seasickness are essential.
Wind turbines are installed in areas with strong winds and less dense populations. Therefore, working in wind farms requires the willingness to travel for work and a valid driver’s license. If you choose to work in wind farms, you should be prepared for a work schedule that involves multi-day shifts. During these shifts, you will typically sleep in hotels near the work sites. This arrangement will impact your personal life, including friendships, family, and hobbies.
Future Outlook for Wind Turbine Service Technicians
The renewable energy market is rapidly evolving, driven by the energy transition, with wind power being a crucial component. Both onshore and offshore wind energy offer many job opportunities, providing good prospects for securing a future-proof position. Working in this industry allows you to make a real impact. Furthermore, the increasing demand for skilled professionals enables many wind turbine service technicians to establish themselves in the field. If you possess the necessary qualifications, you can build a successful career.
These qualifications include teamwork, adaptability, and initiative. The work is carried out in teams, where each member must be able to rely on others to perform their tasks reliably. Unexpected problems may arise at any time, requiring quick decision-making that does not allow for lengthy consultations and deliberations. Lastly, it is important to adapt to the constantly changing conditions of the industry to keep pace with its rapid development and achieve significant milestones.
FAQs about Wind Turbine Service Technicians
What is the salary for wind turbine service technicians?
The salary for wind turbine service technicians cannot be universally specified. It depends on various factors, including personal experience, company size, and specific job roles.
Which education serves as a foundation for becoming a wind turbine service technician?
To become a wind turbine service technician, a background in electronic, mechanical, or other technical vocations is a good foundation. Further education can be pursued to gain specific knowledge of wind turbine systems.