Wind Turbine Technician.. anybody one, or work with them?

[Fortress Maximus]

I’m going to school to become a certified Wind Turbine Technician. It’s a 4 semester certificate program.

Is anybody in school, already a Wind Turbine Tech, or work closely with Wind Turbines? If so, do you have an opinion on becoming a tech, or ANYBODY that knows about wind or alternative energy have some thoughts? I think it sounds awesome myself, but not many people I know of pursuing it at the moment.

 

[cordoncordon]

I’m going to school to become a certified Wind Turbine Technician. It’s a 4 semester certificate program.

Is anybody in school, already a Wind Turbine Tech, or work closely with Wind Turbines? If so, anybody have an opinion on becoming a tech? I think it sounds awesome myself, but not many people I know of pursuing it at the moment.

I think you are making a great decision. As a stock trader, wind power has great potential with some companies I know, and I am always on the lookout for a great wind play like APWR. While short term I dont expect wind power companies to do much, in the mid to long term they are great potential profit makers, which is good news for you.

Cant help you out other than that and to say good luck and again....great decision.

 

[synergy1]

I think you are making a great decision. As a stock trader, wind power has great potential with some companies I know, and I am always on the lookout for a great wind play like APWR. While short term I dont expect wind power companies to do much, in the mid to long term they are great potential profit makers, which is good news for you.

Cant help you out other than that and to say good luck and again....great decision.

I don't want to derail this thread too much, but how do you figure wind power companies will make money? I see wind along with PV solar technology as the weakest of the alternative energy markets mainly due to intermittent supply of power along with the sheer cost of materials required to build a low energy density power source. Energy is a low margin market to begin with, but wind and solar has the good graces of the US governments by having the highest subsidies on a per energy basis when compared to coal, oil and unclear. ( because its a low energy producer), so maybe that is a positive for them.

As a tech, you'll develop skill sets which can be utilized in other sectors within the energy field. this is very good, as I feel energy is where the money is at. From your point of view, this is a good move on your choice.

 

[cordoncordon]

I don't want to derail this thread too much, but how do you figure wind power companies will make money? I see wind along with PV solar technology as the weakest of the alternative energy markets mainly due to intermittent supply of power along with the sheer cost of materials required to build a low energy density power source. Energy is a low margin market to begin with, but wind and solar has the good graces of the US governments by having the highest subsidies on a per energy basis when compared to coal, oil and unclear. ( because its a low energy producer), so maybe that is a positive for them.

As a tech, you'll develop skill sets which can be utilized in other sectors within the energy field. this is very good, as I feel energy is where the money is at. From your point of view, this is a good move on your choice.

Check out APWR, wind company in China doing quite well.

 

[synergy1]

Check out APWR, wind company in China doing quite well.

ah, china...that explains it all. The other green technology- solar - is big in china since many rare earths are mined in china and are essential to "green" technologies...mainly PV cells and battaries.

will look into it, am interested. Wind will continue to recieve subsidies from the US govnt, and the growth in texas is very fast paced now. you could be onto something!

 

[Fortress Maximus]

Synergy1, I'm all for this thread turning into a discussion on alternative energy and what people think about its possible influence on how we get power in the future. Also, the classes I’ve taken qualify as well for a solar certificate and to enter an internship as a Utility Line Worker with Consumer’s Energy (HUGE Michigan power company). There is definitely an advantage to learning the skill sets within the energy world.

cordoncordon, thanks for words, man. Things I doubt I’d learn without asking the question here.

I’ve taken many mechanical and electrical courses (power transmission, electric machine controls, etc.) so far, but not my required wind power class. Because of that I have a lot of questions still myself. I’ve heard negative comments such as: “the grid” needs to be changed to accommodate wind power (?), too expensive, and some who think it’s a down right waste of money. Also, as this thread shows, a lot of positive words too.

 

[synergy1]

Synergy1, I'm all for this thread turning into a discussion on alternative energy and what people think about its possible influence on how we get power in the future. Also, the classes I’ve taken qualify as well for a solar certificate and to enter an internship as a Utility Line Worker with Consumer’s Energy (HUGE Michigan power company). There is definitely an advantage to learning the skill sets within the energy world.

cordoncordon, thanks for words, man. Things I doubt I’d learn without asking the question here.

I’ve taken many mechanical and electrical courses (power transmission, electric machine controls, etc.) so far, but not my required wind power class. Because of that I have a lot of questions still myself. I’ve heard negative comments such as: “the grid” needs to be changed to accommodate wind power (?), too expensive, and some who think it’s a down right waste of money. Also, as this thread shows, a lot of positive words too.

I didn't want my question to degrade into a Green energy is good/bad debate, but rather was curious how the adverse conditions would treat a companies long term profitability.

Here are the cons of wind power:

1- It is not always on. because of this , you will need backup always on energy to keep it going; coal currently comprises of 40% of our electrical generation. Thus, the higher the wind capacity, the more coal you need to burn ; there is not a single study that shows wind power will reduce overall CO2 emissions. Moreover, because coal boilers are turned off/on, its not as efficient as keeping them always on...think of your car in the city vs on the highway MPG.

2 - low energy density. There needs to be a lot of land for wind and solar energy, and it doesn't produce much. People don't want to live near them

3- Lots of raw materials required. Compared to nuclear, coal etc, wind requires more material per WATT of energy produced.

(If you want the numbers, I can dig them up along with their references)

That said, I think that you would be wise to pursue a career in this field. Just because wind isn't the *best* energy source out there doesn't mean you can't really develop great skill sets while working in the industry. your skills would start with wind turbines but be applicable all over the energy field. Plus if skilled people get into the field and make significant contributions, you can change minds like mine!

I tried starting a green energy start up but it did not work. I am still bullish on the energy industry in general and am also seeking a job in this industry. The world will always need energy, and those who can generate it will hold all the cards.

On the grid- its pretty arcane and needs to be upgraded anyway.

 

[Fortress Maximus]

Synergy1, looking over your posts and points I understand what you’re saying. I’ve had many doubts about Wind Turbines and their possible success in the future, but was attracted to the field because the job sounded so damn cool. Working 300ft in the air with electricity anyone?

I’ve thought before that wind was just the popular alternative energy at the moment… the Duracell commercial narrated by Jeff bridges, or The Dude, for example. That possible a decade from now we will hear nothing from it. cordoncordon made me think maybe that’s not true and the future maybe bright. In the current status of the US, do we have the means to invest in it though? Synergy1, you made a comment on wind being in the good graces of the government at the moment. Will this continue? I sure hope.

 

[synergy1]

Synergy1, looking over your posts and points I understand what you’re saying. I’ve had many doubts about Wind Turbines and their possible success in the future, but was attracted to the field because the job sounded so damn cool. Working 300ft in the air with electricity anyone?

I’ve thought before that wind was just the popular alternative energy at the moment… the Duracell commercial narrated by Jeff bridges, or The Dude, for example. That possible a decade from now we will hear nothing from it. cordoncordon made me think maybe that’s not true and the future maybe bright. In the current status of the US, do we have the means to invest in it though? Synergy1, you made a comment on wind being in the good graces of the government at the moment. Will this continue? I sure hope.

You have a good point. If you like the idea of getting into the field, than you might have something going. It keeps you out of the office to say the least!

What keeps gas prices so low in the U.S? Subsidies. otherwise, you are looking at gas prices like denmark and Britain. The energy industry is a different beast than others; the government will subsidize projects based on the political climate. For example, if its "cool" to increase wind capacity, a senator will promote project and monies be made available so that he/she can vie for votes for their next election.

A good question is will the government continue to support wind power. One way I can think of to see if it will is to check out the monies made available by grants and such for wind projects. Has the federal $$'s increased year in and year out? If so, you probably have a strong case for our govn't continuing down that direction. In my old field, the government was aggressively pursuing algae derived biofuels, and had spent more money in the last 4 years than the previous 50...thus the trend was obvious.

...follow the money trail!

 

[Julius_Seizeher]

After a very slick pitch, the wind company man offered me $5,000 per mill per year to put windmills on my land. They're an eyesore, I'd have to farm around em, plus wind seems like a weak power source. Aren't they getting ready to build like 30 nuclear reactors across the country?

No way would I stare at those damn things for less than 20 Gs.

 

[SBW]

The way windfarms make money here is off the back of public subsidy. Grants are pretty easy to obtain and pay around 80% of their 20-year total in the first five years.

After that, most seem to regard any power generation as a bonus and many sit idle for much of the time, often because the wind is too strong.

In its place, wind is valid as one of a range of alternative sources but its industrial-scale application is maybe a bit optimistic and only serves to hold back other forms of renewable energy.

So don't look forward to much more than the next 15-20 years for work but until then, you probably have a good job.

And yes, part of my work does involve certain environmental aspects of wind power.

 

[synergy1]

After a very slick pitch, the wind company man offered me $5,000 per mill per year to put windmills on my land. They're an eyesore, I'd have to farm around em, plus wind seems like a weak power source. Aren't they getting ready to build like 30 nuclear reactors across the country?

No way would I stare at those damn things for less than 20 Gs.

B&W and others are working on smaller scale nuclear reactors, but the lead time on those is still on the order of magnitude of 10 years or so. The idea is to sell incremental cheaper reactors to municipalities so they can afford them. The problem now is the U.S energy policy is all over the map and no one is in charge. We aren't pushing nuclear as much as we should since it is the only significant power source with 0 CO2 emissions.

Westinghouse is building nuclear powerplants, but probably in china or france. the U.S is too busy squabbling with politics to make advances.

 

[Fortress Maximus]

For the time being I agree it looks good, but as I said it could change. I’m happier to have the training I’m going through under my belt. Even better, I actually enjoy the classes! I’ve put a lot of thought into going back to night school immediately for engineering (civil, electrical, or mechanical).

Julius_Seizeher, I’ve heard and read many people find wind turbines are a real eye sore. Another big complement is there not nearly as quiet as they say.

 

[Inquisitus]

Unless household cold fusion, nukes, fuel cell, or some other unforeseen technology becomes the main source of electricity in the near future, you should be good.

If i'm not mistaken, wind, hydro, & geothermal all require turbines to generate electricity. So you've got transferable skills there.

Solar & power transmission are electrical. Power plants (nuke, fusion, coal) still need to transmit to the grid.

So you're pretty covered in your courses. All you have to decide now is which type of engineer you'd want to be.

 

[taiyuu_otoko]

For the time being I agree it looks good, but as I said it could change. I’m happier to have the training I’m going through under my belt. Even better, I actually enjoy the classes! I’ve put a lot of thought into going back to night school immediately for engineering (civil, electrical, or mechanical).

That's the most important thing, that you're learning something that you enjoy learning and may very well be transferable to other, more lucrative areas should wind turbines not pan out. Keep in mind that any government sponsorship could very well change in depending on who's in the white house.

If you could, talk to one of your professors, and find out exactly how transferable your skills would be, and in what other areas could they be transferable.

Personally, I agree with other posters on the economic limitations on wind as a viable energy source, but you gotta start somewhere.

If anything, you could get some experience building the wind mills, and then study something else that interests you.

 

[Fortress Maximus]

That's the most important thing, that you're learning something that you enjoy learning and may very well be transferable to other, more lucrative areas should wind turbines not pan out. Keep in mind that any government sponsorship could very well change in depending on who's in the white house.

If you could, talk to one of your professors, and find out exactly how transferable your skills would be, and in what other areas could they be transferable.

Personally, I agree with other posters on the economic limitations on wind as a viable energy source, but you gotta start somewhere.

If anything, you could get some experience building the wind mills, and then study something else that interests you.

Taiyuu, I’ve gone from being a lost 20 something to being lucky enough to find something I love to learn about. Not everybody gets that lucky in life.

The government sponsorship is something that has worried me sense day one. Having Obama being elected again will help me immensely. If not, who knows?

 

[taiyuu_otoko]

I’ve gone from being a lost 20 something to being lucky enough to find something I love to learn about. Not everybody gets that lucky in life.

Normal People = hate school can't wait to get out, do what society dishes up

Lucky People = enjoy learning/doing something that can make them some $$$

Masters Of The Universe = NEVER stop learning and improving. EVER.

Learn on, brother.

 

[kingsam]

a big issue wiht wind turbines is that they interfere (esp. the very big ones) wiht air traffic control radar, Qinetic (british defense company and the main danish wind farm manufacturer are prototyping "stealth" blades) so soon this shouldnt be an issue

turbines are aparently also bad for bats (already endangerd enougth) as the drop in air preassure damages their ears...

i dont know why people think they are ugly... they look better than a coal/oil/gas power station which are the main alternatives at the mo...pumping out crap

 

[Fortress Maximus]

Normal People = hate school can't wait to get out, do what society dishes up

Lucky People = enjoy learning/doing something that can make them some $$$

Masters Of The Universe = NEVER stop learning and improving. EVER.

Learn on, brother.

Couldn't say it better myself, man!

 

[LVC05]

Wind Turbine Tech.

Hi,
I have completed a wind turbine technician course thru, probably,
the most recognized private school in the country.
It was a year and a half ago and have not found a job.
Currently, I have found no job offerings that mention
a certification needed. I probably should have done
more research.
If you have at least one year experience
with electrical/hydraulic equipment you will most likely
get a job without a certificate. They will teach you
what you need to know on the job. If you are competing for a job
with someone and all other things being equal and you have a wind turbine
certificate than I would think that would put you ahead.
In a nutshell, the cert. is not worth much without the
experience and if you have experience I honestly don't
think you need the cert.
I loved the class and respect the school very much
as the people are extremely professional, but currently
it's just not being asked by employers to have a certificate.
Just check the job ads and you'll see that nowhere does
it ask for any kind of certificate.

I hope you land a job and get to climb those 300' towers.
It's got to be a great feeling up there working on those
monsters.