Thinking of starting a career as a Wind Technician? Here's 5 things our trainers wish they'd known in the early days.

We know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but without a time machine, there’s little we can do to change the past. But we can learn from other people and their experiences. If you’re starting your career as a Wind Technician, you know how invaluable it is to learn from experienced professionals.

So, with that in mind, we spoke to our amazing GWO course instructors and asked them, what do you wish you’d known in those early days as a wind tech?

No.1 – What are the proper LOTO procedures and what do really good LOTO procedures look like?

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring the safety of workers performing maintenance or servicing on machinery and equipment. Proper LOTO procedures prevent the unexpected energization or startup of machinery, as well as the release of stored energy, which could cause injuries. Here are the key steps and components of a good LOTO procedure:

Key Steps in LOTO Procedures

1. Preparation for Shutdown
2. Shutdown
3. Isolation
4. Lockout/Tagout Application
5. Release of Stored Energy
6. Verification of Isolation

Restoring Equipment to Service

1. Inspect the Work Area
2. Remove Lockout/Tagout Devices
3. Re-energize the Equipment
4. Notify Affected Employees

Components of a Good LOTO Procedure

1. Detailed Written Procedures
2. Training and Communication
3. Proper Equipment and Tools
4. Regular Audits and Inspections
5. Accountability and Responsibility

By following these steps and components, organizations can create robust LOTO procedures that protect workers and ensure a safe working environment.

No.2 – What are the differences between AR and FR clothing?

AR (Arc Rated) and FR (Flame Resistant or Flame Retardant) clothing are both designed to protect workers from hazardous environments involving heat, flames, or electrical arcs. However, there are key differences between these types of protective clothing.

1. Purpose and Protection

• FR Clothing (Flame Resistant/Flame Retardant)
• AR Clothing (Arc Rated)

2. Standards and Testing

• FR Clothing
• AR Clothing

3. Labeling and Ratings

• FR Clothing
• AR Clothing

4. Material and Design

• FR Clothing
• AR Clothing

Summary

• FR Clothing: Protects against flames and thermal hazards. Commonly used in industries with fire risks. Labeled with flame resistance standards.
• AR Clothing: Protects against arc flash incidents and includes an arc rating (ATPV or EBT). Primarily used in electrical industries. Labeled with arc flash protection standards.

Choosing the appropriate type of protective clothing depends on the specific hazards present in the work environment. For environments with both fire and electrical arc flash risks, AR clothing that meets both flame resistance and arc flash protection standards may be necessary.

No.3 – What are some of the common high voltage hazards wind techs face?

High voltage hazards in wind turbines pose significant risks to workers, and understanding these hazards is essential for ensuring safety. Here are some common high voltage hazards encountered in wind turbines:

1. Arc Flash

• Description: An arc flash occurs when an electrical current passes through the air between conductors, generating intense heat and light. This can cause severe burns, eye damage, and even fatalities.
• Risks: Arc flashes can occur during maintenance or repair operations, particularly when working on electrical panels, switchgear, or other high-voltage components.

2. Electrical Shock

• Description: Electrical shock occurs when a person comes into contact with a live electrical component, resulting in the passage of electrical current through the body.
• Risks: Shock hazards are present when working on or near live electrical equipment, including transformers, inverters, and cabling within the turbine.

3. Stored Energy

• Description: High-voltage systems can store significant amounts of electrical energy in capacitors and other components, even when the system is shut down.
• Risks: Unexpected release of stored energy can cause shocks or arc flashes. Proper procedures must be followed to discharge stored energy before working on the equipment.

4. Insulation Failure

• Description: Insulation in high-voltage components can degrade over time due to environmental factors, mechanical wear, or electrical stresses.
• Risks: Insulation failure can lead to short circuits, ground faults, and unintentional energization of conductive parts, posing shock and fire hazards.

5. Switching Operations

• Description: Operations involving the switching of high-voltage circuits, such as connecting or disconnecting components, can generate electrical arcs.
• Risks: Improper switching procedures can result in arc flash incidents or damage to equipment, creating hazardous conditions.

6. Lightning Strikes

• Description: Wind turbines are tall structures often located in exposed areas, making them susceptible to lightning strikes.
• Risks: Lightning can cause direct damage to electrical components and induce high-voltage surges, leading to arc flashes and equipment failure.

7. Faulty Grounding

• Description: Proper grounding is essential to ensure electrical safety by providing a path for fault currents. Faulty or inadequate grounding can pose serious risks.
• Risks: Improper grounding can lead to elevated voltages in unintended parts of the system, increasing the risk of electrical shock and equipment damage.

8. Human Error

• Description: Mistakes made by personnel during installation, maintenance, or repair of high-voltage systems can create hazardous conditions.
• Risks: Incorrect procedures, failure to follow safety protocols, or lack of proper training can result in exposure to live parts, leading to shocks or arc flashes.

9. Component Failure

• Description: High-voltage components, such as transformers, converters, and circuit breakers, can fail due to manufacturing defects, aging, or excessive loads.
• Risks: Component failures can lead to electrical faults, fires, and other hazardous situations.

10. Environmental Conditions

• Description: Harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and saltwater exposure, can affect the integrity of high-voltage components.
• Risks: Environmental degradation can lead to insulation breakdown, corrosion of electrical connections, and increased likelihood of electrical faults.

Safety Measures

To mitigate these hazards, the following safety measures are typically implemented:

• Training and Certification: Ensuring all personnel are properly trained and certified in high-voltage safety procedures.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using appropriate PPE, such as insulated gloves, arc flash suits, and face shields.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: Implementing strict LOTO procedures to ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be accidentally re-energized during maintenance.
• Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of high-voltage components to identify and address potential issues.
• Proper Grounding and Bonding: Ensuring all components are correctly grounded and bonded to prevent electrical shocks.
• Use of Insulated Tools: Utilizing insulated tools to prevent accidental contact with live parts.
• Environmental Controls: Protecting electrical components from environmental damage through proper enclosures and environmental controls.

By understanding and addressing these high voltage hazards, the safety of workers in and around wind turbines can be significantly improved.

No.4 – How to read electrical and hydraulic schemtics

Reading schematics for wind turbines, whether electrical or hydraulic, requires understanding the symbols, layout, and conventions used in these diagrams. Here’s a guide to help you interpret these schematics effectively:

Understanding Electrical Schematics

1. Basic Components and Symbols
2. Reading the Layout
3. Common Wind Turbine Electrical Components
4. Example Symbols

Understanding Hydraulic Schematics

1. Basic Components and Symbols
2. Reading the Layout
3. Common Wind Turbine Hydraulic Components
4. Example Symbols

Tips for Reading Schematics

1. Start with the Legend: Always begin by reviewing the legend or key, which explains the symbols used in the schematic.
2. Follow the Flow: Identify the source of power or fluid and follow the path through various components to understand the system’s operation.
3. Look for Labels: Components are often labeled with reference designators (e.g., R1 for resistor, Q1 for transistor) and sometimes with descriptive names.
4. Refer to Standards: Familiarize yourself with standards like IEC, ANSI, or ISO, which provide guidelines for schematic symbols and layout.
5. Practice with Examples: Study sample schematics and try to identify and trace different circuits or hydraulic paths.

Resources for Learning

• Standards Organizations: Documents from IEC, ANSI, and ISO.
• Textbooks and Manuals: Books on electrical and hydraulic systems, specifically for wind turbines or industrial applications.
• Online Tutorials: Websites and videos that offer step-by-step guides to reading schematics.

By understanding these basic principles and symbols, you’ll be able to read and interpret wind turbine electrical and hydraulic schematics more effectively.

No.5 – What are all the different parts that make up a wind turbine?

A wind turbine consists of several key components that work together to convert wind energy into electrical energy. Here are the main parts of a wind turbine and their functions:

1. Rotor Blades

• Function: Capture the kinetic energy of the wind.
• Description: Usually, wind turbines have three rotor blades that are aerodynamically designed to maximize efficiency.

2. Hub

• Function: Connects the rotor blades to the nacelle.
• Description: The central part where the blades are attached. It is connected to the main shaft.

3. Nacelle

• Function: Houses most of the turbine’s key components.
• Description: Located at the top of the tower, the nacelle contains the gearbox, generator, controller, and other essential parts.

4. Main Shaft (Low-Speed Shaft)

• Function: Transfers mechanical energy from the rotor blades to the gearbox.
• Description: Connects the hub to the gearbox and rotates at the same speed as the blades.

5. Gearbox

• Function: Increases the rotational speed from the main shaft to the generator.
• Description: Converts the slow rotational speed of the rotor (typically 10-60 RPM) to a higher speed (typically 1000-1800 RPM) suitable for generating electricity.

6. Generator

• Function: Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Description: Often an induction or synchronous generator that produces electricity when rotated.

7. Controller

• Function: Monitors and controls the operation of the turbine.
• Description: Ensures the turbine operates efficiently and safely, adjusting the pitch of the blades and the yaw of the nacelle as needed.

8. Brake System

• Function: Stops the rotor in emergencies or during maintenance.
• Description: Mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic brakes can be used to stop the rotor from spinning.

9. Yaw System

• Function: Rotates the nacelle to face the wind direction.
• Description: Ensures the turbine is aligned with the wind to maximize energy capture. It includes a yaw motor and a yaw bearing.

10. Pitch System

• Function: Adjusts the angle of the rotor blades.
• Description: Changes the pitch of the blades to control rotational speed and optimize power generation.

11. Tower

• Function: Supports the nacelle and rotor blades.
• Description: Usually made of steel or concrete, the tower elevates the rotor blades to a height where they can capture more wind energy.

12. Anemometer and Wind Vane

• Function: Measure wind speed and direction.
• Description: Mounted on the nacelle, these instruments provide data to the controller to adjust the yaw and pitch systems.

13. Transformer

• Function: Steps up the voltage of the generated electricity for transmission.
• Description: Converts the generator’s output voltage to a higher voltage suitable for transmission over power lines.

14. Foundation

• Function: Anchors the turbine to the ground.
• Description: Made of concrete and steel, the foundation provides stability and support for the entire structure.

15. Cooling System

• Function: Keeps the generator and other components at a safe operating temperature.
• Description: Uses air or liquid cooling methods to dissipate heat generated during operation.

Understanding these parts and their functions is essential for the design, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines.

As you can see, learning from those with high-quality, real-life experience can be a huge benefit at any stage of your wind technician career, especially if you’re just starting out. That’s why at STL USA, we value training the whole wind tech, throughout the lifespan of their career, rather than solely focusing on certification and classroom training.

If you’d like to know more about the wide range of training STL USA offers, above and beyond standard GWO certification courses, drop us a message today at [email protected].