Skip to main content

Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician

Overview

This unique two-volume Wind Turbine and Maintenance Technician curriculum introduces learners to safely complete key job tasks, including climbing wind towers and installing and maintaining electrical equipment and switching devices. Coverage of power distribution systems, bearings, lubrication and hydraulics is also included.

This curriculum supports a three-year training program based upon the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Core Skill Set for Wind Turbine Service Technicians as well as the U.S. Department of Labor’s apprenticeship standards for wind turbine technicians.

 

Craft Snapshot

RECOMMENDED HOURS
195
PUBLISHED
2011, 1st Edition
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Not Available
LANGUAGES
English

Introduction to Wind Energy defines how wind generates power, discusses the two wind turbine types (horizontal and vertical-axis), and covers the advantages and disadvantages of wind-generated electricity.

This title is part of the Wind Turbine and Maintenance Technician curriculum, but also can be used as a supplement to any sustainable craft professional training program.

Introduction to Wind Energy
15 Hours

(Module ID 58101-11: Introduces the fundamentals of generating electrical power from wind energy. A brief history of wind energy is included as well as wind science, the interception of wind energy through a rotor, and an identification of major wind turbine generator components.

Introduction to Wind Turbine Safety
12.5 Hours

Module ID 58102-11: Introduces safety concerns of working inside the wind turbine and in the wind farm environment. Expands on earlier safety training and provides coverage of electrical arc flash safety.

Climbing Wind Towers
40 Hours

Module ID 58103-11: Covers all aspects of climbing wind turbine lattice towers and tubular towers. Discusses proper climbing equipment and equipment inspection, environmental hazards, proper climbing techniques, and common wind turbine safe climbing guidelines.

Introduction to Electrical Circuits
7.5 Hours

Module ID 26103-11; from Electrical Level One, Seventh Edition: Introduces electrical concepts used in Ohm’s law applied to DC series circuits. Covers atomic theory, electromotive force, resistance, and electric power equations.

Electrical Theory
7.5 Hours

Module ID 26104-11; from Electrical Level One, Seventh Edition: Introduces series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Covers resistive circuits, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws, and circuit analysis.

Electrical Test Equipment
5 Hours

Module ID 26112-11; from Electrical Level One, Seventh Edition: Covers proper selection, inspection, and use of common electrical test equipment, including voltage testers, clamp-on ammeters, ohmmeters, multimeters, phase/motor rotation testers, and data recording equipment. Also covers safety precautions and meter category ratings.

Electrical Wiring
10 Hours

Module ID 58104-11: Describes types and applications of conductors as well as their installation techniques. Also describes the technique and components used for terminating and splicing conductors.

Alternating Current and Three-Phase Systems
17.5 Hours

Module ID 80201-11; from Power Line Worker, Distribution Level Two: Introduces the development of both single- and three-phase alternating current. Analyzes the relationship of AC phases and introduces key components used to refine AC power. Discusses the operation of transformers and introduces advanced AC concepts such as reactive power and the power factor.

Circuit Breakers and Fuses
10 Hours

Module ID 58105-11: Explains the necessity of overcurrent protection and the way it is applied in the wind turbine environment. Explores the operation of common circuit breakers and the differences in various fuse types. Overcurrent device terminology is presented, along with a review of the information found on such devices.

Switching Devices
12.5 Hours

Module ID 58106-11: Provides coverage of switching devices related to the power distribution and control of wind turbines. Mechanical and solid-state relay types are presented, as well as typical wind turbine control wiring diagrams. Explains various time delay schemes and how they can be applied.

Wind Turbine Power Distribution Systems
12.5 Hours

Module ID 58107-11: Discusses the basics of power generation and the generators used in wind turbines. Reviews how power is distributed and controlled during various modes of wind turbine operation. Simple one-line diagrams are also covered.

Fasteners and Torquing
20 Hours

Module ID 58108-11: Presents comprehensive coverage of wind turbine fasteners and their required characteristics. Covers torque theory, torquing, tensioning, and hydraulic torquing equipment. Presents the use and care of all significant torquing and tensioning tools. The use of taps and dies is also introduced.

Introduction to Bearings
15 Hours

Module ID 32207-07; from Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Level Two: Introduces plain, ball, roller, thrust, guide, flanged, pillow block, and takeup bearings. Discusses bearing materials and designations.

Lubrication
12.5 Hours

Module ID 58109-11: Explores basic lubrication theory and related equipment. Includes the different applications and types of lubricants used in the wind turbine environment. Reviews OSHA’s hazard communication program and the EPA’s hazardous waste control program. Includes in-depth coverage of material safety data sheets.

Introduction to Hydraulic Systems
10 Hours

Module ID 58110-11: Covers all aspects of common hydraulic systems, including fluids, system components, and pumps. Presents the principles of hydraulic system operation and the related components. Simple hydraulic system maintenance is also introduced.

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.

Instructor Requirements

In addition to our standard instructor requirements, instructors of this craft must achieve the following:

  • Be certified to teach Core

  • Be an NCCER Certified Electrical instructor;

  • Pass an instructor exam; and

  • Have at least one year of experience in the wind industry.