Texas Tech University
Lubbock , Texas
Has a Wind Science and Engineering Research Center.
Midland College has developed an Energy
Technology Program that includes wind
energy production. A brief description follows:
The Energy Technology
Program will provide training in the electrical and
mechanical aspects of the installation, operation, and
maintenance systems used in petroleum explorations and
production and in
wind
energy production. Graduates will be prepared for jobs as
field, installation, operation and maintenance technicians.
Developed as a direct
response to employer requests, the program is uniquely
structured with two basic certificates applicable to both
petroleum and
wind
energy industries. These certificates include competencies
in technical calculations, basic fluid power, electricity
principles, electromechanical troubleshooting and repair,
safety, programmable logic controllers, pump operation,
field reports and data transfer, and working with servers.
Upon completion of the basic certificates, students may
elect to specialize in either petroleum or
wind
energy and acquire advanced skills relating to these fields.
Another unique aspect of
the program is that the basic certificate is offered through
dual enrollment to eligible high school students. This
approach accommodates the need for area high schools to
incorporate curriculum linked to the central component of
the regional economy – energy production. It also
recognizes that many high school students seek jobs in the
energy industry immediately upon graduation. By mastering
the competencies addressed in the basic certificates, these
individuals are better prepared to perform successfully in
entry level positions.
Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield, Midland, TX 79705, Phone: (432) 685-4528,
www.midland.edu
Wind Turbine Technician
Careers & Salary
The growing demand for wind energy has created the need for highly
skilled wind turbine technicians. The
technician must use computers, have an understanding of hydraulics,
electricity and meteorology. Although many wind turbine technicians have experience as a welder, many
wind technicians
complete two-year education programs in wind technology. The Wind
Technician must work
250 feet above the ground. Travel is often a big part of the job.
Based on current positions, wind turbine
technicians
earn $17.00 to $27.00 per hour.
Wind turbine
A wind turbine is
a rotating machine which
converts the
kinetic energy
in
wind into
mechanical energy.
If the mechanical energy
is used directly by
machinery, such as a
pump or grinding stones,
the machine is usually
called a
windmill. If
the mechanical energy is
then converted to
electricity,
the machine is called a
wind generator,
wind turbine,
wind power unit (WPU),
wind energy converter
(WEC), or
aerogenerator.
This article discusses
electric power
generation machinery.
Windmill
discusses machines used
for grain-grinding,
water pumping, etc. The
article on
wind power
describes turbine
placement, economics and
public concerns. The
wind energy
section of that article
describes the
distribution of wind
energy over time, and
how that affects
wind-turbine design. See
environmental concerns
with electricity
generation
for discussion of
environmental problems
with wind-energy
production
