Under the great wave of global transformation to green energy, wind power and photovoltaic power generation are like two bright pearls, shining in the energy sky. However, when we marvel at the huge blades of wind turbines dancing in the wind and the clean electricity generated by photovoltaic panels shining in the sun, we often overlook a group of people who silently dedicate themselves behind them – wind turbine technicians. They are like guardian angels, ensuring the stable operation of these green energy facilities.
Job content: interweaving of technology and responsibility
Daily inspection
For wind turbine technicians, daily tasks involve scaling towering structures for meticulous component checks. From blade integrity to gearbox function and bolt security, no detail escapes their scrutiny. Likewise, photovoltaic technicians navigate through arrays, inspecting for debris, stable brackets, secure connections, and proper equipment functionality.
Troubleshooting
When wind power equipment fails, operation and maintenance technicians need to quickly determine the problem. Wind turbine technicians troubleshoot software or hardware failures like pitch system malfunctions using tools like vibration analyzers and thermal imagers. In photovoltaic arrays, issues like panel hot spots and inverter failures are addressed through data analysis and on-site inspections to maintain power generation efficiency.
Data monitoring and analysis
Wind power and photovoltaic stations utilize numerous sensors for real-time equipment data collection. Technicians monitor and analyze this data to optimize operations. Analyzing wind turbine power curves ensures optimal performance, while evaluating power generation and environmental data in photovoltaic systems predicts potential failures.
Skill requirements: Integration of knowledge in multiple fields
Electrical knowledge
They need to be proficient in high and low voltage electrical systems and understand how to operate and maintain electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, contactors, and transformers. In wind power and photovoltaic power stations, the electrical system is the key to achieving power conversion and transmission. Operation and maintenance technicians must be able to perform electrical operations safely and accurately, such as switching operations.
Mechanical knowledge
The mechanical structure of the wind turbine is complex, including blades, gearboxes, main shafts and other components. Operation and maintenance technicians need to master mechanical principles and mechanical maintenance technology. For photovoltaic power stations, although there are relatively few mechanical components, the mechanical strength and stability of photovoltaic panel brackets are also one of the important contents of operation and maintenance.
Automation and control knowledge
Modern wind power and photovoltaic power stations have adopted advanced automation control systems. Operation and maintenance technicians must be familiar with PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, SCADA (Data Acquisition and Monitoring) system operation, etc., so that they can remotely monitor and control the equipment and optimize the equipment operating parameters.
Safety knowledge
Given the unique work environments, wind turbine technicians require heightened safety awareness. Proficiency in high-altitude protocols, electrical safety, fire prevention, and explosion prevention is crucial to safeguard both themselves and equipment during operations.
Working environment: challenges and beautiful scenery coexist
Wind power operation and maintenance
Wind turbine technicians face challenging conditions like high altitudes and extreme weather, enduring subzero temperatures in winter and scorching heat in summer. Stationed in remote areas with limited transport, they often reside on-site for extended periods. Despite these hardships, the breathtaking natural vistas from atop the turbine offer solace and reward for their dedication.
Photovoltaic operation and maintenance
Photovoltaic power stations are mostly built in open deserts, Gobi or on the roofs of large buildings. Operation and maintenance technicians need to walk for a long time under the scorching sun during inspections. In desert areas, they will also face the invasion of wind and sand. But when they see large areas of neatly arranged photovoltaic panels shining in the sun, like a blue ocean, they can also feel the value and significance of their work.
More learn:Wind Turbine Safety: Developing a Technician Training Course | Professional Safety | OnePetro
