What Is a Wind Turbine? Ultimate Guide

Wind turbines are majestic in motion.

So, how do wind turbines work? What do wind turbines do? What goes into wind power generation?

For aspiring wind turbine technicians, knowing these answers is vital and can help them gain a better understanding of careers available in the wind industry.

If you want to develop an industry-standard skill set to service and install wind turbine technology, consider enrolling in Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) 30-week Wind Turbine Technician training program. Graduates of our Wind Turbine Technician school can pursue entry-level positions in the industry.¹

Keep reading to learn more! This guide will help you understand how wind turbines operate, what they’re used for and why this technology is so important.

What Is a Wind Turbine?

A wind turbine converts wind into electricity. The wind propels the turbine blades to rotate, and this rotation then spins the turbine's generator, which generates electricity.

What Is Wind Energy?

Wind turbines are typically found in wind farms, where many wind turbines are linked together and feed electric power into an electric power grid. Energy from wind can then be used to fuel homes, large buildings and even entire zip codes.

Land-based wind

Land-based wind turbines are typically used to generate large amounts of commercial electricity. These turbines are installed on structures built over open land, such as farmer's fields or hillsides and take a lot of space to set up. Wind-generated electricity then travels through the electrical grid to power nearby homes and businesses.

Offshore wind

Offshore wind turbines operate in the same way as onshore wind turbines but are located in bodies of water such as oceans. They have larger rotors than their land-based counterparts to fully use the relatively higher speed of the wind over water, making them more powerful electricity producers. Because of their remote location and high operational capacity, offshore wind farms are also more expensive to build and require specialized installation equipment.

Distributed wind

Distributed wind turbines generate electricity on a smaller scale and are frequently located near the end user's home or business, eliminating or reducing the need for transmission lines and their associated costs. These turbines are especially useful in remote areas with otherwise limited or nonexistent access to electricity.

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

When the wind blows, it turns the turbine's propeller-like blades around a rotor, which is connected to a main shaft. This shaft then spins a generator to create electricity. The electricity produced by each turbine in the farm is collected into the electrical grid and distributed for use in buildings that need electricity.

Wind turbine components

With these four main components working together, wind turbines can generate electricity from wind energy:

• Rotor: responsible for using aerodynamic lift to capture wind energy and convert it into rotational energy to spin the blades.
• Blades: designed for minimal air resistance to efficiently capture wind energy through aerodynamic lift.
• Nacelle: an enclosure for the turbine's main components, located at the top of the wind turbine. Contains its main components such as the gearbox, generator and brake system.
• Tower: helps support the weight of all components and provides stability in windy conditions.

Types of Wind Turbines

Wind turbines come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored for specific environments and energy needs. This diversity allows for wind energy to be harnessed in a range of locations—from vast plains to offshore expanses. Let’s explore the different types of wind turbines, as well as their unique features and applications:

• Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs): The most common type. Ideal for large-scale wind farms. HAWTs have tall towers and blades that rotate around a horizontal axis.
• Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Less common but used for their specialized ability to catch wind from any direction without needing to pivot. Feature a vertical rotor.
• Offshore Wind Turbines: Specifically designed for installation in bodies of water. Offshore turbines harness the consistent, high-speed winds found offshore.
• Ducted Wind Turbines: Suitable for areas with low wind speeds. These turbines use a funnel to channel and accelerate wind onto the blades, potentially increasing efficiency.
• Micro Wind Turbines: Small-scale turbines designed for individual or small-scale use, such as residential homes or small businesses. Often used to supplement traditional power sources.

What Is a Wind Turbine Farm?

A wind turbine farm, also known as a wind farm or wind power plant, is a collection of wind turbines in an area designated for converting the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. Wind farms are strategically placed in areas with ideal wind speeds and consistency, such as open plains, hilltops or offshore in open water.

Modern wind turbines can be incredibly efficient, and capable of generating enough electricity to power hundreds of homes per turbine in optimal conditions. They are a critical component of the global strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. The environmental benefits of wind turbine farms, including low operating costs and the generation of zero emissions during operation, make them increasingly popular as part of the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Wind Energy Technicians

Wind turbine technicians are responsible for the efficient and safe operation of wind turbines. They often perform inspections, troubleshoot technical issues, perform repairs and maintenance, and monitor performance metrics, as well as install new equipment or upgrade existing systems.

These technicians must also effectively communicate the technicalities of any relevant project updates to customers and teammates. This way, everyone involved in the success of these projects knows exactly what is required and whether any issues will impact their progress.

Technician traits

Wind turbine technicians must use math and science reasoning skills to decipher technical diagrams. They must be able to effectively solve problems, which can help them diagnose and repair system errors.

Because they work with intricate machinery, wind technicians must also be well-versed in their industry's technology and have up-to-date computer skills. Effective communication is also essential, whether they’re providing detailed technical instructions to teammates or speaking to customers regarding the service being performed.

Technicians operating on wind turbines must use tools and hoist heavy pieces of equipment onto turbines. Doing so is much easier with manual dexterity and physical strength. Last but certainly not least, technicians must have enough technical knowledge and aptitude to perform their responsibilities correctly.

Technical training

Technical training and a solid understanding of safety protocols can help wind turbine techs complete their tasks successfully. Technical training consists of wind turbine technician courses that teach the skills needed to diagnose malfunctions in wind turbine systems, troubleshoot solutions and understand electrical diagrams.

This type of training is available through UTI’s 30-week Wind Turbine Technician program! Students at our campuses get hands-on training with wind technology in controlled classroom and lab settings.

Our curriculum can help students build a technical foundation that will allow them to pursue career opportunities in the wind technology industry after graduation. Graduates can even reach out to UTI's Career Services team to learn more about industry job opportunities and get assistance with their applications!

Working conditions

Wind turbine technicians typically work outdoors, increasing their exposure to severe weather whenever it occurs. They often have to maneuver up tall towers or through tight spaces inside large turbines and could be expected to repair blades or machinery while hundreds of feet above the ground.

Employers may require wind turbine technicians to permanently relocate to the worksite, which could be situated in remote and isolated areas. They must also work with potentially hazardous materials, so a fundamental understanding of safety protocols is critical. Certain employers may also require wind technician safety credentials from their employees to ensure that the work site complies with local safety regulations.

Fortunately, they frequently work in groups. So, if you get an entry-level wind turbine technician job, you could be surrounded by teammates who have your back. To make the most of this camaraderie, communication and teamwork skills are required!

Read: What is a Field Service Technician?

Industry prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for wind power technicians in the United States was $61,770 in May 2023.⁶¹ This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Our grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work.⁷⁷ Some entry-level and advanced careers for our wind technician graduates could include:

Entry level:

• Wind turbine technician
• Installation technician
• Field service technician

Advanced:

• Troubleshooting technician
• LOTO I & II specialist
• Wind farm support specialist
• Research and development
• Electrical engineer

Read: How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician

FAQs

1. How much energy does a wind turbine produce?

A wind turbine’s energy production depends on its size and the speed of the wind passing through its blades. On average, a typical commercial wind turbine with a capacity of 2.5-3 MW can produce around 6 to 9 million kWh of electricity per year.

2. What is a wind turbine technician?

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain and repair wind turbines. They play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of wind power generation, often working at great heights to complete their duties.

3. Which U.S. state has the most wind turbines?

Texas holds the title for the U.S. state with the most wind turbines, leading the nation in wind energy production. This vast state harnesses the power of its extensive plains and hill country to generate a significant portion of its electricity from wind.

How Do Wind Turbines Work? Dive Deeper With Wind Training at UTI!

Wind turbines are powerful producers of electricity that use a renewable source of energy, so it's no surprise that aspiring technicians like you want to be a part of their advancement!

Still wondering, “How do wind turbines work?” Our Wind Turbine Technician training program can answer this crucial question and teach you the technical skills required to pursue a career in wind turbine technology.¹²⁵ From power generation to installation, maintenance and repair, you can learn how to successfully service wind turbines!

Want to learn more? Request more information about wind turbine training today or apply for wind technician training to get started!