Quite a few vocations necessitate the use of specific tools and equipment. Wind turbine technicians also have a set of tools that they need for their work. If you have a strong desire to learn more about this area, which may provide you with a high income, it is well worth your time to read this. This article will undoubtedly be of great use to you in this regard. You must be well informed of the tools you will be required to utilize if you want to be a wind turbine technician.
What do Wind Turbine Technicians do?
Before we go into how to become a wind turbine technician, it is necessary to understand what wind turbine technicians perform in general. Let us explain.
If we simply tell you what they do, wind turbine service technicians, or wind techs, are in charge of the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. First and foremost, there is the aspect of the inspection. You would also have to climb to the tops of the turbine towers. It does not matter if it is for a normal inspection or a repair and maintenance job. Wind turbine technicians would mostly be testing electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components. It is primarily up to the wind turbine technicians to repair any components or to see if they need replacements. Wind turbine technicians must, however, do routine maintenance on underground transmission lines, wind field substations, and fiber optic sensing and control systems. Furthermore, wind turbine technicians may be involved in specific research projects. They would then have to contribute to them as well.
The maintenance schedules are largely determined by the number of hours a turbine has been in operation, however, they might vary by manufacturer. Turbines are electronically monitored 24 hours a day from a central location. All the time, when there is some kind of issue, wind turbine technicians should see to it. Common maintenance activities include inspecting components and lubricating parts. For turbines that run all year, routine maintenance should generally take place one to three times a year.
The Work Environment of Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind turbine service technicians operate primarily outside, frequently at high heights and with a partner. When fixing blades, for example, wind turbine technicians rappel or drop by sliding down a rope from the nacelle to the blade portion that requires repair. Workers must climb ladders, some of which are more than 260 feet tall while wearing a fall safety harness and carrying tools to reach the mechanical equipment. Windtechs operate in the tight confines of the nacelle to maintain mechanical systems.
In fact, this is a physically demanding career. Among all professions, wind turbine service technicians have one of the highest rates of accidents and illnesses. Nevertheless, you can reduce the level of risk by adhering to all the safety protocols. Further, the safety gear and equipment that you would use in this career would ensure that you would be safe.
Although the majority of wind turbine technicians work full-time, they may have to respond to emergencies on weekends and nights. When a wind turbine stops working, specialists need to figure out what’s wrong and fix it as soon as feasible. Wind turbine technicians frequently have to visit rural regions, which are home to numerous wind farms. Therefore, you need to be ready to accept all these challenges if you choose to become a wind turbine technician. This is an interesting profession. But of course, there are challenges.
What are the Tools of a Wind Turbine Technician?
Okay. Let us get to know the tools of a wind turbine technician now. Here, we have listed them out.
- Bolt tensioning cylinder
- Torque wrench set
- Torque adapter
- Nut splitter
- Flange alignment tools
- Hydraulic pump
- Nut runner
- Helmet
- Tool tethers
- Harnesses
These are the main tools that a wind turbine technician would need. If you are curious to know about how wind turbine technicians use these tools in the industry, just keep reading. We are going to tell you all about it in the next section of the article.
1. Bolt tensioning cylinder
Torque wrenches and bolt tensioners both have the same goal: to secure a connection by clamping nuts and bolts together. Here, we are going to talk about bolt tensioning cylinders. Bolt tensioners operate by stretching the bolt directly against the flange. On bigger bolts, tensioning usually results in a more precise load.
By using a bolt tensioning cylinder, you can actually perform your work really quickly. It is very easy to operate a bolt tensioning cylinder and it would not particularly take much time. And another benefit of a bolt tensioning cylinder is that you can use this on multiple tools and achieve the same load in each bolt. Bolt tensioning cylinders are generally very accurate. You do not have to worry about the precision of these tools. Moreover, these are pretty safe for you to use as well. And importantly, there is no need at all to use any lubrication in bolt tensioning cylinders. They do not have anything to do with friction.
There is no doubt that these are predominantly important for wind turbine technicians to have with them. So, bolt tensioning cycling is a must-have.
KIPA 5072440AB Pulley Belt Tensioner For 2001-2008 Jeep Liberty Cherokee KJ 2.5L 2.8L 4X4, 2000-2008 CHRYSLER Grand Voyager IV III
We told you how important it is for you to have bolt tensioners. In this case, we are willing to recommend this product to you. This bolt tensioner is well machined and built of robust, resistant primary fibrous materials for increased longevity and improved dependability. In general, this is really a good product. It is really worth it going for this.
2. Torque wrench set
Next in our list of tools of a wind turbine technician is a set of torque wrenches. Because wind turbine blades are not pretty much steady, continuous vibration may loosen tower fasteners or any bolted joints fastening gear within the nacelle. Because wind turbine technicians need to ensure that each bolt is tight and tensioned properly. Fortunately, there are a variety of torque and tension solutions on the market that may help you do this. One prominent tool that wind turbine technicians use in this regard is this. Of course, even the bolt tensioning cylinders are for the same purpose. And it is a little more methodical as well. We told you about bolt tensioning cylinders in the previous section. However, torque wrench sets are also in use in the industry.
Of course, it is really important to have a torque wrench set for a wind turbine technician. Nevertheless, it is pretty important to go for good and high-quality ones. Without going for high-quality ones, you will not be able to use those torque wrenches for a long time. No doubt, it is essentially an important factor for the torque wrenches to be pretty durable.
BULLTOOLS 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set Dual-Direction Adjustable 90-tooth Torque Wrench with Buckle（10-160ft.lb / 10-220Nm）
This is a pretty accurate torque wrench set that you can make use of. The hardened chromium-molybdenum alloy is stronger than chromium-vanadium steel in the wrench head. The teeth of the ratchet do not slip. The handle is composed of a pleasant aluminum-titanium alloy that is anti-skid, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion. The use of high-quality materials enhances the life of the wrench. Considering all these factors, we think that this is a good one that you can go for.
3. Torque adapter
Over tightening of bolts can cause damage to their parts, such as small delicate pieces breaking, threads being stripped, and bodies cracking. All the same, parts may vibrate free as a result of under-tightening. So, you would understand that both extremes are chaotic. You must tighten the bolts only up to the appropriate level. It must be a moderate amount of tightening. But it must be the right level. How are you going to know this? Well, that is why you have the ability to make use of torque adapters.
A torque adapter would help you big time in determining the right amount of torque that you must supply when tightening bolts. When utilizing torque wrenches with adapters, it is important to apply the proper torque to avoid over tightening components, as we told you. So, it is crucial to have an accurate torque adapter with you to use with the torque wrenches.
Durofix RM602-3 3/8” (5.9 to 59 ft-lbs.) Heavy Duty Digital Torque Adapter with Buzzer and LED Flash Notification – ISO 6789 Standards with Certificate of Calibration
This is a lightweight, heavy-duty, and professional digital torque adapter. And this is a high-quality product that is highly durable. It has a quick response time, high precision, and an easy-to-read LCD screen that beeps when the necessary torque value is reached. With careful and proper use, you can gain the maximum advantage of this torque adapter. And we think that this would be pretty helpful in your work.
4. Nut splitter
Corrosion can cause nuts to become seized on fastener threads. This makes removing them difficult, and using a socket or spanner can exacerbate the problem by slipping and rounding off the nut’s edges. While there are numerous methods for removing a seized or damaged nut, each will certainly do more damage to the nut, making the process more difficult. When all other methods have failed, you can use a nut splitter to remove the nut. A nut splitter is a tool for removing seized or broken nuts from bolts and threaded studs. There are plenty of times that using a nut splitter would be pretty essential.
Ruisheng Heavy Duty Nut Splitter Broken Damaged Corroded Stuck Screw Nut Removal Splitting Tools
This is a good one to buy in terms of nut splitters. To solve the tough problem of removing rusted nuts, you can use these tools to chop them off. This set of nut splitters guarantees that you have the correct tool for the job. And these do not do any damage to the bolt threads at all. This would surely be of great use for a wind turbine technician. That is why we thought of recommending this to you.
5. Flange alignment tools
You need to make sure that all the bolt holes are in proper and perfect alignment. You can use a simple portable flange alignment tool to move the holes closer together when misalignment arises. There are occasions that having flange alignment tools for wind turbine technicians is pretty necessary. So, you can make use of these whenever there is a need for them. Notwithstanding, it is indeed important that you have flange alignment tools with you.
SST Two Hole Flange Alignment Pin Set
This flange alignment pin set would be very useful for a wind turbine technician. This has a durable anodized surface finish together with knurling for the grip. Therefore, we can ensure its durability. And this is lightweight as well.
6. Hydraulic pump
Both hydraulic torque wrenches and bolt tensioners require a hydraulic pump to operate, regardless of the method that you use. Working on a wind tower necessitates mobility, and battery-powered versions meet this demand by being lightweight and adaptable to confined areas. Hydraulic torque wrenches and tensioners have pumps that are cordless, electric, or air-powered.
When purchasing a hydraulic pump, you must surely go for high-quality ones. If the hydraulic pump that you purchase lacks durability, it would break down pretty often and you would have to incur costs that you do not want to incur to bring things back to normal. Hence, make sure that they are of premium quality all the time.
8 Quart DC 12V Hydraulic Pump Power Supply Unit Pack Double Acting Dump Trailer Fit for Lift Unloading
This is a pretty good and durable hydraulic pump. If you purchase this, there is no doubt that you will be able to make use of this for a very long time without any issue. The customers of this hydraulic pump have placed very positive and favorable reviews and ratings on Amazon. Specifically, they have rated well for factors like value for money and ease of installing.
7. Nut runner
Both nut drivers and nut runners are for driving nuts. Nut drivers are mechanical hand tools by definition, whereas nut runners are pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic power tools.
Compressed air is used to operate pneumatic nut runners, which come in a variety of air fittings and air consumption. The power supply for electric nut runners is a DC controller. Hand-held cylindrical devices are small, light, and easy to transport. There are other pistol-style devices with trigger actuators.
Choosing nut runners necessitates a thorough examination of the various options. By doing so, you can choose the right one. However, make sure that the nut runner that you choose is a durable one. Needless to say, you would not need to throw away a nut runner after using it a few times. You would need to use it for a long time. And there arises the need to have a durable nut runner.
Metabo HPT Screwdriver/Nutrunner, Metal To Metal, 6.6-Amp Motor (W8VB2)
We hope that this would be an ideal one for you. It’s powered by a strong, yet quiet 6.6 Amp motor. And this uses 750 Watts. No doubt, this is ideal for heavy-duty applications for sure. A soft, yet durable elastomer compound covers the tool body and handle, providing a slip-resistant and pleasant grip. The handle is tilted outward to adapt to the way a hand grips the instrument during repetitive usage. Considering all the aspects and specifications of this nut runner, we thought of recommending this to you.
8. Helmet
Within the previous sections of this article, we discussed what tools and equipment a wind turbine technician would need in order to fulfill the technical duties. And here, this is a tool that wind turbine technicians need in order to ensure that they are not in harm’s way. Notwithstanding, the safety of workers should be a number 1 priority. If you fail to make yourself safe, that is going to be a huge problem for you. Without being safe and secure, you would be able to do nothing in life.
Wearing a helmet can prevent any damage that can potentially happen to your head when you are at work. So, it is really a must that you wear a helmet and safeguards yourself from harm. If not, it would affect you adversely.
Helmets with a four-point chin strap that are built for working in vertical situations will be the finest choices. Electrical insulation, adjustable inserts, sweatbands, and ear muff holes are further things to look for.
Defender Safety H1-CH Safety Helmet Hard Hat ANSI Z89.1 for Construction (Orange))
In terms of helmets, this is a fine safety helmet that any wind turbine technician can make use of. This has a sliding vent system. Further, this has a headlamp, visor, and earmuff attachment points. No doubt, you can feel pretty safe and confident while wearing this for work. For features like lightweights, comfort, and value for money, this has received excellent ratings on Amazon.
9. Tool tethers
The use of tool tethering prevents tools from falling or dropping. Attaching tools to either the operative or, in the case of larger instruments, a stable anchor point is what you can do here. Anyway, the best way to keep your tools with you when working is to use tool tethers. With the use of tool tethers, you can make sure that the tools and equipment that you have to use when you are working at heights would not drop or fall.
Safety Tool Lanyard with Carabiner Clip, Shock Absorbing Retractable Safety Lanyard Bungee Chord with Detachable Interchangeable Buckle Straps, Fall Protection Equipment, 2 Set
This tool tethering set assists workers in connecting tools while they are working, preventing significant injury and damage from tool drops. Each lanyard with a fast snap carabiner comes with three detachable bungee straps that may be used with a variety of power or manual tools. This lanyard clip cord efficiently avoids tool dropping on all sorts of sites, thanks to its 100 percent polyester high duty webbing construction materials, stretchy internal elastic bungee strap, and stainless-steel carabiner. So, we think that wind turbine technicians should choose this.
10. Harnesses
The main point of your protective gear is your harness. Your harness should be comfortable while still being secure and allowing you to move freely. Reinforced seams, quick-connect buckles, webbing, and weatherproofing are all qualities to check for.
As we told you, you must be 100 percent sure that you do not leave any chance at all for any damage to happen. And harnesses are obviously pretty helpful in this. Always, follow all the possible safety measures. This is just one. But this is one of the most important out of all.
KwikSafety (Charlotte, NC) TORNADO 1D Fall Protection Full Body Safety Harness | OSHA ANSI Industrial Roofing Tool Personal Protection Equipment | Construction Carpenter Scaffolding Contractor
This is the safety harness that we can recommend to wind turbine technicians. This harness supports users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds. (59 to 140 kg) When you are using this, you have to make sure that all buckles are linked and aligned, leg and shoulder straps are snug, and chest straps are in the middle of the chest region to provide a correct fit. This is a safety harness that has used the right method and standard in its manufacturing process. On Amazon, this has received positive ratings for factors like value for money, sturdiness, sturdiness, and ease of use.
Conclusion
This article primarily focused on the tools of a wind turbine technician. And we hope that you could learn things that you were not aware of about this field through this article on the tools of a wind turbine technician. Additionally, if you would like to read about the tools of a plumber, electrician, carpenter, masonry worker, HVAC technician, ironworker, glazier, solar installer, and so on, you can read about them and get to know more. We hope that you will have a successful professional career!
