What is a Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designer?

A Winding Farm Electrical Systems Designer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the electrical systems in a wind farm.

The career outlook for a wind farm electrical systems designer is very good. They make on average $30 to $50 thousand a year.

They work with engineers and architects to design an electronic control system for the wind turbines. Next, they oversee and inspect the construction of the wind farm. Finally, they help monitor and maintain the new systems, troubleshooting and repairing any problems.

In addition to designing the electrical systems for individual wind turbines (such as the turbine nacelle automatically turning to face into the wind), Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designers also design the electronic monitoring and control systems for the entire wind farm. Individual wind turbines need to be remotely controlled from a single location (such as a monitoring station). Consequently, there is a certain degree of computer networking involved as well.

Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designers have a more advanced knowledge of electronics than fabricators, installers, and technicians. It requires an understanding of electrical design principles.

What Are the Qualifications for a Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designer?

This is one for the more highly skilled jobs in the wind power generation field, and consequently requires a higher degree of education. At the very least, an Associate's degree in electrical engineering would be required, and many companies would probably require a Bachelor's degree. Additional coursework in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or computer networking would be helpful.

Hands-on work experience in fabricating, installing, testing, maintaining, or repairing wind turbines in invaluable. An electrical contractor's license is a plus.

What Type of Person Is Good for This Position?

A Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designer would require excellent math skills, electrical and mechanical aptitude, and advanced computer skills. Thoroughness, precision, attention to detail, and good analytical and problem solving skills are needed.

Also, as Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designers work with many other people in designing and implementing new control systems, a certain degree of "soft skills" or "people skills" are needed. The ability to be work well as part of a team, communicate effectively with others, and delegate responsibility is very useful and effective. Finally, being organized, flexible with unexpected complications, and performing well under stress are highly desired traits.

Wind Farm Electrical Systems Designer Resources

* Wind Power, Revised Edition: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business
* Stability Augmentation of a Grid-connected Wind Farm (Green Energy and Technology)
* Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business [WIND POWER REV/E]
* Ill Blows the Wind

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