Wind Energy Engineers
What is a Wind Energy Engineer?
Wind Energy Engineers are specialized professionals who focus on the design, development, testing, and implementation of technologies related to harnessing wind energy for power generation. They play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy sources by advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of wind turbine systems. Their work involves a comprehensive understanding of aerodynamics, materials science, electrical engineering, and environmental science to optimize turbine performance and ensure sustainable operations.
These engineers are involved in various aspects of wind energy projects, including site assessment, which requires analyzing wind patterns and potential energy output in different locations. They also oversee the design of wind turbine components, ensuring they can withstand various environmental conditions while maximizing energy capture. Wind Energy Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, project managers, and environmental specialists, to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations.
Moreover, Wind Energy Engineers engage in research and development to innovate new technologies and improve existing systems, focusing on increasing the efficiency and reliability of wind energy production. They might also participate in the maintenance and monitoring of wind farms to optimize performance and troubleshoot any issues with the turbines. Overall, their contributions are vital in making wind energy a more viable and integral part of the global energy landscape, supporting the shift towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
Tasks
- Create or maintain wind farm layouts, schematics, or other visual documentation for wind farms.
- Recommend process or infrastructure changes to improve wind turbine performance, reduce operational costs, or comply with regulations.
- Create models to optimize the layout of wind farm access roads, crane pads, crane paths, collection systems, substations, switchyards, or transmission lines.
- Provide engineering technical support to designers of prototype wind turbines.
- Investigate experimental wind turbines or wind turbine technologies for properties such as aerodynamics, production, noise, and load.
Technology Skills
-
Analytical or scientific software
- ANSYS simulation software
- Computational fluid dynamics CFD software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- WindSim
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Development environment software
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- National Instruments LabVIEW
-
Object or component oriented development software
- C#
- C++
- Oracle Java
- Python
-
Geographic information system
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
- ESRI ArcInfo
- Geographic information system GIS software
Tools Used
- Anemometers
- Wind surface observing apparatus
- Weather stations
- Radarbased surveillance systems
- Barometers
Knowledge
-
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
-
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Master's degree
-
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Create graphical representations of energy production systems.
- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Research design or application of green technologies.
- Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$62130.0 - $177020.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.