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P47b
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:01 pm: | 
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Is there anyone on here that works on or work for a company that does those huge wind turbine?
I’m looking to possibly get a job working on them. I have an A&P license and willing to work.
I might be experiencing a job change the next few days.
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Spdrxb
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:15 pm: |
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Are you trying to give up aviation? Are you willing to move?
No exp on turbines sorry....
Doesn't seem like once they are built and operational they would need much maint? Checking transmission and elec boards etc? |
Sifo
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:33 pm: |
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They need lots of maintenance. Many wind farms are very unmaintained though. Ever wonder why so many turbines are not turning when you drive by them? Beyond that I'm not sure where you should look though. My brother works for a place that is selling gear boxes for vertical wind turbines to an overseas mfg. Not much help on the maintenance end though. |
Oldbueller
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:47 pm: |
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There are several wind farms in Iowa. At least some of them are run by a company called NextEra Energy. They're a global company. I haven't looked at their website in several months, but I know they were looking for qualified technicians back then. |
J2blue
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:52 pm: |
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Zack(zac4mac) and Court. |
Two_seasons
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 10:53 pm: |
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That's what I hear too...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3FZtmlHwcA&feature =related
Sometimes you can do the maintenance from the ground... |
P47b
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 11:54 pm: |
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I'm not ready to give up on aviation. Just tired of a few things that are going on at the company I work for. I am ready to move, my family is not at this time.
Turbines need to be maintained. I just haven't found a place that is taking apps right now.
As of right now I still have a job at Spirit. I have a coworker that has gone way off the deep end and I got me busted for some unethical practices that some one else was doing while I was inspecting their operation. They were hand torquing some bolts while I was not looking. My coworker said I knew about it and was letting it pass with out checking it.
Yes I knew about it. No I didn't see them do it. And yes I make them take the bolt's out, replace them with new ones at the specified torque. If they have re-torqued the bolt's afterwards I didn't know about it.
After all that I found out today that those same parts are removed in Seattle at Boeing and reinstalled at a later date.
Right now in Wichita I can get a job. I just don't want to restart at $15 an hour. But if I have to, I will. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 01:55 am: |
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we have a wind farm out off of vantage in the gorge, I am sure they generate a bit of power there with all the wind.... I dont however like that you can see the damn things fifty miles out; they really have destroyed one of the better views in the state.
but that is who green technology goes, when it is their environmental eye sore nobody complains... but run a two stroke dirt bike in the woods and every body has their panties in a twist. |
Spike240sx
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 02:28 am: |
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Mid-America Energy has many wind farms here in Iowa. I have been seeing a few commercials that they are looking for techs and trainee's. A few tech colleges here are really pushing "A Career in wind turbine technology"
Might be worth a look. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 07:08 am: |
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William, would you consider a move to CA?
Weird place as hell but there are opportunities in the wind business. Regardless of how you feel about it, there are about 3 decades of history now. |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 10:27 am: |
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I'm pretty involved in Wind Power. . in an very "unofficial" sort of way. . and have recently completed an assignment (that I loved) where I was sent to the Engineering Library at Columbia for a month and told to immerse myself in pursuit of becoming a "Subject Matter Expert" at Federal Permitting Hearings before then Secretary Salazar.
In addition to being interesting construction, wind power has had a fascinating evolution (there really were no wind specific parts and pieces and there are some great stories of how farm machinery was "morphed" to work) and there is some fascinating physics behind not only wind, but the science of using wind for power. . . many things less obvious and intuitive than I would have thought.
For a quickie overview and an introduction to Betz Law . . go HERE.
The other thing I'd suggest you do is subscribe to North American Windpower and Windpower Engineering. There's a LOT going on right now and all the trade magazines are plum chucked full of info and job opportunities.
To subscribe to North American Windpower . . . click HERE
This is a sample (from today) of the updates I get daily . . it'll give you an idea of the volume of info floating about daily.
quote:Policy Experts Say PTC Extension Possible, Cash Grants Doubtful
by Michael Bates, Apr. 12, 2011
Washington lawmakers transcended partisan posturing late last week to ink a compromise spending bill for 2011 that prevented a shutdown of the federal government. The ensuing sense of relief, however, may be fleeting. Friday's deal is just the first volley in what will likely be a spirited [read more]
Wind Turbines To Generate Power For New UNT Football Stadium
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
The University of North Texas (UNT) has received a $2 million grant from the State Energy Conservation Office to install three wind turbines that will feed the electrical grid that provides power to the university's new football stadium and other buildings. The stadium is scheduled to open [read more]
Sterling Joins Availon To Lead O&M Business Development
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
Availon, a wind turbine service provider, has announced the addition of Shane Sterling to the company's North American sales and services team. He joins Availon's headquarters in Grimes, Iowa, to lead the company's operations and maintenance (O&M) business development. Prior to joining Availon, Sterling was CEO of [read more]
Westwood Professional Services Makes Personnel Changes
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
Westwood Professional Services Inc. has announced the strategic repositioning of leadership staff in its wind energy market group. Aaron Tippie has been promoted to the position of director of the company's energy sector, while Steve Windingland has moved from his role as wind engineering manager into Tippie's previous position [read more]
Energy From Renewable Resources Increases
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
According to the most recent issue of the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Monthly Energy Review, nuclear power and renewable energy sources are now neck-in-neck, with nuclear power's share of domestic energy production dropping and renewable energy's growing rapidly, according to the SUN DAY Campaign. The share [read more]
Pattern Energy Explores Feasibility Of Hawaii Project
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
Pattern Energy plans to utilize a portion of Castle & Cooke Renewable Energy's 400 MW wind energy allocation under the Interisland Wind project to pursue a wind project on Molokai, Hawaii. The Interisland Wind project proposes to build up to 400 MW of wind power on the [read more]
Wind Works Power Acquires Interest In North Dakota Project
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
Wind Works Power Corp. has acquired a 75% interest in Thunder Spirit, a 150 MW wind project located in North Dakota. The project will connect into the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator's (Midwest ISO) power market, subject to completion of the facility's study. Commencement of construction is currently planned [read more]
Construction Begins On Pinnacle Wind Farm
by NAW Staff, Apr. 12, 2011
US Wind Force LLC and Edison Mission Energy (EME) have announced the start of construction of the 23-turbine Pinnacle wind farm that will be built on Green Mountain near Keyser, W.Va. The project is scheduled for completion later this year and is expected to generate approximately 55 MW of [read more]
Nordex To Introduce New Turbine In May
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
Nordex USA Inc. plans to debut its new N117/2400 wind turbine for the U.S. market at the American Wind Energy Association's WINDPOWER 2011 Conference and Exhibition, held in Anaheim, Calif., from May 22-25. The latest addition to the company's Gamma generation of turbines, the N117 is designed [read more]
Renewable Energy Grants Approved In Pennsylvania
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved $6.5 million in new alternative and clean energy investments, which will leverage nearly $40 million in private economic investment statewide. Thirteen projects from 10 counties will receive funding for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects. [read more]
Unilever Canada Purchases Wind Energy To Power Facilities
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
Unilever Canada has announced that it will purchase 59,000 MWh of electricity sourced from wind power. The company is greening all of its manufacturing facilities and offices in Ontario, accounting for 90% of its Canadian operations. Through the agreement, Bullfrog Power's generators inject renewable electricity onto the [read more]
APA Conference Powered With Wind Energy
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
Constellation Energy will match the estimated electricity usage of the American Planning Association's (APA) 2011 National Planning Conference with 50 Green-e Energy-certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) from wind facilities. The conference will be held this week at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. By matching the electricity [read more]
Legislation To Extend RE Tax Rebate Defeated
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
The Idaho Senate narrowly defeated a measure to extend a sales tax rebate for renewable energy in the state, Bloomberg Businessweek reports. The legislation, which was defeated by a vote of 18-17, would have given renewable energy companies a 6% break on energy production equipment through 2014. [read more]
AWEA Calls ATI Lawsuit 'Groundless'
by NAW Staff, Apr. 11, 2011
A lawsuit filed by the American Tradition Institute (ATI) challenging the constitutionality of Colorado's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a groundless attempt to eliminate a policy that has been good for Colorado's consumers, its environment and its economy, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) states. Colorado voters [read more]
PNM Issues RFP For Renewable Energy
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
PNM has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking multiple proposals for wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and bio-fuel that will help PNM achieve a fully diversified resource portfolio. PNM is also seeking biofuels that can offset dependence on natural gas in existing generation facilities owned by PNM. [read more]
Seattle City Light To Purchase RECs From Idaho Winds Project
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Seattle City Light has reached an agreement with Idaho Winds to purchase all the renewable energy credits (RECs) from the company's 22 MW Sawtooth Wind Project from 2015 to 2029 for approximately $1 million per year. Purchasing the RECs created by Idaho Winds' project will help the [read more]
Green Mountain Energy's Pollution Free EV Powered By Wind
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Green Mountain Energy Co. has launched Pollution Free EV, a 100% emissions-free Texas wind-powered product designed for drivers of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Pollution Free EV was created to encourage the use of EVs. It is a reliable-rate product that guarantees [read more]
Maryland Offshore Wind Legislation Postponed
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2011, championed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., will not receive a vote in the state's General Assembly after lawmakers said they needed more time to study the impact of the legislation on ratepayers, The Baltimore Sun reports. The legislation would [read more]
Sensor Products Introduces Fuji Prescale Film
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Sensor Products Inc. has introduced Fuji Prescale pressure film, which can verify the actual contact pressure of bolted joints, fasteners, clamps, O-rings, flanges, gaskets, valves and connectors. Films from Sensor products reveal pressures from two pounds per square inch (PSI) to 43,200 PSI. Fuji Prescale is a [read more]
USB Provides Financing For Flat Water Wind Farm
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (USB), Gestamp Wind North America and Banco Santander SA have announced that tax-equity financing is complete for the recently completed Flat Water wind farm, which comprises 40 GE wind turbine generators, each capable of producing 1.5 MW of electricity, with a total installed capacity of 60 [read more]
Sempra To Sell Wind Power To Maui Electric
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, has entered into a 20-year contract to sell 21 MW of wind energy to Maui Electric Co. from the Auwahi Wind project, located on the Ulupalakua Ranch in the southeastern region of Maui, Hawaii. Construction on Auwahi Wind is expected [read more]
Geronimo Acquires Michigan Wind Development Assets
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
Geronimo Wind Energy LLC has acquired the Huron County, Mich., wind development assets of Midland Energy LLC. The acquisition marks Geronimo's entrance into the Michigan wind market as it looks to further its acquisition and partnership activities throughout the Midwest and surrounding regions. "Favorable market forces, including [read more]
Renewable Energy Standard Legislation Introduced
by NAW Staff, Apr. 8, 2011
U.S. Sens. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Mark Udall, D-Colo., have introduced legislation that would establish a federal renewable energy standard (RES). The legislation would require utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2025. The bill would set the [read more]
Cummings Electrical Inc. - Project Managers and Superintendents
Windkraft Nord USA, Inc. - Director of Procurement and Origination
Northeastern Jr College - Director of Renewable Energy
Power Equipment Maintenance - Traveling Wind Technician
ENEL North America - Senior SCADA Engineer, Electrical Engineer
AVTEC - Renewable Energy Instructor
Broadwind Energy - Regional Mgr., Services; Director., Environmental, Health & Safety; Mfg. Engineers; Program Mgr.
Kruger Energy - Plant Manager KEPA/KEC
Morgan AM&T - Application Engineer
Danville Area Community College - DACC tenure-track faculty position
Sprott Power - Wind Asset Manager
Eagle West Wind - Project Manager, Site Supervisor
To place an ad within Wind Jobs, contact Vanessa Williams at 1-203-262-4670 x233, or at williams@nawindpower.com
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Sifo
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 11:07 am: |
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Here's a not very supportive article on wind farm maintenance (or lack thereof). http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/03/19/the-reality- of-wind-turbines-in-california-video/ There is a video following the workers on the climb up the tower. Not a very informative video, but gives some idea of the work environment. It's not for everybody. I think it would be down right nasty in the northern states during the winter.
Still it is a field that in theory should see lots of growth in up coming years. If I were young and considering a career change this would be on my list of things to look into. |
Bjbauer
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 11:18 am: |
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For what it's worth our local technical school has one and two year programs in wind power technologies. New program very high placement rates I'm told.
http://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/ViewProgram.a spx?id=24&ContentID=9 |
P47b
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 12:21 pm: |
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If I were young and considering a career change this would be on my list of things to look into.
Sifo, did you look at my name?
Thanks Court, I am being told that I do not need to go to school for this. I have checked around and found a few job openings around Wichita for wind farms. I wonder what is going to happen when I apply. |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 12:37 pm: |
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>>>I wonder what is going to happen when I apply.
quote:"You must be the change you seek in the world."
-- Ghandi
Make it happen.
I have the 2911 Windpower Engineering 2011 Renewable Energy Handbook on my desk. If you want to borrow it to scan opportunities, just shoot me a PM with a mailing address.
Always fun to see Wichita in your profile . . I did most the KG&E 345kV transmission lines and substations years ago . . one of my most challenging tasks was getting a very large steel pole into downtown once. Great memories! |
Strokizator
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 12:53 pm: |
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On a related topic, Gov. Brown signed a bill requiring 1/3 of California's energy to be derived from "renewable" resources. Of course. hydro-electric passes that test but good luck building any new dams. It would take 20 years just to get past the enviro lawsuits. Besides, hydro is old school and we're looking for "alternative" sources of power.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9MHV VMG0.htm |
Sifo
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 01:02 pm: |
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Sifo, did you look at my name? 
It would take 20 years just to get past the enviro lawsuits.
That's true for any energy project at this point. You can't even build a solar collector in the middle of the desert. |
Iamike
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 10:11 pm: |
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It's Midamerican Energy. We have tons of turbines and are putting up a lot more. We contract out most of the maintenance though that is coordinated by the turbine manufacturers.
Try GE, Enexco, Mitsubishi.
They are definitely high maintenance and some are reaching their time. |
P47b
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 02:13 pm: |
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I have put an app. in for Sunflower Energy.
Steve I don't know if I could handle some D/A keying my vehicle. I do have family there that lives in Cal.
If I could get a guarantee to work in Nevada, I would jump at it. |
Just_ziptab
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 07:02 pm: |
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There ain't no elevator to the top of those towers.......but there are some with climbing assist. Kinda works like a tool balancer and takes some of you dead weight away...but still,lots of climbing every day. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 07:12 pm: |
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quote:That's true for any energy project at this point. You can't even build a solar collector in the middle of the desert.
umm... think again:
http://www.esolar.com/ |
Sifo
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 07:39 pm: |
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umm... think again:
http://www.esolar.com/
Having the technology and getting it built are two different things.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011 /03/video-how-solar-farm-development-stalled-for-m ore-than-a-decade/73253/
My brother works for a manufacturer of gear drives that are being used for solar panels (I mentioned earlier they also provide gear drives for vertical wind turbines). http://ivanpahsolar.com/follow-the-sun
There's a lot of promise, but very few orders for hardware.
Off topic, but the double enveloping worm gear drives that they have the patents on are the best in the world. Far better load capacity and accuracy (accuracy is critical in the solar reflectors) than any competitor can touch in a given size/weight. Damn fine American engineering and manufacturing. http://www.conedrive.com/cart/21/cone-drive-worm-g ears/double-enveloping-technology
(Message edited by SIFO on April 14, 2011) |
Strokizator
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 08:20 pm: |
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Speaking of solar in the desert, I rode my motorcycle past the Chevron solar-to-steam project last weekend. It's pretty impressive. Up til now they've used boilers fired by crude oil. They inject steam into the wells to thin out the heavy oil so it flows better to the well head.
A "green" oil company. Is that an oxymoron?
http://tinyurl.com/67odb4h |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 10:53 pm: |
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We got lazy on these towers and just completed elevator installations. . . . they only go half way and carry only 2 folks . . . and at half way . . well . . you are about the height of one of the wind turbine towers . . but it saves some walking. . . I'm getting lazy in my old age.
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Slaughter
| | Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 11:08 pm: |
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Interesting... we on the outside only get the PR story. The first solar turbine has been on line for a while.
Problem is that in the People's Republic, the utilities are forced to buy power from alternate sources at premium rates so having solar or wind effectively GUARANTEES a rate increase if you are a utility customer.
(at least that is what propped up the industry at the beginning) |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Friday, April 15, 2011 - 01:36 am: |
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In Ukraine, Nikolaev (half a million people) they just all the lights off at 10 pm.
SAVINGS!
I will get a picture of the Vantage wind farm when I roll back for Easter. It is pretty impressive. |
Ezblast
| | Posted on Friday, April 15, 2011 - 08:46 pm: |
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This could replace those nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNudnI5tzf8&feature =share
EZ |
Ezblast
| | Posted on Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 04:30 am: |
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Hey - be a lot easier to work on, and the giant off shore ones would create way more power, than the older models, and think of the jobs tearing down, recycling, building, etc. - a win/win - lol
EZ |
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, April 17, 2011 - 11:50 am: |
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THIS may be of some interest. |
Steve_mackay
| | Posted on Sunday, April 17, 2011 - 07:32 pm: |
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Funny you guys mention wind turbines. The company I work for just spent 3+ million on a new HUGE FPT machining center to start machining a new fangled wind turbine.
http://www.fptindustrie.com/en/macchine-a-montante -mobile/spirit.htm |
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