Overview
careers
Windsmith
Installer
Turbine Technician
Eligible Program
The power of the wind to generate electricity for today’s consumer is only as reliable as the technicians who install and service the giant turbines. Today, wind is one of the fastest growing energy technologies. Wind turbine technicians are needed around the world to support the demand for clean, efficient energy.
The Wind Turbine Technology program at Mitchell Tech will allow students to learn about the basics of turbines, mechanics, hydraulics, electronics and the computer networks that allow the system to communicate. Unique hands-on experience will be available to students as they climb Mitchell Tech’s wind turbine located at the Crow Lake Wind Farm near White Lake, SD. Mitchell Tech is one of the few schools nationwide with its own operational 1.5 MW wind turbine.
A graduate of the program will find employment opportunities in turbine construction, maintenance and troubleshooting, power distribution, controls and other areas that move the power through the grid.
Curriculum
Award: Diploma
First Semester
Students are introduced to the correct climbing techniques in accordance with OSHA and standard industry practices. The students will learn the definition of ”100% tie off” and understand tower rescue.
1 creditAn overview of major and minor components in the construction of a wind turbine. This includes the function of the bottom control cabinet, top control cabinet and hub control panel or hydraulic system. The different types of generators, gearboxes and gear reduction drives used in yawing the nacelle and pitching of the blades are explained. Students will also study the characteristics of different types of air foils when dealing with blade designs.
2 creditsThis course introduces wiring diagram symbols. They will be able to identify both parallel and series circuits; draw pictorial and ladder diagrams; identify abbreviations for common electrical components; and be able to read the legend of a wiring schematic.
1 creditThe study of alternating current (AC) circuits begins with the generation of a sine wave and review of trigonometric functions and continues through resonance and filter circuits. In-depth look at inductors and capacitors and how they affect an AC and DC circuit differently. Introduction to the components of electronics, both passive and active. Subjects studied include power supplies, solid state components, frequency, resistance, capacitance, modulation, wave theory, testing devices and electronic systems as they are used in the control of a wind turbine.
4 creditsStudents will learn the fundamentals of motor controls, including start stop stations, time delay circuits, sequence starting, synchronized starting, auto starting via pressure switch, etc. Students will use the knowledge from the prior semester to effectively negotiate the different control devices as well as implement the information received from schematic reading.
4 creditsThis course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.
0.5 creditsAn overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour construction program is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with awareness of hazards in and around the construction work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.
1 creditProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.
1 creditSecond Semester
Students learn the theory of power supplies in this introduction to the components of electronics, both passive and active. Subjects studied include power supplies, solid state components, frequency, resistance, capacitance, modulation, wave theory, testing devices and electronic systems as they are used in the control of a wind turbine.
4 creditsApplications of control devices are reviewed. Photoelectric controls, logic modules, sequential motor starting, troubleshooting, acceleration and deceleration methods are studied.
4 creditsDetailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Excel covering beginning, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Concepts covered include working with formulas and functions; creating and formatting charts graphs and pivot tables/pivot charts; sorting and filtering lists; data consolidation between multiple worksheets and workbooks; and importing and exporting of data.
3 creditsRequirements
Drug/Alcohol Screening Requirements
Students are expected to conform to Rules for Programs with Required Drug and Alcohol Testing while enrolled in this program. See the MTC Catalog and Student Handbook for details.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all technical courses with a minimum grade of C. Students who do not achieve a C grade will be prevented from enrolling in the subsequent semester due to prerequisite requirements.
Computer Requirements
This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:
Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS
Outcomes
At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate OSHA-required safety while ascending and descending a 300’ wind turbine.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and control systems and sub-systems common to modern wind turbines.
- Demonstrate basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills required to maintain a wind turbine.
- Troubleshoot complicated electrical problems on variable pitch systems.
- Demonstrate tower rescue
- Demonstrate basic electrical concepts required to maintain a wind turbine.
- Demonstrate the ability to use handheld test equipment to troubleshoot electrical circuits.
- Demonstrate understanding of Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures for wind turbine and other equipment maintenance.
- Perform mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical component maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts to correct malfunctions.
- Troubleshoot and maintain control and PLC systems.
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2021-22 Annual Program Review for information on how this program assures that its students are attaining learning outcomes.
Faculty
Cost
Other Required Costs
Books / Tools (estimated) $371
Scholarships
$500
4 AVAIL.
Women for Success @ Tech Scholarship
Women for Success at Tech Group
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
8 AVAIL.
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Company Foundation
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
7 AVAIL.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Business Management
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
5 AVAIL.
Northwestern Energy Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology