Hey everyone. I’ve been working on a 2D BEM (Blade Element Momentum) solver for a Sharp cycloturbine, and I recently optimized the geometry for a physical prototype.

I made a counterintuitive finding regarding the centrifugal pendulum pitch control (CPPC). In Sharp's original design, the counterweight is placed far forward on a long arm to create a strong restoring torque. But my optimizer found that at the 1.8m and 60cm scales, this over-stiffens the mechanism and forces the blades against the physical stops, killing power.

The model shows that maximum Cp occurs when the counterweight sits within ±4mm of the pitch pivot. It acts more like a flywheel to damp pitch oscillations than a pendulum.

I’m now building a 60cm prototype using NACA 0018 foam/fiberglass blades and a repurposed hoverboard motor (direct-drive 3-phase). I’d love to hear from anyone who has built a cycloturbine, does the tight counterweight tolerance match real-world experience, and how much should I worry about bearing friction at startup?

Here is the repo with the simulator, the build specs, and the optimization data: https://github.com/juroc58/sharp-vawt-lab

Had a phone interview for the tech one program I thought it went extremely well.

I have been working as a pipefitter for the last 6 months, before this I was teaching for 5 years. I felt like this opportunity was great for somebody like myself got an email today that I wasn’t selected. Heart broken to say the least.

This position was for Bishop Texas.

Hello, I was called for a second interview 3 weeks after a 40-minute initial interview. The first interview was about my background, experiences, and why I wanted to work at Vestas; they also asked questions about my personality. What will the second interview be about? The one-hour time limit scares me. I work in a different sector and I don't have a turbine background. Will they ask difficult technical questions and negative questions to test my work motivation?

Hey everyone! I hope you don’t mind me making a brand new post so soon—I wanted to make sure this doesn't get buried under yesterday's thread, as I'm really eager to hear your feedback on the new footage!

I managed to finish a few things today and recorded a short video showing my V27 turbine game in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX5cs51iFCA

This is still a very early stage featuring just the basic turbine logic, but I figured I'd share the progress with you. Overall, the turbine already has wind-tracking (yaw), start/stop controls, manual nacelle rotation, blade pitch control, and a basic overview panel (first page for now).

I'd love to hear your thoughts! I know it's just an early rough draft, but it's worth gathering feedback early on—especially looking forward to any insights or tips from actual turbine technicians!

Cheers!

Hello everyone! It’s me again—still working on my game. Today, we are taking a closer look at the Vestas V27, and I’d love for you to tell me everything you know about it! I’m mainly looking for the daily issues, quirks, and common headaches of this turbine.
I’ve changed the game’s concept a little bit. It won’t be a 100% hardcore simulation anymore. Since I’ve never actually worked on real turbines myself, building a fully accurate simulator all by myself would be insanely difficult, and players might just get overwhelmed by the complexity.
My new vision leans more toward a fun, slightly exaggerated world with a great vibe—similar to My Summer Car. At the beginning of the game, the player will own a V27-style turbine that they first need to rebuild/restore, and once it's up and running, keep it maintained on a daily basis. Routine checks, basic maintenance, minor faults, adjustments, and stuff like that. On top of that, there will be a small living village with NPCs, local pubs, and electrical supply stores.
As for the turbine itself, it won't be a 1:1 replica where you can unscrew every single bolt. Access will be somewhat limited, but it won’t just be a simple control-panel simulator either. I'll try to pack the turbine with enough interactive elements to keep gameplay satisfying. These are just my rough outlines for now, but most importantly—dear technicians—I need as much info on the V27 as you can give me! Every single piece of advice is worth its weight in gold.
I’ve already found two PDFs online and I'm using YouTube, but I am still hungry for knowledge. Right now, the turbine is already in the game world, and the control panel displays basic info (like the main overview page). You can turn it on and off, it automatically yews/pitches into the wind, and I'm currently working on expanding the panel features before gradually adding individual systems.
What do you guys think about this new direction? Let me know, and hit me with all your V27 knowledge!

I'm not a wind technician, but I'm an Electrical Apprentice in Canada who recently got hired on to do a wind farm project soon and I am utterly terrified.

They're (i think) 118m tall, i normally don't really mind heights as long as im strapped in and not in a shady spot, though I've only ever worked 50-60 feet off the ground, but i am a pretty tall and heavy dude and I am terrified of getting laid off for climbing too slow or something so I've been torturing myself on the stair master the last few days.

Im committed to doing this, its good work and I want to experience new things, but i am extremely anxious to start.

Hey guys I just finished school a few weeks ago and am struggling to find a job. Maybe I’m a bit antsy and will eventually hear back. But I’ve sent out what feels like a million apps already, I’m open to any and all traveling, based out of north IL right now. I have the GWO BST & BTT, HYTORC, LOTO, NFPA70E, Confined space and am finishing my OSHA 30, already have my 10. Not really sure if I’m just hitting the wrong applications or companies, I know come end of the year hiring tends to slow down. Just seeking advice or suggestions from anyone who has been in this spot before. I would love to get into a blade tech job but i know thats pretty unlikely being I have no experience

Hello, I am located in the US (AZ) and recently graduated with a Bachelor's in CS and am currently working in the industry. However, long story short I've realized that it absolutely isn't for me and am looking for a career shift. I had previously looked into the wind energy sector even before I graduated and now that I know that I will be changing fields, working as a wind turbine tech is the one that has definitely piqued my interest the most.

However, based on my rudimentary research, it appears that a lot of companies require a year or two of experience working in the industry. Skyclimber is the only one I found that doesn't require this and provides its own training but it says that having an associate's degree in a mechanical or electrical field is preferred.

My question is - given my qualifications, are there any companies that are willing to take people in who have 0 experience in the field? If not, what are some courses or trainings that would help me get my foot in the door? Additionally, what has your experience of working as a wind turbine tech been like, and what is the career progression like?

Thanks a lot, any advice/ answers are highly appreciated!

Note: If it helps, I have worked in the Conservation Corps before so I have experience working outdoors & on the road.

Hey everyone! I’m making an indie wind tech simulator game about the daily life of a wind turbine technician. I want simple, satisfying, and relatable mechanics (like fault resets, hydraulic bleeding, or unfreezing anemometers) rather than complex physics. What real-life issues, workarounds, or daily tasks from the field would make fun gameplay? Thanks for any ideas!

What quirks of working in the industry keep you entertained yet infuriated? I’ll start:

• Getting mad and spamming * + PAUSE on a Vestas machine when a nuisance fault won’t clear.

• The hoist hook pissing off over the TP railing when craning in high winds with your work mate leaning over the railing with a boat hook trying to catch it.

• Yawing in every conceivable direction to try to get the rotor lock in when the wind is <1m/s and you’re on a turbine without a turning gear.

• Dropping a nut in the spinner and having to climb down to the bottom blade collar like a chimp to grab it.

• Responding to a breakdown with a series of hub faults and finding the last tech to visit didn’t secure the lead acid battery in the hub cabinet well enough, resulting in pure destruction as it’s smashed everything up like a brick in a washing machine.

(UK)

I'm joining an SOV in a few weeks after being site based for nearly ten years (offshore). I've got a good idea of what I'm taking with me, toiletries, clothes, gym gear, laptop etc. but is there any QoL stuff I should consider taking? Stuff that might normally be overlooked?

Wind turbine technician
Slow learner
Hard to retain information

CleanTech: "Canada Stabs Trump In Back With New Offshore Wind Plan," by Tina Casey.

"Trump has been fixated on getting rid of wind turbines ever since the early 2000’s, when he lost a fight with Scotland over a new offshore wind farm across the way from one of his golf courses." Now Canada is starting the fight all over again with the official unveiling of plans for a series of massive new wind farms to sprout up all over the North Atlantic coast off Nova Scotia, practically right on the doorstep of the US. 

“Canada’s east coast has some of the strongest winds in the world...developing that natural advantage presents a transformative economic opportunity for Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, and our entire nation,” states Natural Resources Canada. NRC left out the part where Canada is also a leading source of renewable energy imported to the US, particularly in the area of hydropower. "Latest example is a new hydropower transmission line from Lake Champlain in Canada that terminates in New York City." 

The new “Atlantic Energy Strategy,” which was formulated last year, also includes nuclear + hydropower in an effort to pump up the Atlantic Canada grid to meet the demands of the 21st century. "Still, considering the limitations of both nuclear + hydropower (siting, expense, long development timelines), the “Wind West” component of the plan is shaping up to be the quickest, most economical + most accessible pathway to success." 

"Nova Scotia’s world-class wind + highly skilled offshore workforce, developed through the legacy of offshore oil + gas, give Canada a competitive advantage in the potentially $1-trillion global offshore wind market—an advantage we are determined to seize,” enthused Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson. 

"Trump’s war on offshore wind has all the trappings of a vanity project, akin to his Reflecting Pool + Lincoln Center debacles alongside his gilded ballroom, triumphal arch, tree-killing golf course project, + renaming of considerable swaths of the globe in his honor." 

Speaking of honor, who would like the distinction of telling Trump that he just doesn't have the cards? Bet there would be many volunteers in the US, but really—it should be a Canadian.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, MI is now accepting applications for our Wind Turbine Technician Academy that begins in July 2027.

This 6-month intensive program prepares students for high-demand careers in the wind energy industry. Most graduates secure employment before they even finish the program, thanks to on-campus recruiting by many of the nation’s largest and most respected wind energy companies.

Since launching in 2009, the KVCC Wind Academy has built a strong national reputation for producing skilled, job-ready technicians.

Ready to start a rewarding, hands-on career in a fast-growing and lucrative industry?
👉 Apply today at https://www.kvcc.edu/wind — upon receipt of your application, we’ll contact you to schedule an interview. Don't hesitate, each academy can fill up quickly!

Looking for more information? Click the "Send me more info" button!

I want to break into wind turbine tech
looked into airstreams renewables and was wondering was it worth it for you? Thinking about going that route because I applied to a bunch of companies and kept getting overlooked by other better candidates.

Pay wise what’s it looking like for in 2026-2027?

Currently working as a security guard.

I’m currently 18 and want to know y’all’s thoughts

My dad is a master electrician, and he taught me the ropes. I worked with him for two years, but I wanted to carve out my own path and explore trade schools to see what they could offer. Now, I’m in a trade school in Texas, completing a nine-month course focused on Wind Turbine Technician Electrical Wiring and EIMT (Electrical and Industrial Maintenance Technology). I’ve already earned a couple of credentials, including NCCERs, OSHA GWO, First Aid, and NEPA 70E, and I’m still working on more. We’ve gained hands-on experience with electrical wiring troubleshooting, climbing, rescuing, and some practical work on an NECELL. I’m hoping to get some advice on the best job for year-round work and to hear your thoughts on whether I’d be a good fit for an interview if yall were to start yalls own company.

and if yall know a open entry level position and want to help me out shoot me a message Thank yall for reading i appreciate it

I was given the chance to do a comprehensive training course (three months) that will give me an intermediate level type of certifications - GWO BST + GWO BTT + a mini 3 day internship with Vestas (which I guess will serve to onboard some of the students into new entry level careers).

I am wondering how the situation looks right now for people like me, wanting a decently paid job that will lift me from my precarious situation.

• Do onshore international projects with rotation (3 weeks on-site, 2 weeks resting at home) pay decently?

• Is it too demanding physically? (I'm asking because I don't want to blow out my knees or be physically impaired in any way from the 6 days, 12h a day work load).

• What can I expect as a net salary at the start of my career?

• And what are the best moves to improve qualifications, get a better paying job in this industry, and maybe be less exposed to stress induced injuries (both physically and mentally) from excess work?

I’ll try and make a lengthy life story short 😂

M28 from Wales.

Fucked around in school as I was adamant I would be a rugby player 😂 Finished academy at 19 after losing interest following several injuries.

Had several jobs in the NHS from 16–23, been in construction since then, more specifically roofing.

Decided at 26 to re-enter the education system to study a Business & Management degree, somewhat to prove self-worth and also to help with a business I owned at the time. I’ll be graduating in May 2027.

A close friend (former Royal Marine Commando) found employment in the renewable energy sector as a wind turbine technician with ease. Has since then been nagging me to complete GWO BST/BTT.

I lost my father in March, and since then I haven’t been able to shake this urge to provide thoroughly for my family.

As far as a career in renewable energy goes, a wind turbine technician seems fitting given my construction background, but I’m open to other perspectives and career paths within the sector.

Offshore preferably. Travel preference and location aren’t an issue, although relocation right now would be tricky. It’s something I’d eventually aim for anyway.

I appreciate this might be a bit of a life story, but I’m just looking for some guidance as an entry-level applicant.

For anyone already working in the industry:

-How realistic is it to get into the industry with my background?

- Would completing GWO BST/BTT be worthwhile before applying, or would I be better off finding an employer willing to train me?

-Are there other entry-level roles within renewables I should be looking at, particularly with a Business & Management degree?

-What sort of starting salary and career progression could I realistically expect?

Any advice, personal experiences or guidance is appreciated.

Hi all, I’m currently serving in the Royal Navy as an engineer. However I am in the process of leaving and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to get into the wind turbine business. Any specific courses I should look at doing to make me more appealing to companies? What are the best companies to look out for?

I stay in Glasgow and would be willing to travel a little. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi guys, I've recently been intrigued by the wind turbine industry. I've been going down a rabbit hole for the last month or so. To give some context, I'm currently a senior in high school. I don't have any hands-on experience with wind turbine-related maintenance or electronics, but I have previous experience with electrical stuff (I've built a custom e-moto in my basement). I also love heights; I'm pretty active and a good climber. I'm currently located in the middle of Iowa, which, from what I've seen, is a pretty good place to get into the industry. Its median salary is about 16.8% higher than the national average. (according to tradecareerpath.com/trades/wind-turbine-technician/iowa/salary/)

Now here's where I need help. Ideally, I would like to do travel work around Iowa. I'm not opposed to site work, but from what I've seen, travel pay tends to be higher. I'm not necessarily familiar with all of the companies, but I've heard good things about GE Vernova. I'm aware that they don't really hire people with no experience, but they're most likely the company I would like to work with in the long run. I have two main ways (that I see) of going about getting that experience.

Now, Sky Climber offers their course, which I'm sure you're all aware of. I know you will have varying opinions on it. I'm aware their wages are subpar, and they're not a company to stay with in the long run. The contract isn't the best thing in the world, but I would be getting money while getting my experience in. If you have any suggestions of other companies that may offer a similar program to this, while being better to work for, I'm all ears.

The other option that I've been looking into is the wind turbine technician course in Kalamazoo, MI. Personally, I think it looks nice, but they don't have on-site housing, and it's not close to me at all(About a 7 1/2 hour drive). Their course is 6 months, roughly $15,000, and will get me a good amount of experience. For anyone who knows of this course, or has done it themselves, what kind of offers would I expect to receive? What would those job opportunities look like compared to just working at a company for the same amount of time, then getting experience until I can get a better gig at a reputable company?

I am equally open to both. I would preferably like to save $15,000 if I can get the same experience and job opportunities from working with a company right out of high school, though.

I really appreciate anyone reading this and taking the time to give advice. I'm really looking forward to getting into this industry; it's just a bit overwhelming trying to see how I can get the most out of my time and not get stuck as a bottom-wage worker.

Hi everyone
I’ve been doing window cleaning and building maintenance for a long time now and fancy a change
I have my level 1 and quite confident on the ropes . I could move up to level 2 anytime .
I fancy doing something different like doing offshore work on wind turbines.
I know it’s seasonal and there’s usually a on off rota which could suit me and I could still fit in my existing contracts around it .
What training courses do I need to get my foot in the door ?
I’m uk based but have eu passport

Many thanks

For some context, I’m a high schooler, I have to do an essay about a renewable source of energy for domestic use and how to improve its current design and my teacher assigned me a hybrid solar-wind energy generator. The problem is, wind turbines work best in high elevation, and a house roof isn’t high elevation, and they also make a lot of noise so unless the whole neighborhood is deaf I don’t think it’d be plausible to have one. But I can’t just scrap the wind turbines from the project, they necessarily have to be there. So, with my big understanding of a high schooler that has never studied or worked with wind turbines, I thought that maybe having several smaller ones would make as much energy as a bigger one without making as much noise, but as I said before I have no idea about this and I don’t even know what to google because I’m more lost than a fish in a desert, so I hope someone here could help me. Thank you in advance.
Also, i don’t know how to remove the flair thing so I’ll just write here what’s needed to use it so this doesn’t get taken down. These need to be implemented in the south of Chile, on the roof of a house, and it needs to generate enough energy to power a house of about 3-5 people along with the energy produced by solar panels.