Wind energy engineers design wind farm collector systems.

To develop a wind farm, engineers must bring together the right technology (wind turbines) in the right places (open spaces with lots of wind), with good transportation, and a connection to the electrical grid.

When identifying sites for wind farms, engineers calculate wind power density (WPD) to make sure farms will be productive. Some wind farms are even located at sea.

Wind energy engineers use complex computer software to lay out wind farms and to test and operate turbines and other systems. They make models of the system to see if the wind farm will produce the required amount of power.

Engineers also write computer programs or build equipment to control the wind turbines. They develop and test all the components of an energy farm, including gearboxes, generators, and converters.

Engineers oversee the construction phase of the turbines, towers, and substations. They make sure the plant follows rules for safety and environmental impact.

Following construction, engineers test the turbines and systems for strength, energy output, and noise levels.