Automation has changed the energy sector in countless ways. By improving efficiency and safety, automation has helped to ensure the reliable delivery of energy to communities across the globe. As the use of automation has grown, so has the demand for skilled automation technicians. The energy sector needs technicians who can install and maintain automated systems. Here's what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Automation has changed the energy sector by improving operations and decreasing downtime.
• Many automation technologies are used in the energy sector, including sensors, industrial control systems, and robotics.
• Energy facilities rely heavily on automation to optimize energy production and monitor performance.
• Automation technicians are required throughout the sector to install and maintain systems.
• Technicians are also responsible for diagnosing and troubleshooting automated systems to keep them running smoothly.
• Those who want to work in the energy sector as an automation technician should develop skills with sensors, SCADA systems, PLCs, and robotics, and a wide variety of industrial control systems.

Automation's Role in the Energy Industry

Automation is used throughout the energy industry for many purposes. Automated systems manage turbines and generators to adjust processes, improve safety, and maintain efficiency. In renewable energy systems, automated monitoring equipment tracks performance and identifies faults as they occur. Robots are also used to inspect difficult-to-reach systems like pipelines and power generation equipment, reducing the need for humans to enter unsafe spaces. Energy companies have invested in automation for all these reasons and more. Automation technicians help keep these systems operating effectively.

Power Generation Facilities

Automated control systems are used in conventional power plants to perform real-time equipment monitoring. Sensors collect operational data from turbines and generators and use the information collected to improve system efficiency. Technicians onsite are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the automated equipment to keep the system running smoothly.

Renewable Energy Operations

Renewable energy solutions rely on automation for remote monitoring of energy assets. These automated tracking systems help optimize the performance of equipment like solar panels and turbines. By measuring conditions and positioning the PV equipment to ensure the optimal collection of energy, automated systems ensure that renewable energy systems of today produce as much energy as possible.

These complex systems require technicians to calibrate sensors and perform system diagnostics. When something goes wrong, technicians will often troubleshoot and are invariably involved in the maintenance and repair. Even when everything is performing optimally, automated systems still need preventative maintenance and monitoring to prevent problems from escalating by addressing them as they happen, when they are having the minimum impact on system performance.

Smart Grids and Advanced Grid Monitoring

Today's smart grids collect and exchange information, allowing decisions to be made in the service of efficient energy distribution. Sensors and communication networks monitor demand vs. supply, consider damaged grid areas and route energy as needed to ensure optimal energy supply throughout the network.

Automation technicians play a role in installing and troubleshooting sensors, maintaining energy distribution and control systems, as well as monitoring battery temperature and energy density. Without skilled technicians to optimize the automated equipment, smart grids as well as battery power banks cannot function over time.

Remote Operations

Robots like drones and remote monitoring technologies are used in hazardous and difficult-to-access environments found in power plants and other related energy infrastructure. This equipment helps improve worker safety by keeping people out of environments that have historically been very dangerous for humans. Although robots can access these spaces without a human beside them, they still require automation technicians to support their inspections through maintenance and troubleshooting.

Industrial Control Systems

Industrial control systems help create large networks of energy infrastructure, allowing equipment and systems to communicate and work together. These control systems consist of technologies like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and more. These systems work together, integrated with energy equipment and machines, to ensure energy production in facilities of all kinds. Automation technicians are responsible for programming and configuring these systems to keep them online and functioning efficiently. Technicians also maintain and troubleshoot systems as needed.

Predictive Maintenance and Equipment Diagnostics

Sensors monitor energy equipment health continuously and identify problems before they become serious. This helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Technicians must diagnose and troubleshoot these systems and perform repairs as needed.

Essential Skills for Today's Automation Technicians

Today's automation technicians need many skills to work within the energy sector. These skills can be developed in automation technician training programs and through on-the-job experience.

Sensor Technology

Automation technicians are involved in the installation and ongoing maintenance of sensors that monitor energy equipment. To troubleshoot and calibrate these systems, technicians must understand data collection and how these sensors operate.

Control Systems

Automation technicians must work with PLCs and SCADA platforms to keep energy systems communicating and functioning.

Robotics and Automated Equipment

Automation technicians inspect robots and understand how these machines operate, to support them in their roles.

Industrial Networking and Communication

Automation technicians connect automated devices and systems to the equipment they are designed to monitor and control. Once connected, technicians monitor system performance and troubleshoot as needed.

Career Opportunities in the Modern Energy Sector

Today, automation is an essential component of the energy sector. As a result, there is a growing demand for automation technicians across power generation and renewable energy facilities. Energy companies need technicians who can work with technologies like advanced control systems and robotics to keep their facilities online and functioning optimally.

To start your career or make a mid-career shift, join a training program designed to help adult learners develop practical, in-demand skills. Once you've received a certificate from a reputable training program provider like George Brown Polytechnic, you'll be ready to pursue your career as an automation technician. To get started, contact George Brown Polytechnic about our Automation Technician Program at info@gbctechtraining.com or call our toll-free number at 1-888-553-5333.