Catastrophic Failure of Wind Generator

Wind turbine electric generating station flies apart. Illustrates dangers inherent in wind energy generation.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• energy
• environment
• wind
• farms

[ptgustan]

These wind turbines are an economic boondoggle. To supply peak demand when the wind is down, an alternate power plant must be kept running at all times. In Iowa and Nebraska, that means a coal fired plant must be kept on line whether the wind blows or not.

[ptgustan]

I drive through an operating wind farm several times a year. I've seen at least six windmills destroyed by high winds in the last three years. Anything mechanical can and, eventually, will fail. You might want to research the large number of folks that were killed by steam engine failures when they were first put to use. You don't see many steam engines used any more, do you?

[govf]

I respect your opinion of their appearance, it is a highly debated issue. I do disagree with you, but that is also my opinion.

However, I find you stating inherent danger from turbines breaking like this to be uninformed.

True, the tips spin quickly, but fact remains, properly running turbines pitch out of the wind to maintain full and operation, safe rotation speed.

If I show you a video of catastrophic failure of a car exploding, does that mean it's an inherent danger of all cars?

[splashy9]

Several questions:

1. Was anyone hurt?

2. Was there any fallout or pollution generated?

3. Was there the ability to replace it quickly?

4. I saw no explosion, did you?

[ThePrestonChannel]

fake



[ralph5407]

@govf can't recall hearing of any catstrophic failures of a cars exploding....

[henrikmk]

This is a video of an old Danish wind turbine that broke in 2008.

The brakes had failed, and as two repair men heard parts falling down through the shaft. They then ran from the site, when they saw the turbine started spinning faster in the high wind, when it should have stopped.

They then called the police to evacuate the area around the turbine. After that, people simply gathered to wait for the turbine to fail and filmed some videos.

This is one of them.

[abe2517]

@aetatissuae18 - It isn't, I was being partisan.

[aetatissuae18]

@abe2517 how is it any different than mining non-rare earth minerals like coal?

[SirDamned]

Dimmy?! D:

[aegisgfx]

@ptgustan

can't they feather the blades and put the brakes on during a wind storm for these things>?

[truemagellen]

@ptgustan actually there are steam engines used everywhere...powerplants, industrial facilities, and more

[dshmechanic]

Well...I was going to ask, 'Does it blend?' but I see that won't be necessary....

[lordkoos]

I'd rather live next to 100 of those than one nuclear plant.