A lot of publicity about wind farms has been reported lately but there has been a notable lack of publicity about continuing failures at Searsburg, as well as other areas throughout the country. ...It should be noted that their touted life expectancy is speculative and not substantiated since so very few [turbines] have been operating for even 10 years.
A lot of publicity about wind farms has been reported lately but there has been a notable lack of publicity about continuing failures at Searsburg, as well as other areas throughout the country. ...It should be noted that their touted life expectancy is speculative and not substantiated since so very few [turbines] have been operating for even 10 years.
A lot of publicity about wind farms has been reported lately but there has been a notable lack of publicity about continuing failures at Searsburg, as well as other areas throughout the country.
On Sept. 15, 2008, turbine #10 at the wind facility experienced a catastrophic failure when one of the blades came in contact with the turbine's tower, causing it to buckle during high winds. The turbine's 28-ton nacelle and three-blade rotor assembly crashed to the ground, scattering debris several hundred feet from the structure. Approximately 20 gallons of heavy oil spilled from the unit when its fluid reservoirs were damaged.
Lisa Linowes, executive director of Industrial Wind Action, stated that these turbines have been plagued by …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]A lot of publicity about wind farms has been reported lately but there has been a notable lack of publicity about continuing failures at Searsburg, as well as other areas throughout the country.
On Sept. 15, 2008, turbine #10 at the wind facility experienced a catastrophic failure when one of the blades came in contact with the turbine's tower, causing it to buckle during high winds. The turbine's 28-ton nacelle and three-blade rotor assembly crashed to the ground, scattering debris several hundred feet from the structure. Approximately 20 gallons of heavy oil spilled from the unit when its fluid reservoirs were damaged.
Lisa Linowes, executive director of Industrial Wind Action, stated that these turbines have been plagued by performance issues and blade failures for some time, citing specific incidents. Weather conditions and climate are taking a toll on wind turbines all over the country and reports of failures are increasing, including blade throws, oil leaks, fires and collapse.
It should be noted that their touted life expectancy is speculative and not substantiated since so very few have been operating for even 10 years. Moreover, information on the number and types of failures is sparse and poorly reported, making estimates of longevity unreliable. Apparently, of the approximately 75 wind farm operators in this country, some 60 percent are significantly behind in their maintenance procedures! Business Week (Aug. 2007) reported, "The facilities may not be as reliable and durable as producers claim. Indeed, with thousands of mishaps, breakdowns and accidents having been reported in recent years (this in 2007, please note), the difficulties seem to be mounting."
While wind development continues to be an important part of our energy solution, would it not be wiser to seriously consider public safety and appropriate placement (not near schools, for instance, as has been done ... or in harsh weather areas).
Are we going down another black hole?