Sudden Rotor Blade Failure at Wind Farm During Initial Operation
In a thrilling turn of events at a wind farm close to Luebeck, a rotor blade has mysteriously snapped off from one of the towering 164-meter-high turbines, as confirmed by wind turbine manufacturer Nordex. This incident occurred last Friday, causing no harm to anyone nearby, but prompting an immediate evacuation of the site.
The aftermath saw pieces of the damaged rotor blade crashing to the ground, leaving the turbine temporarily out of service. As of now, experts are digging into the case, focusing on determining the exact cause of the mishap. In their investigation, they will scrutinize fragments of the broken component and analyze aerial photographs of the affected wind turbine, captured using drones.
The wind farm in question, Werder 2, houses seven N163/5x-type turbines with a massive 163-meter rotor diameter and a hub height of up to 164 meters, capable of producing around five megawatts. Following the incident, the remaining six turbines were temporarily inspected, revealing no unusual performance parameters. They were subsequently returned to operation.
Currently, authorities are weighing in on the situation, with a response from the State Office for Agriculture and the Environment yet to be received.
Sadly, such unexpected incidents are not unheard of in the wind energy sector. For instance, a rotor blade detached from a wind turbine at the border of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg, causing a loud bang. Similarly, wind turbines have been known to catch fire, as demonstrated by two online videos showing fires in wind turbines in Demmin and Greifswald in January 2024. However, extinguishing these blazes was out of the question, resulting in substantial property damage worth millions.
Inspecting wind turbines for various environmental factors, material degradation, and operational stress is crucial to prevent such incidents. Key reasons for rotor blade failures include environmental wear and degradation, blade twisting and structural loosening, flutter and vibrations, material fatigue, manufacturing defects, and inadequate inspection and maintenance. Addressing these factors can help secure the longevity and safety of wind energy systems.
Experts from the wind energy industry are analyzing the fragments of the broken rotor blade and aerial photographs to determine the exact cause of the mishap, as such unexpected incidents can be associated with environmental wear and degradation, blade twisting and structural loosening, flutter and vibrations, material fatigue, manufacturing defects, and inadequate inspection and maintenance in the finance sector. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular, thorough inspections to prevent such occurrences and secure the longevity and safety of wind energy systems, which are vital components of the renewable energy sector, particularly in regions heavily reliant on finance for infrastructure development.
