Physical dangers of wind turbines

Author: Spiegel (Der) | Germany, Photos, Safety, Technology

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[These photos accompanied an article in the August 24, 2007, Der Spiegel, which is available here at National Wind Watch.]

Short circuits, friction or lightening strikes can cause wind turbines to go up in flames – like this one in 2004. Fire fighters can often only stand around and watch, their ladders too short to do anything about it. [DPA]

Wind turbines have to withstand massive amounts of strain – especially during storms. This one came crashing down in 2002. Recent storms have sent others to their demise. [DPA]

The tips of rotors often have to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. Recent inspections have revealed cracks on a number of wind generators. [DDP]

Workers put the finishing touches on a wind turbine in March – 100 meters off the ground. The tremendous height of the wind turbines make them difficult – and expensive – to maintain. [Getty Images]

With wind turbines growing ever taller and rotors ever longer, regular maintenence is more important than ever. Insurance statistics reveal that wind turbines run into problems frequently, despite manufacturer claims that they should function problem-free for 20 years. [DPA]

The machinery inside a wind turbine is not complex, but it does have to withstand a lot of day-to-day strain. Gearboxes tend to wear out especially often. [DPA]

The demand for wind turbines in Germany and the world continues to grow. Indeed, the country’s capacity for wind power – if only the wind would blow all the time – is almost that of nuclear power in Germany. [AP]

Many, though, worry that collapsing wind turbines could be dangerous. This one, which came down in January, landed dangerously near an Autobahn. [AP]

Because of worldwide demand, wind farmers sometimes have to wait weeks or months for replacement parts. [DDP]

This material is the work of the author(s) indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.

The copyright of this material resides with the author(s). As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Queries e-mail.

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