An investigation is underway after a second rotor blade of a GE turbine snapped at a wind farm in Germany.
The blade was left partially damaged on the Alfstedt-Ebersdorf wind park in Decrease Saxony, mentioned operator Energiekontor. The undertaking makes use of eight GE 5.3-158 generators, in line with reference info on the undertaking’s planning course of accessible on-line, which had been confirmed to Recharge by the corporate.
“Because of this, plastic components and, amongst different issues, finer fibres of the rotor blade had been distributed to the instant environment. No private accidents occurred,” mentioned a press release from the wind farm proprietor.
The corporate mentioned the turbine was shut down and additional measures would observe after the incident, which occurred on 14/15 October.
“The reason for the injury shouldn’t be but identified and is presently being investigated, as is the anticipated length for the restore of the injury. The investigations are operating at full velocity.”
GE mentioned in a press release despatched to Recharge:
“A wind turbine blade occasion incident occurred on October 15, 2023 on the Alfstedt wind farm in Germany. There have been no accidents. We’re working intently with our buyer and native authorities to make sure the protection of the impacted space and decide the foundation reason behind the incident.”
Energiekontor informed Recharge one other rotor blade of one of many similar GE 5.3-158 generators broke off in September final 12 months. The investigation into the foundation reason behind that accident has not been concluded but.
The developer mentioned it doesn’t know whether or not the 2 rotor blade breaks had the identical trigger or not. An unbiased knowledgeable is slated to look at the most recent accident.
Energiekontor harassed it solely recommends restarting all generators after an unbiased knowledgeable has decided that there is no such thing as a threat of comparable injury to those machines.
