Wind turbine fire damages blades and nacelle at Pubnico Point Wind Energy Center

What happened

A wind turbine caught fire at the Pubnico Point Wind Energy Center in West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, operated and owned by NextEra Energy. The fire broke out in the afternoon and burned for about two hours, scattering flaming debris around the site. A landowner alerted the site manager, who contacted the local fire department, but firefighters could do little to fight the blaze because the turbine tips were more than 100 metres above ground.

Two of the turbine's blades were completely burned and the nacelle was seriously damaged. No injuries were reported and the site was secured safely. The company began an investigation into the cause. Repairs requiring a crane were delayed until spring due to ground conditions. The other 16 turbines at the site continued operating normally.

Contributing factors

Not formally reported, though the article notes wind turbines can be prone to fire because their design places flammable materials such as hydraulic oil and plastics close to machinery and electrical wiring.

Lessons learned

1. A nacelle fire at hub height cannot be fought from the ground, so the plan must rest on early detection, remote isolation and a debris exclusion zone.
2. Crane repairs for elevated turbine damage must allow for seasonal ground conditions that can delay access until spring.
3. Flaming debris from a turbine fire at height requires prompt site securement to protect people nearby.

More lessons on structural integrity and turbines, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Turbine model and age
• Cost of damage and repairs
• Exact downtime for the affected turbine

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

cbc.ca