Blade snaps off a turbine at Goshen Wind Project near Grand Bend

Nextera Energy reported that one of 63 turbines at its Goshen Wind Project, on Kirkton Rd. in the Grand Bend area, had a blade snap off during severe thunderstorms on the evening of 2 August 2015. The company was investigating the failure. The storms brought intense lightning, and Environment Canada reported a wind gust of 110 km/h at Grand Bend around 8pm. The company said the turbines have wind-speed and lightning sensors that typically shut the blades down automatically to limit damage. Other agencies, including the electricity system operator, were notified. All other turbines at the site were reported operational.

The cause was still under investigation. The failure occurred during severe thunderstorms with intense lightning and a reported gust of 110 km/h. The site turbines are fitted with sensors intended to shut spinning blades down automatically in high wind or lightning.

1. A blade can fail in a severe storm even where turbines have wind-speed and lightning sensors meant to stop the rotor.
2. After such a failure, operators should check whether automatic shutdown occurred and keep the sensor and shutdown records for the investigation.
3. Notify the system operator promptly and confirm the status of the rest of the fleet while the failed turbine is made safe.

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