Captured on video: The moment a wind turbine exploded in gales

Daily Mail ^ | 2/25/2008

[Uncledave]

Follow link to see old NEG-Micon machine going kablooie.

When winds get too strong, modern machines' blades pitch out of the wind, and the rotor is braked. (The old one in the video should have been braked as well - unclear why that failed).

I respect that many here oppose wind energy, but safety concerns isn't a strong argument for that case. Let's all please recognize that accidents can and do happen in any area of the energy industry.

[Right Wing Assault]

I wish I could see a hi-res video of this. Just before the rotor blows, a cloud of dust or smoke appears right at the front of the truck at the base. Either a piece the rotor shot out or, get ready conspiracy folks... the truck shot something up and hit the rotor.

[wizr]

I’m not an engineer. That said, wouldn’t curved blades in a tube (such as a jet engine) work at high speeds?

I would love to see each of our homes run independently of market prices for energy. To me, even urban buildings should be self sufficient.

We are required to spend too much money, on a monthly basis, to maintain our homes. Everyone wants in our pockets.

[BJungNan]

Why would anyone oppose wind energy? Were you being sarcastic?

[Mikey_1962]

Well she said that we would be “blown away” after she became Governor......

[GreenAccord]

Bush de schuld!

[beef]

“I respect that many here oppose wind energy”

I will come to Uncledave’s defense on this one. There have been plenty of posts on Free Republic expressing opposition to alternate energy for no better reason than that some liberals like it. Uncledave and I part company when he respects those opinions. I do not.

[norton]

I’m OK with both solar and wind energy for small scale use - been pumping water for centuries. Also reduces demand on the commercial energy grid.
But with nuclear available (and cheap) and with improved means of refining as yet untapped petroleum, with tons of concepts for other power sources, and with a secure gag on people like Al Gore - we don’t need the huge ecological problems of wind farms and solar radiators that take up half a county in fly-over America.

[hadaclueonce]

South Flordia is in the dark. Where is your wind power now dude?

Guess your going to say it it saving money cause when the power is out, the meter does not turn.

[bert]

He might think I oppose wind projects because of my study that indicated 10 or 12 % of the units on many projects observed were inoperable.

Wind energy is a fact. It is not an economically viable source in the USA. It costs more than it is worth

Nuclear is the way

[winklerorama at gmail.com]

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Really?
Honestly, now.....