Are wind turbine fires a real thing?

Wind turbine fires are a reality in wind farms worldwide and represent severe damages for the wind industry. Fire is the second most common accident caused in terms of incidents found. Fire can grow from a large number of sources, as well as some turbine types. These look more minded to fire than others.

What happens if a wind turbine fire occurs?

When a fire does occur, the typical action is to wait for it to burn out. Without suppressing the fire, significant structural damage and total loss result in nearly all cases (90%). What do wind turbine fire statistics mean for wind farms? Overall, the data shows that wind turbine fires are relatively rare.

Are wind turbine fires common?

The fact that 61% of those surveyed had seen a fire near a wind turbine suggests that fires are common. Fires don't happen frequently, according to those questioned. Almost all of the fires that were observed were caused by maintenance failures. Most people questioned had incidents involving fire when it came to other accidents they had seen.

Why do wind turbines catch fire?

Wind turbines catch fire because highly flammable materials such as hydraulic oil and plastics are in close proximity to machinery and electrical wires. These can ignite a fire if they overheat or are faulty. Lots of oxygen, in the form of high winds, can quickly fan a fire inside a turbine.

How many wind turbine fires a year?

The wind industry reports about 11 fires per year, but the researchers found there are more likely about 117 wind turbine fires annually across more than 200,000 turbines. For the wind industry, the fires are the second leading cause of accidents after blade failure.

Is a wind turbine a fire hazard?

Photos and graphics subject to third party copyright used with permission or © Imperial College London. FIRE HAZARD - Fire is the second leading cause of accidents in wind turbines, after blade failure, according to research out today.