New Zealand’s Windflow Technology saw its prototype twin-blade turbine destroyed by a severe storm that struck the South Island’s Gebbies Pass.
Part of the NZ$1 million (€556,000) turbine’s nacelle fell 30 m from its tower during a storm, smashing the 9 tonne unit’s blades and gearbox.
Windflow cited a sudden change in wind direction for tearing out bolts holding the gearbox and blades to the rest of the nacelle. The MetService reportedly estimated gusts of up to 90 km/h at the site, although the turbine is apparently designed to withstand wind speeds of more than 200 km/h.
Two Windflow engineers working in the base of the tower narrowly escaped injury when the unit fell. Despite the setback, Windflow said it would rebuild the unit from parts made for new turbines, but it was too early to say how long that would take.
