Failed Sensor on Wind Turbine Caused Shower of Ice Shards
- Event Year
- 2008
- Reliability
- Confirmed
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Industry
- Power and Utilities
Description
A sensor that was supposed to turn off the wind turbine under icy conditions did not operate as expected. Ice formed on the blades and showered nearby homes with large chunks of ice.
Impact
Ice formed on the turbine blades. The sensor failed to stop the turbine and shards of ice (some 2 feet long) showered nearby homes. Operators turned off the turbine.