As the world grapples with the increasing intensity of storms due to climate change, the resilience of wind turbines is being tested to their limits. Recent research indicates that the escalating severity of these storms is surpassing the design capabilities of many turbines, specifically those categorized as Class III, which are intended for milder conditions.
Climate change is not only a looming threat but an active force, with over 40 percent of current and planned offshore wind farms in Europe and Asia at risk from wind speeds beyond their designed capacity. This alarming finding comes from a study conducted by Yanan Zhao and Zhenzhong Zeng from the Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, and their colleagues, published in Nature Communications.
Increasing Storm Intensity
The intensifying nature of storms, such as the recent Hurricane Melissa, exemplifies the impact of global warming. Melissa’s wind speeds reached 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour), with climate change contributing a 7% increase in its intensity, according to a separate study. Researchers highlight that such events would likely not occur without the influence of climate change.
Yanan Zhao clarifies, “Climate change is amplifying the intensity of extreme strong winds,” emphasizing the challenges faced by Class III wind turbines, which are prevalent in regions like Europe, Asia, and the United States. These turbines are not designed to withstand the high wind speeds increasingly common in today’s climate.
Design and Cost Considerations
While more robust turbine models, such as Class I and II, can endure stronger winds, the choice of turbine often comes down to cost. Class III turbines are cheaper due to their simpler reinforcement designs, making them an economically attractive option for energy producers.
When wind speeds exceed a turbine’s design limits, turbines initially attempt to adjust by changing blade angles. If that fails, they shut down until conditions improve. Zhao explains, “Wind turbines survive storms primarily through their design and automated control systems.” However, if these systems are overwhelmed, structural damage can occur, as seen during Super-Typhoon Yagi in 2024, which led to the collapse of at least six turbines in Hainan, China.
Future Challenges and Solutions
The prospect of turbine collapse poses significant financial and logistical challenges, from dismantling damaged structures to installing new, potentially more expensive, models. The study suggests that more than half of existing wind farms are in areas where wind speeds are projected to rise, increasing the risk of turbine failure.
Despite these challenges, technology exists to withstand extreme weather. Typhoon-resistant turbines, like the MySE 18.X–20 MW model from Mingyang Smart Energy, can handle wind speeds up to 79.8 meters per second. These models offer hope for the future, though current wind speeds, such as those experienced during Melissa, have already reached 80 meters per second.
In conclusion, as the frequency of extreme storms continues to rise, the need for resilient wind energy solutions becomes more urgent. While the current technology offers some assurance, ongoing research and adaptation are crucial to ensure the sustainability of wind energy in the face of climate change.
Original Story at www.haaretz.com