Jason Edworthy, director of community relations for Calgary-based TransAlta, says that the fire occurred the morning of August 8 and originated in the nacelle, which was damaged beyond repair. "The root cause analysis work is continuing and we don't have any final answers yet," he said early last month. One potential cause that has been ruled out, though, is a lightning strike.
The rotor has been removed from the Kent Hills turbine, but the nacelle will remain in place until its replacement arrives on site. A V90 turbine destined for TransAlta's Summerview wind farm, under construction in southern Alberta, will be diverted to Kent Hills.
"It's not going to affect our schedule, but it gets this one back up and running sooner," says Edworthy.
Vestas referred all media enquiries about the fire to TransAlta. V90 turbines have also experienced a series of mechanical troubles in the neighbouring province of Prince Edward Island (see page 36).
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