Cyprus-Forum.com

[apc2010]

just found out if the wind is too strong they turn them off, that is there job....

[cyprusgrump]

just found out if the wind is too strong they turn them off, that is there job....

Yes, they have to 'feather' the blades if the wind is too strong...

My understanding is that in Cyprus the wind is on average too weak or too strong to generate electricity...

[cyprusgrump]

I know you don't like wind power like so many others. I had the opportunity to climb to the nacelle one day (top of turbine tower) some 200 feet high. The rotor was turning... I could feel the power of the wind... the generator was humming... not much noise... an awesome sight. If you get a chance, go to the wind farm and just touch the base of the tower while the wind is blowing... you'll see what I mean. Better to wait until the construction is completed, don't think anyone is allowed up there while the work is progressing.

Georgios100

I think the technology is awesome (I just don't want to pay for it)... I'd love to get into the nacelle of a big generator (as long as it isn't one that tears itself apart)...

The blades are truly beautiful - here is one of the new ones squeezing its way out of Limassol port...



A computer designed work of art...

Look at the energy consumed by its delivery tho....

The Germans are building the biggest turbines nowadays... offshore installs of course. The turbine is Hugh. The only way to service them is via a helicopter pad, located adjacent to the nacelle... see pic



Georgios100

I'm sure that sending maintenance teams to visit by helicopter is extremely energy efficient...

[apc2010]

and salt is a major factor in reducing power output upto 20% . if on a coast line in cyprus i guess salt is going to be a problem, also there are the biggest killers of bats,

[cyprusgrump]

and salt is a major factor in reducing power output upto 20% . if on a coast line in cyprus i guess salt is going to be a problem, also there are the biggest killers of bats,

Quite so...

Apart from the noise pollution and bits of birds and bats falling on your head plus the risk of 1 in 100 blades flying off... not a safe place to be...

[georgios100]

just found out if the wind is too strong they turn them off, that is there job....

Yes, they have to 'feather' the blades if the wind is too strong...

My understanding is that in Cyprus the wind is on average too weak or too strong to generate electricity...

The rotor RPM is controlled electronically via an anemometer which "reads" the wind velocity and direction. The onboard computer performs pitch blade adustments to achieve constant RPMs. The rotor always turns at the same speed regardless of wind speed. During high winds (ie over 75 mph) the turbine is shut down by the computer using the build-in brake system to protect the rotor from over-spinning ( a catastrophic event).

The whole operation is done automatically (no human intervention).

Turbine failures seen on the internet are of older types where the anemometer or the computer failed resulting in the destruction of the turbine.


I think Cyprus wind farm is rated 6ms (6 meters per second). This is a moderate wind, not really the best of the best wind sites. This is why the turbines chosen are small, suited for lower wind velocities.

Georgios100

[apc2010]

so as a lay man , when this thing can create most of its power , it is shut down????

[georgios100]

and salt is a major factor in reducing power output upto 20% . if on a coast line in cyprus i guess salt is going to be a problem, also there are the biggest killers of bats,

Quite so...

Apart from the noise pollution and bits of birds and bats falling on your head plus the risk of 1 in 100 blades flying off... not a safe place to be...

Not many birds flying around in Cyprus. Cypriot hunters shot anything that gets airborne including bats...lol

Georgios100

[georgios100]

so as a lay man , when this thing can create most of its power , it is shut down????

Yeah... winds over 75 mph are almost hurricane conditions!

Georgios100

[cyprusgrump]

just found out if the wind is too strong they turn them off, that is there job....

Yes, they have to 'feather' the blades if the wind is too strong...

My understanding is that in Cyprus the wind is on average too weak or too strong to generate electricity...

The rotor RPM is controlled electronically via an anemometer which "reads" the wind velocity and direction. The onboard computer performs pitch blade adustments to achieve constant RPMs. The rotor always turns at the same speed regardless of wind speed. During high winds (ie over 75 mph) the turbine is shut down by the computer using the build-in brake system to protect the rotor from over-spinning ( a catastrophic event).

The whole operation is done automatically (no human intervention).

Turbine failures seen on the internet are of older types where the anemometer or the computer failed resulting in the destruction of the turbine.


I think Cyprus wind farm is rated 6ms (6 meters per second). This is a moderate wind, not really the best of the best wind sites. This is why the turbines chosen are small, suited for lower wind velocities.

Georgios100

Chernobil failure seen on the internet are of older type where the systems or the computer failed resulting in the destruction of the reactor.

So, you agree that nuclear is now safe? Yes?