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Wind turbines freeze in Texas due to massive winter storm

Catwell

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A winter storm caused wind turbines to freeze over in Texas, which limited the state’s power generation capacity during record-breaking power demand. (Image Credit: Vincent Foret/Unsplash)

 

Nearly half of Texas’ wind power generation capacity has been cut off due to a winter storm that slammed the state over the weekend, leaving 3 million people without power. Usually, Texas wind farms generate 25,100 megawatts of power. According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), wind turbines had frozen over, which accounted for 12,000 megawatts of energy. They also stated that unfrozen turbines are generating energy much faster, helping to offset the losses.

 

In 2020, wind turbines accounted for nearly 25% of Texas’ energy, making it the next biggest power source after natural gas. Turbines can be fitted with anti-freeze technology so they can operate in cold weather. However, it’s expensive to install the modifications, and they’re rarely developed in areas where they might not be needed. Can we expect this to be an issue anywhere turbines are used from now on? Seems so.

 

The frozen turbines were part of a perfect storm of energy sources limiting Texas’ power generation capacity during record-breaking electric demand as a result of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Natural gas being the #1 problem. Temperatures dipped into the single-digits in areas as far as San Antonio. It’s not known when power could return, as rolling blackouts were ordered in the state on Monday.  The rotating blackouts, which are spreading from Texas across the Great Plains, are expected to continue until Texas’ weather emergency ends.

 

The wind is not entirely at fault for the outages. Around 27 gigawatts of coal, nuclear, and gas capacity are unavailable. This is because the cold has caused more demand for natural gas, which provides heating.

 

Wind turbines are less efficient when they freeze due to cold temperatures, and their blades stop spinning.  However, it could be hazardous if ice forms on the blades since it could break off or fall to the ground.   

 

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  • in reply to DAB

      wrote:

    > ... important things to consider when working with renewable energy systems.

     

    I agree with your points, but those also apply to conventional energy sources.

    In my opinion, the ideal energy system includes a mix of sources (including conventional as well as green energy) to reduce the dependence on any single source.

     

    >Conduct risk analysis of your power system

    I think they did, and concluded it wasn't worth the extra expense for the rare case where Texas gets a storm like this.

     

    >Green energy is great until the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow.

    Let's be fair here - the other energy sources had their own limitations. Most of the lost capacity seems to be due to coal, nuclear, and gas generation not being available.

  • Enjoyed the read CA. I confess, it was reading the posts from other members that provided the most clarity.

  • I do appreciate Cabe's news items on this site, but . . . when I was in school, we were told that the headline should summarize the information in the article.  The article mentions wind turbine power and conventional power shutdowns.  The magnitude of the two is significant:

     

    Texas wind farms generate 25,100 megawatts of power. According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), wind turbines had frozen over, which accounted for 12,000 megawatts of energy.

    and

     

    The wind is not entirely at fault for the outages. Around 27 gigawatts of coal, nuclear, and gas capacity are unavailable.

     

    By my math (12000 megawatts / 27 gigawatts ) = 44 %.  So I would say the significant information is the conventional power sources, and would have titled the article "27 gigawatts of coal, nuclear, and gas capacity are unavailable"

  • Feeling bad for Texan's situation, a perfect storm.

    The houses are built for normal Texas weather, aren't built for sustained subzero weather.

    The energy systems aren't built for sustained subzero conditions, and with an isolated grid, cant buy from other energy producers.

     

    Historic Average Temperatures in Dallas, Texas (by Month)

    Month Avg. High Avg. Low

    Jan       55°F      36°F

    Feb      61°F     41°F

    Mar     69°F      49°F

    Apr      77°F     56°F

     

    The media is tending to focus on sharing the tragedy and blame. There are stories shared of good samaritans  and short term solutions, which I hope get more media time and consideration.