Failure analysis and risk management of a collapsed large wind turbine tower

Developing renewable energy is crucial as nations face the twin threats of global warming and a reduction in energy supplies. Wind turbines are one of the most promising sources of renewable energy in Taiwan. However, on September 28, 2008, Typhoon Jangmi struck Taiwan, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall that collapsed a wind turbine tower located on the shore of Taichung Harbor. This study provides significant insights into, and lessons learned from, post-disaster inspection into the causes of tower failure during this typhoon. This event represented the first time that a wind turbine in Taiwan that had to be reconstructed after collapsing. To prevent similar accidents, the likely causal mechanisms are examined from the risk management perspective. Data for case analysis are collected from original tower design reports, the tower design code, construction records and documents, historical wind-speed data, structural tower analysis, and intact and fractured bolt material tests. Furthermore, similar accidents in other countries and their causes are reviewed to identify potential risk factors affecting the lifecycle of wind turbines.