Are Wind Turbines Reliable During Severe Storms?
As Canadians kicked off the pleasant Victoria Day long weekend, it wasn't as jubilant for parts of Ontario and Québec which were welcomed by powerful Wind and Thunderstorms that ripped through cities and towns, reaching hurricane category 1 wind speeds. Environment Canada has classified the storm as a derecho or hurricane on land due to the widespread damaging winds. Under a million people lost power during the storm. Having thousands scrambling to find generators to power the essentials at home.
Damage Dealt by The Derecho
A derecho is classified as a “line of intense windstorms which may contain thunderstorms that move across a great distance” (Toronto Sun, 2022). The storm traveled approximately 1000 KM starting Saturday morning in southern Ontario moving through Québec before making its way out to Maine later that day. The peak of the storm could see winds reach speeds of up to 135km/hr downing powerlines, uprooting trees, and destroying homes. Hydro one is working to restore power to 800,000 customers in Ontario and Québec (CTV, 2022) with residents in rural areas having to wait the longest for power to be restored. The power outages have lasted days, with some resorting to gas generators to power their critical appliances such as stoves, fridges, and space heating. Approximately one week after the storm and roughly 53,000 customers are still without power.
How can Borrum Energy Solutions Help
The Anorra and the Anorra Plus are microgeneration wind turbines designed 100% in Canada by Borrum Energy solutions to reduce cottages, cabins, tiny houses, and northern or rural homes' reliance on grid energy and reduce greenhouse emissions. Both the microgeneration wind turbine and tower are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 190km/hr[1]. The blades have been tested to withstand winds of up to 220km/hr. This means these wind turbines would not have been affected by the violent winds of the derecho which just passed. Moreover, the Anorra and the Anorra plus would have been powering the batteries before, during, and after the storm, enabling the dwelling owner to power their tiny house, cabin, cottage, northern or rural home’s equipment such as heating, water pumps, or electronics such as internet and stoves while the grid power is restored.
For more information on the Anorra and Anorra Plus visit www.borrumenergysolutions.ca
References
[1] Canada Safety Association S37-18