UMPI wind turbine taken offline
by equipment failure
Engineers are working to restore the University of Maine Presque Isle’s wind turbine to its spinning, electricity-generating self.
UMPI disclosed on Jan. 5, 2016, that the seven-year-old, 600 kilowatt turbine was “disrupted by an unplanned equipment failure,” and not producing power.
Engineers believe that a bearing in the main turbine drive failed and led to damage in the generator, UMPI spokesperson Rachael Rice said Monday. A new generator is due by mid-January and technicians are expected to install it with a crane not long after.
UMPI has insurance that covers this kind of unexpected problem, Rice noted.
“The University looks forward to returning the turbine to normal operation as soon as possible so it can continue its important dual role of providing a renewable energy source for campus and serving as an opportunity for research and learning.”
Since its installation in 2009, the $2 million turbine has produced 3.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
