22/05/2025
At DC21 we always keep a close eye on the performance of our customers turbines. However, something unexpected has happening this past couple of months with many showing unusual power curve degradation.
Equally concerned and intrigued by this, we sent a DC21 drone up to inspect several Endurance wind turbines and discovered something we’ve never recorded before – ATTACK OF THE INSECTS! 🦟
Millions of bugs had encrusted the leading edge of Endurance turbine blades, dramatically affecting airflow over the blade edge - creating turbulence, reducing aerodynamic efficiency, and, therefore, diminishing power curve generation.
The huge increase in flies, greenflies, and other insects has been widely commented on in social media and newspapers lately, with most concluding that the unusually warm and dry weather has extended insect lifecycles. This means longer breeding seasons and larger populations. Potentially, the warmer weather may also have increased insect flight activity, especially at 30 – 40 metres, the height of an Endurance hub.
The effect on the turbines has been quite dramatic. It is currently affecting around 30 turbines in the Lancashire and Yorkshire region.
DC21 has already taken steps to correct the issue on three turbines, with all returned to normal generation after the bugs were removed. Whilst this weekend promises to be wet and windy, it might not remove the bugs, meaning we will have some work to do to bring the rest of the turbines back to power curve.
We always go above and beyond (pun intended!) to maximise the output from the Endurance wind turbines in our care – call +44 (0)1484 702702 to find out more about the services we provide.
