Richmond Road Turbine Splatters

The height of the splatters, most over 90m from the base along with their size virtually eliminate the possibility of casual vandalism. It occurred to me that there may have been some sort of machine failure that caused something to leak from the nacelle pivot and splash, in globs on the support column. Upon examination of the direction and distribution of the splatters, I concluded that this was unlikely. There was nothing to indicate this on the ground as well.

It appears likely, that the splatters are the result of avian or bat collisions either during a single event or a longer period of time. The variation in splatter sizes could indicate various species. Concentrations on the South-Southwest column would indicate flight from that direction. Concentrations of splatters, close to the nacelle could be explained by noise avoidance of the blade tips, which because of their velocity, produce the loudest air noise. This would have a “funneling” effect that would produce results, conforming to the observed density.

If mortality occurred, solely as a result of collision with the column, then the low range, not accounting for the homogenous smear at the top would be about 100. If mortality occurred as a result of blade collision, then the upper limit, assuming multiple events, based on this simple method from this observation would be about 2400. The correct number is somewhere in between.

Turbine%20Splatter%20Report%20Ken%20Bell%203-9-08.pdf