Like an airplane without wings...

caseys · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 07:58 AM

Had seen a special on television about those wind power thangs in Eastern Washington. Started to think about the Bunny that pilots those airplanes without wings. The work looks high and tight. Was wondering if Bunny actually goes up to check those thangs out in the winter with the cold, wind and snow?

Hope to hear how all are doing.

Snowbunny · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 05:42 PM

Yes, I do!!

I'm just like the postman ~ Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds!!

If I need to go up,,, I go up!!

If it's 130* up there, I sweat,,, I sweat a LOT!!!

If it's -5* up there, I shiver! A LOT!! 'Cause now I'm wet from sweating!!! Ha! Ha!! Ha!!!

Here's a link to some pics I took while at work!! Enjoy!

Pictures by TowerJunkie09 - Photobucket

caseys · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 07:20 AM

Beautiful views! I have seen wind towers when I drive the 90 to the east side of the hump. Those things are big.

Do you have any photos that show the perspective of size... like someone on top or bottom?

Snowbunny · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:14 AM

Yeah, you just didn't notice. This one shows a fella coming out of the hub hatch between the blades. I was on top of the next turbine over, about 1,000 feet. This guy is 6'3" tall and looks like a shrimp on here!!! There are also several pics with pick ups at the bases.

physicsguy11 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 03:58 PM

Those are some beautiful pictures Bunny! That must be some experience being up there on those towers. Are those first couple pictures on the album of wind-blown ice up top?

Snowbunny · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:32 AM

Yeah, took those last year. They call it Rime Ice. It forms when the fog rolls by.

The build-up got to over a foot thick on the blades and made a spectacular show when it went flying after it warmed up!!! Made huge craters in the ground and splattered over 7 feet around!!

Only took out one windshield and one quarter panel,,, People are figuring out to stay away during ice-shed!! lol

Placermike · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 07:30 PM

They may be planes without wings, but I have one question...Where is first class seating?

caseys · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:54 PM

Those things are bigger than I thought... when I saw that picture, it looked like a fly sitting on the lens or something.

...and I think the answer to Placemike's question is in the photo... that guy is in the first class seat with a view like that.

Snowbunny · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:08 PM

Yeah, they're just under 300 feet to the top of the nacelle and almost 400 feet to the tip of the top blade. You can't have a heights issue with this job, that's for sure!!

And here's our very own Baby Bunny!!!

caseys · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:00 PM

Caught my attention for a second... it looked like a peace sign on one hand and a bird on the other. Geez.

physicsguy11 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 08:07 PM

Looks like baby bunny is ready to go bungee jumping! I recommend tightening the harness before leaping though...

caseys · #12 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 03:02 AM

...and not only tightening the harness but also made using a rope with a little bit more spring in it.

Snowbunny · #13 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 11:14 AM

Yeah,,, "One Size Fits All" is a LIE!!!

SpringerPop · #14 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 12:38 AM

Do some of these units have rotor blades with de-icers on the leading edges?

I can imagine HUGE irregularities in balance without some kind of ice prevention.

Pop

Snowbunny · #15 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 08:53 AM

No, there are no de-icers, and yes, it is a huge issue!! The turbine can detect the imbalance, however, and will shut itself off so there is no damage to the main bearing. Production is lost for days or even weeks at a time, but it's the cheaper alternative!!