Planck Vision Systems manufactures thermal imaging solutions for portable inspection and 24/7 monitoring of commercial applications including: Early Fire Detection, Manufacturing, Substations and Tunnels, Electrical Panel/Cabinets, Storage Facilities, Data Centers and Elevated Body Temperature Screening. Our company is headquartered in Santa Barbara CA, the capital of infrared sensing technologies in the United States.
On January 10, 2025, a fire broke out in the generator of a Siemens Gamesa wind turbine at the 20MW Mel Wind Farm in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Two workers who were carrying out maintenance at the time were rescued by helicopter after they took refuge on top of the turbine’s nacelle. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, and the workers were taken to a hospital for examination but were later released. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
NEWS
On January 10, 2025, a fire erupted in the generator of a Siemens Gamesa wind turbine at the Mel Wind Farm in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The wind farm, which has a total capacity of 20MW, is owned by Iberdrola and operated by its subsidiary Neoenergia. At the time of the incident, two workers were performing maintenance on the turbine when the fire broke out. The workers immediately took shelter at a safe area on top of the nacelle, as the turbine’s elevators were not activated due to safety concerns.
Given the emergency situation, Neoenergia swiftly initiated its emergency plan, deploying a helicopter to airlift the workers to safety. Video footage of the rescue operation showed the workers being hoisted by airlift cables before being transported to the ground. Fortunately, both workers were unharmed and were taken to a local hospital for a medical examination. They were later released and are reported to be in good health.
The fire, which caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the turbine’s generator, is still under investigation. Neoenergia is awaiting the completion of a report that will determine the cause of the fire. This incident highlights the risks associated with wind turbine operations and the critical importance of having robust emergency response plans in place.
In the context of preventing such incidents, early fire detection plays a vital role. With Planck Vision Systems’ advanced thermal imaging technology, wind turbine operators can benefit from continuous monitoring that can detect abnormal temperature changes before they escalate into a full-fledged fire. By integrating such systems, the risk of damage to expensive turbine components can be minimized, and worker safety can be further enhanced.
Harness the power of Planck Vision Systems with the TRX600 robotic system and our comprehensive suite of solutions, offering unparalleled support for wind turbines in both new constructions and retrofitting projects. Our specialized thermal imaging navigates tight turbine spaces with unmatched precision. Bypassing the constraints of periodic handheld checks, our continuous monitoring catches every anomaly. This approach ensures timely interventions, risk reduction, and a solid foundation for long-term safety in turbine operations.