Climbing a Wind Turbine

Martha Davis, T&D World's senior content director, shares her experience climbing a wind turbine.

Aug. 20, 2019

2 min read

Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.20.07 PM.png

In T&D World magazine, we often highlight wind energy projects around the world. Here is a look at the inside of a wind turbine in Waverly, Kansas.

Tdworld Com Sites Tdworld com Files Screen Shot 2019 08 20 At 3 19 47 Pm

Our Senior Content Director, Martha Davis, climbed to the top of a wind turbine in Waverly, Kansas, so we can all see its inner workings. There were four 75-ft sections of ladder, plus another 20-ft section to climb to the top of the nacelle. Even with the climb assist technology, this was very physically challenging. And, look at the size of the bolts in the background!

Tdworld Com Sites Tdworld com Files Screen Shot 2019 08 20 At 3 19 30 Pm 0

Most of the ladders are connected by very strong magnets. That’s what you call trust! The insulated line to the right of the ladder is a 345 kV line.

Tdworld Com Sites Tdworld com Files Screen Shot 2019 08 20 At 3 19 58 Pm

This is a picture of the rotors and generator within the nacelle. There were 40 mph wind gusts on this day, which meant an almost 8-ft sway up at the top. I even had some motion sickness when back on the ground.

Fun Fact: These gears have a 1:70 ratio.

Tdworld Com Sites Tdworld com Files Screen Shot 2019 08 20 At 3 20 07 Pm 0

I made it to the top of the nacelle and could see for miles. I'm still smiling in this picture because I didn’t yet know how much harder it is to climb down. Mad respect to the folks that do this every day.

Fun Fact: The blades each have a 250-ft radius, and the highest point of the turbine is 497 ft tall.

About the Author

Martha Davis

Senior Director of Content

Prior to working at T&D World and Utility Analytics Institute, Martha worked as an executive in the energy industry for about 15 years. She has held various regulatory and government affairs positions and had the opportunity to shape public policy.

Martha has a B.A. from Westminster College in Fulton, MO; completed specialized legal and public policy coursework at American University in Washington, D.C.; M.P.A. Public Affairs and M.B.A. Business Administration both from the University of Missouri. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Denver where she is researching business analytics, innovation and regulation.