World's Toughest Fixes Season 2 Episode 11

Ep 11. Giant Wind Turbine

  • TV-PG
  • June 10, 2010
  • 50 min

In season 2 episode 11 of World’s Toughest Fixes, titled "Giant Wind Turbine," host Sean Riley takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to repair a malfunctioning wind turbine, one of the most important renewable energy sources in the world.

The episode begins with Sean standing in front of a massive wind turbine, noting its size and complexity. He explains that these turbines are crucial in the effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, making them an essential part of our energy future. However, they are also subject to wear and tear, as well as unpredictable weather conditions such as high winds and lightning strikes.

The episode introduces viewers to the team responsible for maintaining and fixing the wind turbine: a group of specialized technicians who are trained to work at great heights and in dangerous conditions. Sean meets with the team as they prepare for the repair job, discussing their training and the tools they will use to get the job done.

Once on site, Sean watches as the team scales the turbine tower, which stands at an impressive 400 feet tall. He explains the importance of safety precautions and proper equipment, noting that even a small mistake could be deadly at such heights. Once the team reaches the top, they begin the difficult process of troubleshooting the problem.

The issue with the turbine is identified as a gearbox malfunction, which is causing the blades to spin at an incorrect speed. The team works to disassemble the gearbox, a massive piece of machinery that weighs thousands of pounds. Sean notes that the technicians must carefully document each step of the process, as reassembling the gearbox correctly is critical to ensure the turbine operates smoothly and safely.

As the repair progresses, Sean also provides further information about how wind turbines generate electricity, using diagrams and animations to illustrate the process. He explains that the blades themselves are engineered to capture the most energy from the wind possible, and that wind turbines are part of a larger system of renewable energy sources that are crucial to combating climate change.

After multiple days of hard work, the team successfully repairs the wind turbine gearbox and reassembles the turbine. Sean notes that this job is just one example of the incredible skill and dedication required to maintain renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. With the job complete, he bids farewell to the team and highlights the importance of their work.

Overall, "Giant Wind Turbine" provides an in-depth look at the complex and vital work that goes into maintaining one of the world’s most important sources of renewable energy. With stunning footage of the turbine and the repair process, as well as informative explanations from Sean Riley, the episode offers an engaging and educational viewing experience for anyone interested in the future of renewable energy.

Description
Watch World's Toughest Fixes - Giant Wind Turbine (s2 e11) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
World's Toughest Fixes, Season 2 Episode 11, is available to watch and stream on National Geographic. You can also buy, rent World's Toughest Fixes on demand at Amazon, Vudu online.
  • First Aired
    June 10, 2010
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    50 min
  • Language
    English