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ASSET INSPECTIONS

Drone Wind Turbine Inspections

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Using Drones for Wind Turbine Inspections

Using drones for wind farm inspections offers several advantages that contribute to improved efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional inspection methods

Conducting inspections on wind turbines poses numerous risks to workers, particularly due to variations in height, construction, and operational settings. Offshore wind turbine inspections introduce additional hazards, given the unpredictable weather conditions, the journey to reach these sites, and the increased height of offshore turbines compared to their land-based counterparts.

Using drones aims to mitigate safety risks, enhance inspection speed, and improve accuracy, especially considering that some wind farms consist of several hundred turbines requiring bi-annual inspections. The magnitude of the workload becomes evident when accounting for the fact that each turbine unit has three blades with dual chambers. The ability to obtain an accurate condition assessment of the turbines more frequently assists in prolonging their lifespan for a lower cost than if a serious issue is not identified until much later.

Service Group

Methodology

Thermal Inspection

Early Detection of Issues: Drones with thermal cameras can detect temperature variations that may indicate potential problems, such as electrical issues or malfunctioning components. This allows for early detection and preventive maintenance.

Close Visual Inspection

Detailed Imagery: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras capture detailed imagery of wind turbine components. This visual data is crucial for identifying issues such as cracks, erosion, or other forms of damage on the blades, towers, and nacelles.

LiDAR

Wind Flow Analysis: Drones equipped with LiDAR sensors can assess the wind flow around the turbine blades, providing valuable data for optimizing turbine performance and efficiency. LiDAR can also help detect deformities or structural issues in the blades.

Benefits over using Traditional Methods

Access to Difficult-to-Reach Areas:

    • Turbine Blades: Drones can easily navigate around and inspect the entire surface of wind turbine blades, including areas that are challenging to reach manually or with traditional equipment. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of blade condition.

Time and Cost Efficiency:

    • Quick Deployment: Drones can be deployed rapidly, reducing the time required for inspections. This is crucial for minimising downtime and maximising energy production.
    • Reduced Costs: Compared to traditional inspection methods involving manual labor or heavy machinery, drones offer a cost-effective solution for routine inspections and maintenance.

Safety Considerations:

    • Minimised Human Risk: Drone inspections eliminate the need for technicians to climb towers or use cranes, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with manual inspections.
    • Remote Operation: Drones can be operated remotely, allowing inspectors to conduct assessments from a safe location, further enhancing safety.

Regular Monitoring:

    • Frequent Inspections: Drones enable more frequent inspections, allowing for the monitoring of turbine condition over time. This helps identify trends and patterns that can inform maintenance schedules and optimise performance.

Data Collection and Analysis:

    • Comprehensive Data Sets: Drones collect a wealth of data during inspections, including images, videos, and sensor readings. This data can be processed and analysed using specialised software to generate comprehensive reports on the condition of wind turbines.

Environmental Impact Assessment:

    • Wildlife Monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor wildlife around wind farms, helping to assess and mitigate potential environmental impacts.