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How will drones impact the inspection of wind turbines and blades?



The one thing that sets a drone inspection apart from human inspections is the aspects of safety and efficiency.

So when it comes to inspecting wind turbine blades there appears to only be one solution – Drones.

Terra Drone, a drone service provider, uses software called Blade Insights, which uses algorithms to identify at least 90% of defects on wind turbine blades. This system has been used on 3,900 blades.


According to the Terra Drone website, their wind blade solution consists of a payload carrying a 42 MP camera and LiDAR under a drone. The drone automatically takes pictures of the blades from a safe distance, with the help of the LiDAR. From these pictures, defects of the blade can be measured and all data can be used for repair.

And according to other reports there is another method of data collection – manual. Manual collection consists of a drone pilot taking consistent and clear images of all angles of the blade. The pilot will then need to check camera settings, control speed and location to avoid blur.

A drone can take up to 300 images per turbine.

There are three steps of drone data analysis. The data passes through automated processing and classification, which is then manually quality checked by an engineer. The engineer will then detect all significant issues gathered by the data received.

The data is uploaded on to an online portal which is stored and tracked over time for future reference.

According to The White Paper, drones possess the capability of reaching the most remote areas with little to no manpower needed and require the least amount of effort, time, and energy. Furthermore, they allow for capture of digital high-resolution images and as a result generate high quality data in combination with less efforts and higher efficiency at lower costs.

By using a drone for inspection it can reduce $10,000 of loss from company revenue due merely to early detection.

Preventative maintenance can reduce turbine failure. And if left undetected, defects can increase in severity within 18 months if left without repair.

 

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