Rotor Blade Inspection and Lightning Protection Measurement by Drone on Wind Turbines - More Efficiency in Inspection

The main problems in the maintenance and inspection of wind turbines lie in the high cost and inefficiency of traditional methods. For the comprehensive inspection of a wind turbine usually involves two teams required: one for machine testing and another for machine testing Rotor blade inspection. This approach is not only costly, but also also time-consuming. In addition, the traditional methods of Lightning protection testing often leads to inaccurate results. Damage can be difficult the effectiveness of the entire maintenance work in question. Provides. This mismatch between costs and the quality of results is a major challenge for many operators.

Solution:

Since 2022, an innovative lightning protection method developed in cooperation with Sulzer Schmid. The technology makes it possible to create the surface of rotor blades of any size in the shortest possible time. The High-resolution imaging and the wide detection field ensure a significantly higher error detection rate. A significant advantage of this method is the autonomous flight pattern of the drones, combined with a initial image analysis based on artificial intelligence. The final The photographs are evaluated by rotor blade experts, which makes it possible to symbiosis of technological innovation and human expertise.

Enertrag Betrieb has thus developed an innovative solution developed to meet these challenges: the 2in1 LPS Inspection. This method combines rotor blade inspection and lightning protection testing in a single operation, without the need for rope access techniques. In In the last 12 months, more than 350 Wind turbines inspected. 

Advantages of 2in1 LPS Inspection

The next generation of wind turbines reaches new heights and dimensions, with hub heights well over 150 meters and rotor diameters up to 160 meters. Traditional inspection methods, such as the rope access technology, reach their limits at such dimensions, both from safety reasons as well as with regard to the high effort. Enertrag Betrieb therefore relies on the use of special drones, which efficient and safe inspection of these gigantic installations. The The size of the wind turbine or the length of the rotor blades play an important role thanks to this technology no longer plays a role.

• Increased efficiency in testing and Route planning: The use of special drones and the improved Lightning protection methods significantly reduce the downtime of the equipment, which leads to financial savings.
  
• High-resolution imaging and wide range of Field of Detection: These technological advances increase the Defect detection rate is significant.
  
• Realistic lightning protection test: Enertrag operation measures at 6000 V, which is significantly equivalent to a real lightning strike. closer than the usual 24 V. This robust
  
• Measurement method fulfilled not only the legal requirements of operators and insurers, but also offers significantly improved safety for the plants.
  
• Smart symbiosis of drone technology and expert knowledge: The combination of state-of-the-art technology and long-standing Inspectors' experience in assessing deficiencies and classifying the Inspection data maximizes the efficiency and accuracy of inspections.
  
• Weather resistance and predictability: The drones can operate at wind speeds of up to 10 m/s and also in very cold temperatures, which makes it easier to plan inspections. improved.
  

Implementation and results

The implementation of 2in1 LPS Inspection with more than 350 wind turbines has shown that this method is not only theoretical advantages, but also convincing in practice. The combination of cost efficiency, time savings and increased safety 2in1 LPS Inspection has become a valuable tool for operators of Wind turbines.

Conclusion and outlook

With the introduction of the 2in1 LPS inspection and the use of advanced technologies such as special drones and a With the new lightning protection process, Enertrag Betrieb sets new standards in the field of lightning protection. Inspection of wind turbines. These innovations not only enable a more efficient and accurate inspection, but also help to reduce the cost of and to increase the safety and longevity of the plants. The The benefits of these technologies are a clear indication that the Wind energy industry thanks to innovative solutions such as the one from Enertrag Betrieb offered 2in1 LPS inspection continues to grow efficiently and sustainably can.

In the accompanying video, the The problem is explained in detail and the functionality as well as the advantages of the 2in1 LPS inspection.