New Maintenance Technology for Wind Turbines
AERO-SensorCopter and all-weather platform improve the maintenance of wind turbines
Optimal maintenance is crucial for the life of a wind turbine. Further developments in drone technology and new developments, such as an all-weather platform for blade repair, have improved the maintenance options for wind turbines significantly.
The blades of a wind turbine are the heart of the system, as they collect the wind and convert it into rotary motion of the wind turbine. Therefore the blades must be checked continuously in order to be able to detect and repair damages quickly.
At the On-Site Demo in Großhofen on September 09th 2021 Aero Enterprise and Buss Blade Services demonstrated their technologies used for inspection and maintenance: the AERO-SensorCopter and the all-weather platform. The event took place with the support of IG Windkraft and ImWind. Guests had the chance to experience the helicopter drone during a live inspection flight. Afterwards the damage analysis with the use of artificial intelligence was shown. Additionally the repair platform used by Buss Blade Services was demonstrated on the wind turbine, where guests had the possibility to join the team.
Aero Enterprise developed the AERO-SensorCopter specifically for inspections of on- and offshore wind turbines. During the inspection flights, high-resolution image data of the objects are recorded. These data are then analyzed, qualified, and classified with the AERO-Software Package and reports are created. Artificial intelligence supports the process in detecting anomalies in their exact geographic location and position.
Buss Blade Services is using the all-weather platform for inspection, maintenance, repair and retrofits of rotor blades. With the lockable and heated working platform, the company works 24/7 in double shifts. This is even possible in autumn and winter, as weather is not an obstacle. Thus, the downtimes of the wind turbines can be reduced significantly.
Some impressions from the event >>
