Why Wind Turbine Inspections Matter

Safety

Regular inspections identify potential hazards or failures before they cause accidents, protecting maintenance personnel and the public.

Performance Optimization

Inspections detect issues that affect turbine performance, such as aerodynamic inefficiencies, mechanical wear, and electrical problems, ensuring optimal operation.

Cost Efficiency

Early detection of problems prevents costly repairs and prolonged downtime, making routine maintenance more cost-effective than major overhauls.

Compliance

Regular inspections ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, essential for legal and insurance purposes.

Owner Engineering and Due Diligence

For wind farm owners and operators, comprehensive surveys and inspections are critical for due diligence, ensuring that assets are operating efficiently and safely. Detailed inspections provide valuable data for owner engineering, aiding in the design, maintenance, and optimization of wind turbines.

Types of Inspections We Offer

Visual Inspections

Ground-Based Inspections

Using binoculars or telescopes to inspect the turbine from the ground. This method is useful for preliminary inspections and assessing visible damages.

Aerial Inspections

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras capture detailed images of the turbine blades and other components from various angles. This method provides a comprehensive view of hard-to-reach areas, ensuring no defects go unnoticed.

Climbing Inspections

Technicians physically climb the turbines to conduct close-up inspections. This hands-on approach allows for detailed examination and repair of specific issues.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Ultrasonic Testing

Uses ultrasonic waves to detect internal flaws in materials. This technique is essential for identifying cracks, voids, and inclusions that are not visible externally.

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Detects surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. It is particularly effective for finding fatigue cracks and other discontinuities.

Eddy Current Testing

Uses electromagnetic induction to detect surface cracks and corrosion. This method is sensitive to small surface defects and can be used on both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials.

Thermographic Inspections

Infrared cameras detect temperature anomalies, indicating issues such as electrical faults or mechanical friction. This method is effective for identifying hotspots and potential failure points in electrical systems.

Blade Inspections

Visual Blade Inspections

Checking for cracks, erosion, and other damages on the blade surfaces. Visual inspections are crucial for detecting early signs of wear and tear.

Internal Blade Inspections

Using endoscopes or robotic crawlers to inspect internal blade structures. Internal inspections ensure that the blades’ internal components are intact and free of defects.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)

Strain Gauges

Measure strain on various parts of the turbine to monitor structural integrity. This real-time data helps in understanding the stress distribution and detecting anomalies.

Vibration Sensors

Detect unusual vibrations indicating mechanical issues. Monitoring vibrations helps in identifying imbalances, misalignments, and other mechanical problems.

Advanced Technologies Utilized

Drones

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, drones provide detailed visual inspections of hard-to-reach areas with greater speed and safety. Drones can quickly cover large areas and provide real-time data.

Robotics

Robotic systems, such as crawlers and automated climbers, inspect internal and external turbine components. Robots can access confined spaces and hazardous areas, ensuring thorough inspections.

3D Laser Scanning

Creates detailed 3D models of turbines for thorough inspections and analysis, helping detect surface defects and deformations. 3D models provide a comprehensive view of the turbine’s condition.

AI and Machine Learning

Analyzes data from various sensors and inspections to predict potential failures and optimize maintenance schedules. AI algorithms can detect patterns and anomalies that might be missed by human inspectors.

Phase One P3 Camera

GeoInstinct leverages the advanced capabilities of the Phase One P3 Camera for wind turbine inspections. The P3’s 100MP medium format sensor, combined with high-quality AF lenses and an integrated laser range finder, provides unparalleled image quality and focus accuracy. The Smart Focus Features of the P3 address key challenges in low contrast environments and ensure consistent, robust focus on complex assets with small surface areas.

Benefits of Using Phase One P3 Camera

• Enhanced Focusing Robustness: Improved focus in low contrast environments, ensuring accurate inspections.
• Focus Bracketing: Captures multiple images at different focus points to ensure all details are in sharp focus, reducing the need for multiple flights.
• Focus Limit Control: Allows setting minimum and maximum focus ranges to maintain focus on relevant areas, improving image quality.
• Consistent Image Quality: High-resolution images with consistent focus, aiding in detailed analysis and reporting.

Compliance with Standards and Guidelines

IEC 61400

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 61400 provides guidelines for wind turbine design, performance, and maintenance, including inspection procedures.

DNV GL Standards

DNV GL offers detailed guidelines and recommended practices for the inspection, maintenance, and certification of wind turbines.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 standards for quality management systems ensure consistent and reliable inspection processes.

Detailed Surveying Services and Activities

Pre-Construction