Problem Areas

The wind energy industry is suffering from blades damage.

It's seeking higher electricity production efficiencies at lower costs.

It's designing longer, lighter composite blades, increasing risk to quality.

It's generating higher tip speeds, higher loads, increasing risk for damage.

Blades can reach lengths of 107 meters. longer than a football field.

Tip speeds of blades can reach 300 km/h, close to the speed of a F1 race car.

Every year, 47% of the offshore wind turbines require blade maintenance.

Main causes for blade damage and repairs:

• Leading-edge erosion

• Lightning strikes

• Manufacturing defects

Currently, the sporadic, visual damage only, reactive, non-scalable approach to detect blade damage is visual inspection.

This approach obstructs predictive maintenance, efficient maintenance timing, and lifespan asset management, because of its characteristics:

• At intervals only

• Only visible damage

• Requires stoppage

• Specialists required

• Safety concerns