Recent work conducted by Innvotek and Eleven-I within the GE Renewable Energy and ORE Catapult’s research and development program has further developed technology to assist in wind turbine blade repairs.
The specialists at Innvotek have crafted a robotic crawler that uses magnets to attach itself to turbine generators firmly. From here, the tech can autonomously detect faults, after which it can conduct the necessary maintenance work to keep the turbine operating smoothly.
Eleven I’s role in the project has been primarily focused on using data and software to analyze blade health. Current estimates suggest that these two technologies could cut turbine blade inspection costs by as much as 40%.
Given the UK’s carbon neutrality goals and the vulnerability of wind turbine blade repairing and maintenance advancements will likely remain a key focal point for those within the renewable energy sphere and beyond.
And these are not the only developments being made. Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s (ORE) £1 million collaboration project has supported tech startup BladeBug. The London-based company has created a robot bug with 6 legs to assist technicians with wind turbine blade repair and inspection tasks.
The wind energy industry is still relatively young, and advancements will likely continue in the coming years. Successful wind turbine repair technicians, engineers, and companies will need to keep up with these rapid changes if they wish to stay in the renewable energy industry.
Visit Altitec if you want to keep up-to-date on the latest wind turbine repair and maintenance innovations. Excellent training and job opportunities can be found with wind turbine specialists at the Altitec Academy.
