Blade Services

The number one in blade service work Inspections, blade repair, ground based enclosures, retrofit installations, alternative access and IRIS

Inspections

Ground Based

Our ground-based camera software stitches on average, 1100 images together to give you a full view of your wind turbine blade. The ground-based inspection service is done by using an automated camera system including ultra-high definition imaging. All work is done from the ground, meaning no working at heights.

Output includes ultra-high definition images, backup images of the complete surface, detailed positioning information and dimensions of all findings. When all turbines have been inspected a consolidated three level inspection report for the whole wind farm is generated and quality checked by the certified inspectors who carried out the actual blade inspections. This is to ensure continuity throughout the inspection process and to ensure reliable and accurate blade data, images and damage statistics as fast as possible.

By using a ground-based inspection system asset manager will be able to compare inspections over time, allowing tracking of defect progression. Our ground-based inspection method can be used in almost all conditions which reduces weather downtime significantly.

Inspections

Drone

Our drone inspection service delivers minimal tolerance, repeatable and stable visual data sets, facilitating the detailed examination and thorough inspection of client assets.

Combined with innovative and analytical software platforms for asset management, our inspections translate acquired visual data sets into actionable and quantifiable information, allowing structured O & M scheduling and planning.

Operating multiple RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), integrated with advanced and industry leading payload technologies, we are able to ensure our extensive, innovative and scope specific visual systems are correctly deployed, taking into consideration all factors, environmental, client deliverables and location.

Integrated into customised UAV platforms, via unique, tri-mounted gimbal configurations, 100mp systems ensure unrivalled inspection camera orientation and image capture, providing an entirely new and unsurpassed level of high definition image acquisition and subsequent post inspection analysis.

Inspections

Rope Access

With a large of number of highly experienced blade and IRATA certified Rope Access Technicians, Rope Access is a fast and cost-efficient solution for wind turbine maintenance with quick setup and minimal impact on site required manpower. We can inspect up to 6 wind turbine blades per day utilising rope access methods. With this information a planned blade maintenance schedule can prevent minor damages turning in to severe damages that could impact on the turbine down time.

All photos are reviewed and categorised by severity by the Windtex technical manager, all images will be treated as highly sensitive property.

Blade Repair

Typical blade activities

Inspection

Split tips

Lightning damage

Laminate damage

Retrofit upgrade

Leading edge erosion

End of Warranty (EOW)

Transit & installation damage

With specialized technicians on composites repairs. We have experience with all types of damages, and we understand the root causes so we will repair the blades back to factory standard. We can provide accurate assessment of damages and will advise if the turbine can continue to run and how to monitor the damages. With a strong back office knowledge, we can provide technical support on blade defect negotiation with turbine manufacturers.

All blade repairs are performed to OEM standards, following work instructions and using specified materials.

Ground Based Enclosure

A safe work environment from the outside elements

Control the temperature and humidity required for products used in the repair process

Control environmental issues by keeping dust contained within the enclosure

Work 24 hours with lighting installed

Enclosure can be made to measure per client requirements

Retrofit Installation

We have experienced Technicians that are trained in a vast array of retrofit activities: Power Curve Upgrade (PCU), Vortex generator, Dino shells, Dino tail, Lightning Protection System (LPS), Inspection, Receptor upgrade, Root terminal block upgrade, Leading Edge Protection (LEP), Paint, Tape and Shells.
With a strong back office knowledge we can provide accurate time scales for installation and this allows to provide a very accurate fixed price cost for the clients.
All turbine blades will experience leading edge erosion. Leading edge erosion is caused by rain, sand, bugs, and ice, and without leading edge protection (LEP) most blades will have significant leading edge damage in 2 to 5 years. Eroded leading edges will reduce the aerodynamic efficiency of the blades, and many sites have measured decreased power production by as much as 12%. The return on investment (ROI) for repairing the erosion damage and applying LEP can be very short, and most sites can expect an ROI of 1-2 years.
Windtex has technicians with extensive experience with various LEP types.

Alternative Access

Access Platform

Telescopic Boom Lift

Crane with Man Basket

The majority of blade repair work is carried out by rope access but depending on the severity of the damage other access methods must be considered. With the access platform the use of an enclosure is also available to reduce the weather risk and control the internal environmental conditions.

Intuitive Reporting and Inspection System (IRIS)

Interactive Cloud

IRIS is an interactive cloud based digital platform, built around an intelligent Geo-dashboard that allows Operators, Project Managers and Maintenance Technicians to better manage the maintenance of their Assets in the field and benefit from real time tracking of projects, jobs, tasks and people.

Native Application

Using our native iOS application to collect data, IRIS streamlines the timesheet recording as well as the reporting process, removing the need for maintenance technicians to sit down and manually write up a report. If a report is required it can be generated in real-time and is perfectly formatted and tailored for the client.

Store in the Cloud

Our cloud software is used to store all data, making it easier to create projects, allocate time and track jobs. Designed to work online as well as offline, the Technicians no longer need to send emails or make phone calls; they simply have to use their iPads to collect and record any maintenance data. If the iPad is offline the data is stored locally and sent to the server once the device finds a connection.

Back Up

If several Technicians are working together locally each of their iPads can communicate directly with the other devices irrespective of WiFi or 3G connectivity using Multi-peer technology. We use this feature to back up data between iPads adding an additional layer of redundancy.

Project Tracking

The structure of project tracking in IRIS makes it much easier to break down and budget time against a particular Task. This is automatically tracked in real-time with notifications being sent to the Geo-dashboard for the Project Managers to take up directly with the Technician responsible.

Better Tracking

With the IRIS system it removes the cost and time of the reporting process, on average it takes 4.5 hours to complete all repair reports for a WTG with an estimated cost to the client of £560. This might not seem a lot on the grand scale of a project but if you spread this over 100 turbines it would give you a saving of £56,000.