Since wind turbines are towering structures, they are prone to lightning strikes. Aside from a visual inspection, various techniques are being used such as ultrasonic testing which uses low-frequency probes to evaluate bonding, adhesion thickness, varying thickness, and wrinkles.ģ. In fact, blade failures are among the most common issues that can delay turbine operations.Ī blade inspection involves checking the outside surfaces and the inside of the propeller blades while looking for any defects that compromise its structural integrity like thickness variation and delamination. This part of the inspection is highly important since the blades are prone to damage as they take most of the load and environmental impact. The sample oil, after being carefully analyzed, is therefore an excellent indicator for early signs of failure, lubricant condition, and contamination.Ī wind turbine blade inspection checks the blades for any defects. Since the oil is in a closed system together with the mechanical parts of a wind turbine, byproducts from degradation and friction mix into the oil. In order to ensure the longevity of a wind turbine and make sure it functions properly at all times, certified testing agencies and technicians pay attention to the following 8 areas when conducting an inspection of wind turbines:Īn oil analysis refers to taking oil samples from the wind turbine components that are in a closed system and submerged in lubrication oil like the gearbox or the generator. Which Tests are Included in a Wind Turbine Inspection Protocol? If this is not the case, a significant loss in revenue could incur, which is why it is why it is so important to conduct inspections and introduce preventive maintenance measures to ensure that the wind turbines are in good working condition.Ī wind turbine checklist is a document that follows wind turbine protocols and contains all the essential tests and preventive maintenance procedures to ensure that wind turbines are operating efficiently.
Since wind energy is variable all throughout the year, it is critical that the time periods where wind energy is the most abundant are fully maximized. Rotating when high-speed winds hit them, these blades produce electricity which is then sent into the electrical grid to be managed and then distributed to consumer households. Wind turbines convert wind energy to electricity with their large fan-like propeller blades mounted on a towering vertical structure. In fact, in the United States, they are among the largest renewable energy sources and contribute around 122,000 megawatts annually of which one kilowatt-hour only costs 2 to 4 cents, making them one of the cheapest energy sources in the US. Wind turbines are one of the primary sources of renewable energy in the world.
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