Inspections
Early detection of damage in a wind turbine enables planning and action, without waiting for a major failure and costly downtime.
An independent technical audit enables obtaining complete and reliable information about the current technical condition of the wind turbine.
A transparent report on the inspection carried out together with the attached photo documentation with a commentary and recommendation as to what to do next is valuable information for both the owner of the wind turbine and the service provider.
Technical inspection of a wind turbine
The most common form of inspection is based on the visual inspection of all elements of the wind turbine, starting from the foundation, through the tower, nacelle, rotor, and ending with the blades. Pressure measurements in hydraulic systems and transformer inspection are also performed. The result of the inspection is a report with photo documentation, a broad description of the faults found and a recommendation for further actions.
Gearbox inspection
The inspection is carried out using a professional endoscopic camera. In this way, the most important gear components, slow, medium and high speed bearings, and planetary gears are checked. Wind turbine gearbox, as an element exposed to huge overload, requires careful, periodic and proactive control.
Oil and grease analysis
The collected oil and grease are sent to a certified laboratory to verify the presence of undesirable particles, such as particles resulting from wear and abrasion. The viscosity, density and consumption of the oil are monitored. Thanks to regular analysis, it is possible to monitor changes in the composition of the oil.
Inspection and repair of wind turbine blades
Detailed inspection of the wind turbine blades is carried out from the rope access. During inspection, the blade is thoroughly inspected to find any defects. Inspections can also be carried out using a drone, visually from ground level, or using a rope platform. Such inspection provides full information on the technical condition of a wind turbine blade, on the basis of which we carry out comprehensive repairs.
Inspection with a thermal imaging camera
The thermal imaging camera works well not only for the inspection of electrical systems. It is also a useful tool in carrying out thermal analysis of rotating components exposed to high overloads and significant temperatures.
Service lift and hoist
Periodic inspection of handling lifting devices is a requirement specified in the act on technical inspection. We prepare a service lift, winch, as well as pressure tanks for effective acceptance by the inspector of the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT).
Power curve analysis
The shape of the power curve provides valuable information on the productivity of a wind turbine. Comparing the actual value to the manufacturer’s guaranteed value often shows discrepancies. The reasons can be very different, and the reason for the difference from the guaranteed value must be carefully analysed. The analysis of the power curve in conjunction with the technical inspection of the wind turbine allows obtaining full information about the current technical condition.
Inspection of MV switchgear
Medium voltage switchgear in a wind turbine should be periodically inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Examples of control activities are: checking the tightness of SF6 gas chambers, checking the condition and tightening torques of the heads, security tests and others.
Inspection at the end of the manufacturer’s warranty
The end of the warranty period provided by the manufacturer of the wind turbine is a time of increased analysis of the technical condition. Then it is worth carrying out a full inspection of the wind turbine, visual inspection with power curve analysis, gearbox inspection, oil analysis, blade inspection and MV switchgear inspection. The package of inspections carried out at the end of the warranty period is a source of comprehensive and reliable information about the current technical condition of the wind turbine.
