Latvian turbine maintenance outfit Aerones has completed tests of its submersible winch system in field tests at ORE Catapult’s facility near Levenmouth, Scotland.
During the trials, the company deployed its new technology which enable the company’s robots to conduct crucial inspections and repairs on offshore wind turbines.
The system, featuring submersible anchors, was developed over the past year to securely elevate, position, and operate the robots in challenging offshore environments.
Partially funded by the European Union’s BLUE project, the scheme is supported by a grant of €1.7m from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, with a total budget of €2.5m.
Green Marine supported the deployment by providing vessels to position the anchors around the turbine tower and transport the winches to the turbine platform (pictured). With the winches in place, Aerones’ robots were elevated to inspect the turbine blades.
“We are thrilled to see our technology succeed in offshore conditions,” said Aerones chief executive Dainis Kruze.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our engineers and everyone involved in this achievement. Great things are made by great people, and the Aerones team is the most incredible group I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
“This milestone is a game-changer, not just for our company but for the entire wind energy industry. Our mission has always been to deliver the perfect combination of speed, quality and reliability, and today we’re one step closer to making that a reality.”
ORE Catapult’s engineering manager, development & operations, John Walker added: “Innovation in inspection and repair technologies for the offshore wind sector will be a critical enabler of the global expansion in the renewable sector in the coming years.
“It presents a global opportunity for this type of innovative robotic solution, in this case initially developed for onshore wind installations, to be brought to market for the offshore wind sector.”