TÜV Nord is using drone support for the end-of-warranty inspection of concrete tower parts of concrete-steel hybrid towers hosting wind turbines.
The drone-based inspections form part of a pilot project for a European wind turbine manufacturer.
Using the drone-based inspection, 34 of the manufacturer’s wind turbines have already been assessed this year.
The results have been validated and the procedure is being extended to additional sites and TÜV Nord said talks are underway with other manufacturers and wind farm operators.
In the process the entire concrete tower is photographed by drone and the images are then evaluated by TÜV Nord staff.
In the medium term, an automated image recognition system is also to be used, which will pre-sort images with conspicuous features on the basis of extensive training data so that the experts can view and evaluate the images in an even more targeted manner.
“Initially small cracks and spalling can later lead to critical damage in the concrete structure.
“That is why it is important to assess any anomalies on the tower before the end of the warranty period so that they can be repaired,” said wind energy expert Michael Lange.
Lange is responsible for remote inspection projects for renewable energies at TÜV Nord.
Using drones for this inspection simplifies image capture and also means greater occupational safety, as no additional skilled personnel with rope access technology have to be deployed.
Lange added: “We are also working on a system that will allow the drone to fly autonomously up the tower, so that jobs can be completed in less time.”