ScottishPower Renewables has trialled a new turbine blade access platform at its Whitelee wind farm, near Glasgow, Scotland.
The SQYFlex blade access platform is designed to provide a stable, safe and sheltered workspace for blade technicians to carry out repairs and maintenance.
It is manufactured by PP Techniq and provided by Geo-Structural Ltd.
The flexible platform, which has minimal assembly time, adapts to the shape of the blade, making it easier for blade technicians to complete their works, usually only possible using a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) or rope access.
SQYFlex can also be used at higher wind speeds than MEWPs, increasing operational availability.
At Whitelee, it was used to repair the leading edge of a turbine blade and for the installation of leading edge blade protection.
The platform’s integrated weather protection system meant the works could continue during a spell of heavy rain.
Joe Mitchell, Operations and Maintenance Director for ScottishPower Renewables, said: “While at first glance SQYFlex may look like a very simple solution – essentially creating a shelter on the blade – it really is a very clever piece of machinery that almost hugs the blade to provide the optimum working environment at height.
“Feedback from our blade repair company was overwhelmingly positive and we really saw the benefit of it when our works could keep going – even when the heavens opened and the rain came down.
“That was a real eye-opener and could make a significant difference when you have hundreds of turbines to look after.”
Scott Smith, Renewables Manager for Geo-Structural Ltd “It was a great privilege for Geo-Structural to showcase the SQYFlex and all the benefits it offers for ScottishPower Renewables.
“This is the only platform of its kind in the UK and its very first deployment, so there was nowhere better to put it through its paces than Whitelee Wind Farm – the UK’s largest onshore wind farm.”