Blade Consultancy
The go-to for blade issues in the wind industry
The backbone of many services at WPL lies with our data processing group that produces internal and external inspection assessments, analysis, and repair recommendations.
WPL utilises in-house technicians, third party providers, and the client’s own inspection data collection to achieve crucial insights and identification of internal and external blade defects eligible for repair.
Who is this service for?
WPL’s blade consultancy services are designed to support a range of clients across the wind industry. Our inspection data processing is completed by blade engineers who act as agents for our clients.
As a central ‘blade office’ for our clients, the service provides valuable insights from our team for each specific damage/defect.
Why use WPL Blade Consultancy?
In the event that a client does not have access to in-house blade expertise, we offer clients an independent, precise and comprehensive repair recommendation that outlines what specific action is needed and when, to optimize OPEX costs and reduce downtime of the damaged turbine(s).
Situation
30 new blades to be inspected at OEM factory site over 3 days.
Complication
WPL finds 25 blades with defects requiring repair, leading to dialogue with OEM on quality.
Solution
45 defects on 25 blades approved for repair with 85% defect claim success rate. Future downtime reduced and on-site technician time saved.
Blade data analysis
Wind Power LAB blade data services offer blade defect analysis, repair recommendations, and AEP loss estimations among other advanced analysis themes.
Each of these services are formulated utilization inspection data – imagery, video and/or available SCADA information. From our defect analysis we build repair recommendations based on data and experience. Our team create blade maintenance strategies to help asset owners/managers by proactively fusing in accurate blade defect assessments as decision points.
All defect analysis data, repair recommendations, and other blade services, are available for our clients – online – through our Wind Diagnostics platform.
How does it work?
1. Plan
A proper plan is needed to collect any inspection data. Our experts will stand beside you while we decide - together – the best method to collect internal and external inspection data.
2. Collect
Ideally, you deliver data to us. We can guide you on data collection, we can send our Inspection Specialists to the field, use a third party to collect or utilize your existing inspection data.
3. Process
Your blade data is uploaded to our secure platform for automated analysis – bespoke AI algorithms assess data to determine anomalies. Next, our blade experts review the output.
4. Assessment
Precise and comprehensive blade defect assessment reports are then produced, outlining the specific repairs that are needed to enable cost-effective strategies for maintenance budget optimization.
5. Handover
WPL prides itself on our analysis hand overs. Walking through every aspect of the defect assessment report with your team, and addressing your specific issues.
What to expect
- Gather data
- Upload to WPL Cloud
- Inspection (onsite, remote, or desktop) and data assessment
- Receive Engineering Report including recommendations and platform access
- Report handover to client and ongoing stakeholder support