Blade Advisory Specialist, Wind Power Lab, Appoints Wind Industry Leader Lene Hellstern As New CEO
Wind Power LAB (WPL), a leading specialist in automated services and technical consulting related to wind turbines and blades, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lene Hellstern, as Chief Executive Officer. Lene Hellstern is a seasoned wind industry leader with more than 24 years of experience across global onshore and offshore wind markets. She brings a strong track record of building and leading high-performing technical teams, delivering complex projects, and translating deep technical expertise into scalable operational and commercial solutions. Throughout her career, Lene has played a central role in developing wind farms, leading technical asset management teams, and shaping O&M strategies that improve performance and long-term value. She is widely recognised for her extensive expertise in wind resource assessment, production estimates, site suitability, and root cause analysis of operational challenges, as well as her ability to guide teams through data-driven decision-making in complex operating environments. David Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of GEV Group, commented on the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Lene Hellstern to the Wind Power LAB division of GEV Group. Her depth of technical knowledge, combined with her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to grow and align expert teams, makes her ideally suited to lead WPL into its next phase of growth. We look forward to seeing Lene drive the business forward as the global partner of choice for blade risk assessment, turbine management and consulting.” Lene Hellstern added: “Wind Power LAB has long been regarded as the ‘blade whisperer’ of the wind turbine industry and the go-to team for blade-related expertise. I am thrilled to be joining the organisation and look forward to working closely with the team to build on its strong foundation. Wind energy is central to the green energy transition, and by combining technical excellence with innovative, risk-adjusted maintenance solutions, we can continue to optimise performance, reduce costs and enable the next generation of onshore and offshore projects.” ENDS Lene Hellstern [image credit Mette Ovgaard (https://www.metteovgaard.dk/) About Wind Power Lab: Wind Power LAB (WPL) is a Danish company, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. WPL’s team of experts offers market leading blade expertise in the form of internal and external inspection services, inspection data analysis, repair recommendations, blade maintenance strategy, independent subject matter experts for root cause analysis, bespoke online platform(s) and Image 2 Advice services. WPL delivers products and services, related to blade defect assessments and blade risk management. Its goal is to deliver the best available and robust solutions to empower its clients with the ability to make decisions to optimise their asset performance. WPL offers specialist recommendations and engineering advice to wind farm owners and operators, as well as the insurance market.
Wind Power LAB is nominated for the Børsen Gazelle 2025
Wind Power LAB Denmark has just been named Børsen Gazelle 2025, an honour that places Wind Power LAB among Denmark’s highest performing companies. The Børsen Gazelle Award is awarded to select companies that, among other things, demonstrate continuous growth and a 100% increase in turnover over the past four financial years. Wind Power LAB Denmark has been ranked among the top performing Danish companies measured by growth. We are pleased to share that among these top performing companies, Wind Power LAB placed 134th out of more than 1,200 companies in total. This award is not just a milestone; it’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the consistent work our team provided to insurers, owners and operators. Our focus on blade root cause analysis, blade maintenance optimization and lightning surveillance has a great impact for a lot of owners and we are proud to be part of a positive influence in the wind industry. “I am incredibly proud that Wind Power Lab is recognized as Børsen Gazelle 2025. This is a result of a strong collective effort, where our dedicated blade and technology teams make a difference every day with their skills and persistent commitment.” Morten Handberg, WPL Principal Consultant Looking ahead As we move into 2026, Wind Power LAB’s focus remains on supporting our global clients and providing innovative solutions to ensure maximum efficiency across the wind industry. Our team of blade specialists and technical experts offer dedicated services to the wind farm owners, operators and the insurance market. – Interested in understanding your assets? Reach out and see how we can help optimize your blade performance.
101 Drivetrain for wind turbine owners and operators
Why is a Condition Monitoring Strategy critical for wind turbine efficiency and risk management? A Condition Monitoring Strategy is vital for ensuring that you have full control over your wind turbines. By continuously monitoring operation and vibration data, you can detect early signs of wear or defects in critical components, preventing failures before they happen. This proactive approach enhances turbine efficiency, reduces unplanned downtime, and minimizes the risk of expensive repairs. It also demonstrates to insurers and stakeholders that your assets are well-managed, reducing risk exposure and improving operational reliability What defines a prudent operator when operating wind turbine drivetrains A prudent operator implements a condition-based maintenance strategy grounded in data analysis. Regular monitoring of operation and vibration data allows you to detect potential drivetrain issues early, ensuring that turbines operate smoothly. Staying ahead of component failures through predictive maintenance shows that you have strong control over your assets, which not only extends equipment life but also assures stakeholders, including insurers, that you are actively reducing operational risks. How can data be leveraged to maximize wind turbine availability Operation and vibration data are critical tools for ensuring maximum wind turbine availability. By analyzing these data streams, operators can detect trends, predict failures, and plan maintenance proactively, rather than reacting to unexpected breakdowns. This data-driven approach allows you to optimize turbine performance, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve overall reliability, ensuring your assets are operating efficiently. With strong data management, operators can maintain a high level of availability and minimize disruptions. How can an End-of-Warranty (EOW) analysis help minimize financial and operational risks for turbine operators An End-of-Warranty (EOW) analysis is critical for identifying and resolving potential issues before the warranty expires. Comprehensive analysis of operation and vibration data is essential to target inspections effectively. By analyzing these data sets, you can pinpoint components that are more likely to fail and prioritize them for inspection. This focused approach ensures that necessary repairs or replacements are addressed under warranty, reducing financial risk and maintaining optimal turbine condition to prevent post-warranty failures. How can Wind Power LAB assist operators in reducing risk and maximizing wind turbine performance? Wind Power LAB offers specialized support through advanced condition monitoring, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and predictive maintenance strategies. By partnering with us, you can ensure that your turbines are operating at optimal levels while reducing the risk of unexpected failures. We help you with the documentation package to demonstrate to insurers that you have full control of your assets and are taking the necessary precautions to prevent downtime. Our expertise enables you to make informed, data-driven decisions to maximize turbine performance and minimize operational risks.
101- Drivetrain for insurance
Why is a Condition Monitoring Strategy critical for wind turbine efficiency and risk management? A Condition Monitoring Strategy is essential to confirm that operators have full control of their assets. Operators with such strategies in place can detect and address potential failures before they escalate, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and prolonged downtime. This minimizes the probability of high-value claims by confirming that the operator is proactively managing their turbines, which helps mitigate risk exposure. What defines a prudent operator when operating wind turbine drivetrains? A prudent operator uses a comprehensive condition-based maintenance strategy, regularly monitoring turbine health to prevent failures. Operators who demonstrate control over their asset management, including predictive maintenance, reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns. Knowing that the operator is proactive in addressing potential issues directly impacts the risk profile and the downtime of the turbine. How can data be leveraged to maximize wind turbine availability? Data is essential in assessing how well an operator manages their turbines. Operators who leverage data-driven insights to maintain turbine availability demonstrate a strong commitment to asset control and risk reduction. Monitoring operational and vibration data helps operators predict and prevent failures, which leads to fewer high-value claims. This also enables a more accurate risk assessment, safeguarding against potential liabilities How can an End-of-Warranty (EOW) analysis help minimize financial and operational risks for turbine insurers? An EOW analysis helps confirm that operators have fully assessed their turbines before warranties expire, reducing the likelihood of post-warranty claims. This minimizes unanticipated risks and claims, as the analysis ensures that any potential issues are identified and resolved under warranty, giving confidence that turbines are in optimal condition. How can Wind Power LAB assist insurers in reducing risk and maximizing wind turbine performance? Wind Power LAB plays a crucial role in supporting insurers by conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in the event of a claim. If damage occurs, WPL can identify the failure development and determine whether the operator took the necessary precautions through proper maintenance and asset management. By verifying whether the operator had an effective condition-based maintenance strategy in place, WPL helps assess whether a claim is justified. This assistance reduces uncertainty in claim processing and helps establish a clear, data-driven risk assessment. Want to get in contact? Feel free to contact us by clicking here.
Condition Based Maintenance for wind turbines
As the world pivots towards renewable energy sources, wind power has become a cornerstone in the movement towards sustainable energy. The efficiency of wind turbines is integral to this shift. To ensure their optimal performance and longevity, a crucial technology comes into play: Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM). Understanding Condition-Based Maintenance Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) is a proactive maintenance strategy that involves the continuous observation and analysis of machinery health through various sensors and diagnostic tools. Unlike traditional maintenance approaches that rely on scheduled or reactive maintenance, CBM aims to predict and prevent failures before they occur. For wind turbines, CBM is vital. These machines are subjected to harsh environmental conditions and continuous operation, making them susceptible to wear and tear. Implementing CBM helps in maintaining their efficiency, reducing downtime, and extending their operational life. How CBM Works in Wind Turbines Data Collection: CBM systems uses sensors placed on critical components of the wind turbine, such as the rotor blades, gearbox, generator, and main bearing. These sensors monitor various parameters including vibration, temperature, power consumption, and acoustic emissions. Data Transmission: The data acquisition unit collects the sensory data before transmitting the data to a central database storage. This transmission can be wireless or wired, depending on the system’s design and the turbine’s location. Data Analysis: Advanced algorithms and machine learning models analyze the data to detect anomalies and predict potential failures. This analysis can indicate if a component is deviating from its normal operational parameters, which may signal an impending issue. Actionable Insights: The analysis results in actionable insights, allowing maintenance teams to address specific issues before they lead to significant failures. For example, if the system detects unusual vibrations in the gearbox, a targeted inspection and repair can be scheduled. Benefits of CBM for Wind Turbines Enhanced Reliability and Performance By continuously monitoring the condition of wind turbines, a CBM strategy ensures that they operate at peak efficiency. Early detection of potential issues means that turbines are less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns, thereby increasing their reliability and overall performance. Cost Efficiency Traditional maintenance methods can be costly due to the labor, downtime, and parts replacement involved in reactive repairs. These costs can be reduced by enabling condition-based maintenance, where issues are addressed before they escalate into major problems. This approach minimizes both the frequency and severity of repairs needed. Extended Equipment Lifespan Regular and timely maintenance facilitated by CBM can significantly extend the lifespan of wind turbine components. By preventing excessive wear and catastrophic failures, the overall health of the turbine is preserved, leading to a longer operational life. Safety Improvements Wind turbines are often located in remote or offshore areas, making maintenance a challenging and sometimes hazardous task. CBM reduces the need for frequent physical inspections and unplanned interventions, thereby enhancing the safety of maintenance personnel. The Future of Wind Turbine CBM As technology advances, the capabilities of CBM systems continue to grow. Future developments may include more sophisticated sensors, enhanced data analytics, and improved integration with other smart grid technologies. In conclusion, Condition-Based Maintenance is a critical strategy in the maintenance and operation of wind turbines. It represents a significant leap forward from traditional maintenance approaches, offering enhanced reliability, cost savings, and safety. As wind energy becomes increasingly important in the global energy mix, CBM will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring that wind turbines remain efficient, reliable, and productive for years to come. Want To Get In Contact? Feel free to contact us by clicking here
Root cause analysis for wind turbine blades
What is a root cause analysis? A root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of a problem or failure. When it comes to wind turbine blade failures, conducting an RCA is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, wind turbine blade failures can have significant consequences, both in terms of safety and financial impact. Understanding why these failures occur is essential for preventing future incidents and ensuring the continued operation and safety of wind turbines. An RCA involves digging deep into the factors contributing to the failure. This often requires collecting and analyzing data from various sources, including maintenance records, inspection reports, and operational data. By examining these sources, analysts can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that may shed light on the root causes of the failures. Identifying the root causes of wind turbine blade failures is not always straightforward. It may involve looking beyond immediate or surface-level factors and considering broader issues such as design flaws, manufacturing defects, material fatigue, environmental conditions, or human erro How do engineers start the root case analysis for wind turbine blades? Upon receiving a request for a root cause analysis, our team of proficient engineers initiates an investigation. This begins with a Request For Information (RFI), where we examine data pertaining to the damaged wind turbine blade. Based on the information our engineers analyze the data to formulate a strategy for the RCA process. What are the reasons for blade failures? Wind turbine blade failures can be caused by a multitude of factors, each of which requires careful examination to understand its role in the incident. These factors span a wide range, including environmental influences such as lightning strikes, hailstorms, and sudden changes in wind direction, as well as damages induced by fatigue, human error, or issues related to production quality.Depending on the nature of the failure and the available data, we may proceed solely based on the information provided in the RFI, through remote inspection methods, or by conducting an onsite assessment. Our dedicated blade team is adept at handling each scenario with precision and expertise. The process of investigation can vary depending on factors such as the nature of the failure and the availability of data. In some cases, it may be possible to proceed solely based on the information provided in a Request for Information (RFI), leveraging remote inspection methods to gather additional data. In other instances, conducting an onsite assessment may be necessary to obtain a more detailed understanding of the situation. Regardless of the approach taken, our dedicated blade team is equipped with the expertise and experience to handle each scenario with precision. Whether it’s analyzing remote data, conducting onsite inspections, or interpreting complex findings, our team is committed to delivering thorough and insightful assessments to support effective decision-making and problem-solving. The handover meeting: Ensuring Transparency and Reliability As part of our dedication to delivering an impartial assessment, we prioritize transparency and reliability in our findings. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the wind turbine blade failure, we will schedule a handover meeting to discuss all the insights uncovered in the report. Want to learn more – Check out this webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmVsALIWx1Q Want to get in contact? Feel free to contact us by clicking here
Edgewise Vibrations
Wind turbines (WTs) are complex structures that are required to operate under varying weather conditions. Their blades must be able to withstand hurricane-level winds, and gusts with sudden direction changes. Additionally, they must be stiff enough to avoid high deflections that would lead to blade-tower impacts. It is therefore understood that WTs are dynamic systems that face complex aeroelastic phenomena. Edgewise vibration is such a phenomenon, and it’s the focus of this article. Under specific conditions, this aeroelastic resonant phenomenon can potentially inflict significant damage to the turbine. The vibrational modes of a structure represent the patterns or shapes in which the structure will vibrate in when it is subjected to excitation. In WTs, specifically focused on their blades, three main vibrational modes are distinguished: flapwise, torsional and edgewise. The edgewise mode is characterized by the movement of the blades in the edgewise direction. Figure 1 showcases the edgewise displacement of the blade through time. Figure 1: Blade edgewise displacement in time (Malkin & Griffin, 2016). Want to keep reading? Request a copy of our full white paper report below to access the full content. We have extensive reports and documentation expanding on our blog post topics, written by our own in-house experts. To keep reading, submit your interest below and we will send you a full PDF copy of our report to your email address.
Blade Maintenance Strategy for a wind farm
A blade maintenance strategy is essential for the successful operation of a wind farm. It is now a well-known fact that blades will require maintenance over the lifetime of a windfarm, and a structured approach is required to minimize the associated costs. Even though there are general guidelines on how often to inspect and repair blades, it is often required to include specifically tailored elements, based on the turbine(blade) type within a windfarm, its geographical location, as well as environmental conditions. In this article we will cover considerations about the inspection and repair planning for different stages of a wind farm’s lifecycle. Wind turbine age Wind turbine age is an important factor when determining the most appropriate maintenance actions for its blades. In our workflow, there are three main stages in the operation cycle of a turbine. Early life (0-5 years in operation) – During that phase there is high emphasis on the structural and surface integrity of blades. Mid-life (5-20 years in operation) – During that phase there is high emphasis on the production availability of a turbine. Late life (20-25 years in operation) – During that phase the emphasis is on ensuring the safe operation of a windfarm with minimal cost of repairs and inspection. Inspection planning A well-planned inspection campaign is needed to detect blade defects and ensure they are repaired in the right time. A balanced inspection campaign ensures sufficient coverage of blades, without adding unnecessary downtime to the wind farm. Early life inspection planning – Inspection campaigns are carried out to create a baseline for the blades’ condition in the windfarm. In the first years of the turbines’ operation the structural defects that appear will be mainly related to manufacturing inconsistencies, or incidents during transportation and installation. On the surface condition spectrum, defects are expected if there have been non-conformities during the Leading Edge Protection (LEP) application in factory, or if the selected material does not have the required erosion resistance properties for the given location. A highlight from the early life inspection planning is the End of Warranty (EoW) campaign, that aims to discover and claim manufacturing related defects. Even after the EoW is complete frequent inspections add value, as they will help with assessing the repair quality and discovering early life fatigue damages. Mid-life inspection planning – Inspection campaigns cover certain portion of the windfarm to check the general condition of the blades, after the baseline has been built in the first years of operation. In the Mid-life inspection planning, the site specifics play an important role, as inspections are planned around the most influential environmental effect, or a known manufacturing/design flaw. An example can be inspection campaign revolving around lightning activity, where blade inspections are motivated by lightning hitting in the collection area of a turbine. In this case, when checking for potential damages on the blades from the lightning event, the inspection will also record and assess the general blade condition. Another example can be inspection campaigns at the end of winter season, that will capture potential icing damages. Late life inspection planning – The inspection approach in the last years of a wind farm includes creating an overview for the blade conditions, and observation of specific defects that have been left untreated. When the turbines approach decommissioning an equation about inspection frequency, repair/monitor, turbine shut down shall be solved to minimize costs. Wind turbine Blade Maintenance – Early Life Fatigue Repair planning Early life – The repair scope consists of structural defects in all blade areas, LE surface defects exposing surface laminate in the erosion zone, and all malfunctioning systems and addons on the blade. Eligible defects are repaired without delays, or turbines are curtailed/stopped until environmental conditions are suitable to avoid added fatigue increasing the scope and complexity of the repairs. End of Warranty campaigns are usually the time when major retrofits are installed over large parts of the portfolio if required. Mid-life – Repairs are planned and performed over repair campaigns, unless a critical defect that requires immediate response is detected during inspections. In the start of this period repairs will revolve around specific issues generated by the surrounding environment, or blade type. Towards the end of the mid-life some fatigue related structural damages are expected to appear. Late life – During that phase only major structural damages are considered for repair, while surface defects are neglected. When the turbine approaches decommissioning, repairs are evaluated against the expected revenue generated by the turbine and sometimes turbine shut down is more viable option. Closing Remarks The goal of a blade maintenance strategy is to minimise operational cost by undertaking a structured approach in inspection and repairs. It should be noted that it is an evolving protocol based on the condition of a windfarm. It is important to understand defect development rates and most influential environmental effects for each site to ensure efficient approach. Consistent defect marking and classification lies in the basis of creating a functional blade maintenance strategy. Reach out to our specialist if you need support in determining the best data-driven approach for inspection and repair of your wind turbine blades.
Adhesion Failures in Wind Turbine Blades
Adhesives are widely used material on wind turbine blades, as they are used to bond various blade components during manufacturing process. During blade component assembly, adhesive materials based on design specifications are applied to joints in between shear web to spar cap, trailing edges, leading-edge bites, root, and tip joints, according to wind turbine manufacturer’s application method and blade design. It is important that proper bonding is achieved in these joints to ensure proper load transfer in between adherends and to ensure blade’s structural integrity in the long run. Common errors in adhesive joint Common errors in adhesive application arises from improper surface preparation (surface cleaning and treatment to avoid contaminants), incorrect cure and mixing ratios, insufficient/inconsistent adhesive material thickness, incorrect adhesive material selection (poor wetting ability), and poor adhesive storage and handling. Not all of these common errors can be visually inspected, therefore proper documentation of manufacturing steps for adhesive applications must be specified, including the list of material suppliers. OEMs must also conduct a separate quality check on their suppliers as material deviation causes unintended deviation from blade design and certification. Insufficient quality control leads to undetected adhesive defects. Therefore, proper quality control measures and documentation (QA procedures including visual, NDT inspection, etc.) are required to ensure that quality standards are achieved according to blade design and acceptable tolerances (validated by blade test and finite element simulations), before putting the blades into service Classifying failure modes in adhesion joints In a blade failure, the blade’s adhesive joint quality is inspected and checked if the joint failed in the following main failure modes defined by ASTM D5573 [1]: Adhesive Failure: Rupture of the adhesively bonded joint, such that the separation appears to be at the adhesive-adherend interface. Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) and adhesive surfaces may have shiny appearance and there is no evidence that any adhesive or FRP, or both, have transferred to the surface [1]. Cohesive Failure: The separation is within the adhesive [1]. Occurs due to high thickness and/or material deviation of adhesive, making longitudinal strain in the mid-plain section high and fail in that location. Fibre-Tear Failure: Failure occurring within fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) matrix, characterized by the appearance of reinforcing fibres on both ruptured surfaces [1]. Adhesion Failures in Wind Turbine Blades If fibre-tear failure is observed after blade failure, it is likely that these regions of fibre-tear are secondary effect of main cause of failure due to strong adhesion bond in between adhesive-adherend interface pointing to good adhesion. Chemical testing and microscopic analysis can be required to classify adhesive and cohesive failure type (or mixed failure mode) in order to understand and validate if manufacturing/design related defect exist. A proactive approach is required in order to lessen the risk of adhesion failure in blades, and this includes following points of recommendation: Request of detailed quality control documentation that includes information such as quality control procedure that must adhere to standard practices which includes information on type of control procedures applied and blade locations where QA is applied. End-of-warranty internal and external blade inspection to catch, claim, and repair (if necessary) adhesion defects in advance. Continuous internal and external inspections of a subset of the blades within a windfarm to track and detect any defect development before significant effect to the blade integrity. Reference: [1] ASTM D5573-2019: Standard Practice for Classifying Failure Modes in Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic (FRP) Joints Feel free to contact us by clicking here
Wrinkle Formation and Risks in Composite Materials
Wrinkle Formation and Risks in Composite Materials – Wrinkles refer to undulations or surface irregularities that manifest as visible folds or creases on the outer layer of a composite structure. These imperfections are typically the result of non-uniform deformation, or stresses during the manufacturing process or service life of the composite material. Wrinkles can occur in various forms, such as small ripples, waves, or more pronounced folds, depending on the specific conditions and factors influencing their formation. The presence of wrinkles in the lay-up of composite materials is undesirable as they can compromise the structural integrity of the final product. Wrinkle Formation and Risks in Composite Materials Wrinkles are described as wave-formed plies and/or fiber deviations from straight alignment in UD laminate. Fiber misalignment can occur on UD plies especially at the transition area which can cause wrinkling. UD plies must be placed 0° from blade length axis. Wrinkles can manifest during the layup, resin infusion and curing phases, posing risks to the structural integrity of composite materials. A wrinkle may also occur in butt joints in between core materials, also known as core gaps. Wrinkles can form both transversely on the UD fibers and longitudinally. Transverse wrinkles pose a higher risk of damage to the blades as they tend to introduce weakness in the laminate, by reducing its tensile performance. As they can disrupt the fiber alignment, the stiffness of the material is compromised, hence negatively influencing the load carrying capabilities of the structure. Transverse wrinkles can contribute to interlaminar shear failures, compromising the bond between adjacent layers in the laminate. This reduction in interlaminar shear strength can lead to delamination, further weakening the structure. The last stage of the transverse wrinkle propagation is the formation of transverse cracks along the defected surface, which can lead to critical damage on the blade. While longitudinal wrinkles can also impact the performance of unidirectional fiber laminates, they are often considered less critical because they align with the primary load-carrying direction of the fibers. The structural consequences of transverse wrinkles are more pronounced, making them a greater concern in terms of potential mechanical failure and compromised performance in unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. Wrinkle development along a blade Defects that are introduced as outcomes of wrinkle existence can be linked to the load magnitude that is experienced on a localized level. In other words, as the load magnitude is much higher towards the root of the blade compared to further towards the tip, it is more likely for a defect to propagate at the root and hence appear earlier in the lifetime of the blade. It is therefore common for a wrinkle to develop to a delamination or a crack during the first few years of operation if it is located towards the root. For wrinkles that are located further out towards the tip which are exposed to lower fatigue loads, the defect propagation is expected to progress at a slower pace and the damage is likely to initiate or develop at a later stage of the blade lifetime. Despite the risk of introducing blade damage, wrinkle-related defects can be mitigated proactively if an internal inspection regime is in place. Regular internal inspections can help keeping track of the defect development and/or propagation and assist as a decision-making tool on their criticality and evaluating if they require repairing. Wrinkle detection Fortunately, as with other blade defects, wrinkles can be detected in different stages of the blade’s lifetime. Different methods can be used to detect wrinkles in blades after manufacturing and during operation. Factory QC: After the manufacturing process, load carrying components of thick laminate (e.g., spar caps) are inspected with UT scanning to detect for laminate anomalies such as air voids, inclusions, and air pockets, but also more structurally risky defects like wrinkles. Laminate shell structures are inspected visually for wrinkles post-manufacturing. Operation: During operation, regular internal inspection campaigns can be very important in assisting with wrinkle detection and propagation monitoring. Wrinkles that are located on laminate shell structures and at the edges of the spar caps transversely can be captured during internal inspections. Conclusion Wrinkle formation is a critical issue that threatens the longevity of wind turbine blades. Without proper QC procedures on a factory level that can identify wrinkles in an early stage, prior to operation, these defects can propagate to forming cracks that based on their location can result in catastrophic blade failure. It is important that the owner actively participates in the factory QC process through reviewing the inspection method and results to ensure that no sub-surface wrinkles are present in the spar caps. The next important step regarding wrinkles and limiting their risk for the structural integrity of the blade is during the EoW inspections. During the inspections, any overlooked wrinkles on the shells and webs from the factory QC or any wrinkles that were considered within tolerances and started developing shall be observed. Wind Power LAB can assist turbine operators in both abovementioned important stages of a turbine blade cycle. Feel free to contact us by clicking here