General Electric Company : GE Advances Wind Turbine Inspection Through Successful Robotic Trial
06/13/2012| 10:40am US/Eastern
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Vertical climbing device equipped with high-tech camera can
enable closer view and faster inspections
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Use of microwave scanner to analyze composition and integrity of
blade material also being explored
GE Global Research is advancing technology that will make the inspection
of wind turbines faster and more reliable for customers.
Partnering with Ithaca, N.Y.-based International Climbing Machines (ICM), GE engineers have explored a way to provide a closer inspection of wind blades using a remote-controlled, robotic device that can scale the wind tower with a wireless, high-definition video camera strapped to its back. (Photo: Business Wire)
Currently, an inspector examines the massive turbine blades from the
ground, about 100 meters (328') away, by using a high-power telescope.
Now, partnering with Ithaca, N.Y.-based International Climbing Machines
(ICM), GE engineers have explored a way to do the work using a
remote-controlled, robotic device that can scale the wind tower with a
wireless, high-definition video camera strapped to its back.
The motivation for the closer inspection is to obtain a more accurate
picture of the overall health of the wind turbine blades. From the
safety of the ground, an inspector would have a real-time, view of the
blades from less than 10 meters (33') away, allowing for a more thorough
examination and evaluation of their condition.
"Technology advances have helped to make GE's wind turbine fleet the
most reliable in the industry; we're always looking for ways to
strengthen this record. One way we can is by enabling more reliable
inspections that can detect and mitigate potential issues even earlier,"
says Waseem Faidi, Manager of the Nondestructive Evaluation Lab at GE
Global Research.
Faidi continued, "The inspection technology platform GE is developing
with ICM provides a closer view of the turbine blade to detect repair
and service needs. And in the future, GE researchers are working on
technology that will allow inspectors to see through the blade materials
and identify potential issues well in advance of any service needs. This
all will mean faster diagnosis and repair - minimizing the risk of
failure or forced down-time of the turbine."
GE is one of the world's largest suppliers of wind turbines with a fleet
of 18,000 turbines worldwide. Accurate and reliable servicing is
critically important and GE's suite of service offerings help owners and
operators maximize both reliability and availability. GE more than
doubled its investment in services research and development in 2010 and
2011 as it built a world-class portfolio of services. GE's wind services
solutions incorporate the company's advanced technology, global
resources and services facilities and a network of skilled, highly
trained local technicians who are closely connected to GE's engineering
organization.
This new technology was recently tested at a wind farm in Texas with
positive results. Other advantages to using the climber over
conventional methods include better weather tolerance. No longer would
inspections have to be delayed due to poor lighting conditions, rain, or
snow.
GE scientists are also exploring other ways to take inspection
technology to new heights. They are in the process of developing a
microwave scanner that could be fitted onto the robotic vehicle,
enabling an even better view of the wind blades. The use of microwaves
would do more than provide a surface view; it would allow inspectors to
see through the blade material giving an even earlier indication of any
breakdown in the structure. At GE's India Technology Center, scientists
are also testing the use of small, helicopter-like vehicles that would
provide for a similar view.
About GE Global Research
GE Global Research is the hub of technology development for all of GE's
businesses. Our scientists and engineers redefine what's possible, drive
growth for our businesses and find answers to some of the world's
toughest problems.
We innovate 24 hours a day, with sites in Niskayuna, New York;
Bangalore, India; Shanghai, China; Munich, Germany; and fifth global
research facility to open in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Visit GE Global
Research on the web at www.ge.com/research.
Connect with our technologists at http://edisonsdesk.com
and http://twitter.com/edisonsdesk.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50309708&lang=en
GE
Todd Alhart, 518-387-7914
todd.alhart@ge.com
© Business Wire 2012
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