Siemens is collaborating with US-based SkySpecs to use unmanned aerial systems or ‘drones’ to inspect turbines onshore and offshore.
SkySpecs says the goal of the collaboration is to develop an inspection system that is faster and more efficient than existing methods. Siemens is involving its wind power business and its ‘next47’ venture unit, which was established in October 2016, to accelerate the development of new technology. SkySpecs was founded in 2012.
Working together with Siemens, SkySpecs is refining its technology for utility-scale wind turbine inspections and to prepare it for commercial readiness. The US company says the joint effort will enable Siemens to incorporate more advanced preventive maintenance techniques using SkySpecs’ technology. It will provide data to inform customers about the lifespan of their assets or to gain insights into contributing causes of eventual failures.
“Automated inspections will lower operating costs substantially and potentially increase the efficiency and lifespan of wind turbines – outcomes to which both Siemens and SkySpecs are deeply committed,” said SkySpecs.
Siemens Wind Power’s chief technology officer Ruediger Knauf said: “Autonomous drone technology supports our ‘Digitalization@Wind’ initiative in generating high quality field data about the condition of our wind turbines. This is particularly valuable for our offshore business, where completing inspections quickly, safely and cost effectively is of critical importance. I am confident that we can bring blade inspection to the next level.”
Source: Offshore Wind