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By

GERMAIN BÉLANGER, ENG.

February 2015

Planning MaintenanceFor Wind Turbine Blades

AtCartier Énergie Éolienne

Canadian Wind Energy AssociationOPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SUMMIT

Toronto

Wind Turbine Blades The most expensive components

Wind Generator Failures 7 – 10% caused by the rotor blades

lade Damage Commonly caused by lack of maintenance,

lightning strikes and fabrication defects

Without regular inspections and maintenance, blades will get damaged and lead to shut down

THE FACTS

With eyes and ears: Each time you are on site Visual check from ground and nacelle Abnormal sounds (whistling) Carbonization of lightning collectors

Rope Access Weather conditions

Suspended Platforms Time consuming

Remote Scope-Camera Fastest solution

New system installed at AVVto improve mobility and operation on field

Set up of Remote

Inspection Camera

Working Platform

Delamination-Debonding

Detector

On arrival on site Fabrication and transportation

During commissioning Lifting and installation

In-service inspection during the warranty period including repair activities

End of warranty period and claims filed on detected problems

Post-warranty inspections and maintenance work

Inspection Schedule (Records)

Materials Selection & Formulations: Related to temperature and weathering

conditions (Polymer)

Repair Method Wet molding (adhesive) Adherence (interface) Cure time (limitations)

Blade Access Ground – platform – rope

Safety Considerations

Mobile Laboratory

Cured Temperature Control

Infrared Heating

Large UV Light Prepreg Curing

Major importance of the end of warranty inspections and claims justification.

Availability of specialized composite technical resources.

Complete knowledge on blade design and its material composition.