A new way of repairing wind turbine blades
The EU-funded SkyServiceShop’s mobile maintenance system for wind turbines decreases the time a turbine is out of service for repairs, thus increasing the energy potential of wind power plants — not only in Brandenburg, Germany, but around the world.
To be profitable, wind power plants must be inspected and repaired in short intervals, thus minimising downtime and maximising the short windows of opportunity when conditions are favourable to perform maintenance work. To meet this demand, the EU-funded SkyServiceShop S³ developed a mobile workshop.
The rotor blade maintenance system, which features a closed maintenance chamber, lets wind turbine blades be tested, serviced and repaired in safe, workshop-like conditions. Like any machine, wind turbines require maintenance. With the growing popularity of wind farms — often located in remote areas or even out at sea — the need for safe maintenance practices is increasing. Currently, maintenance work on a wind power plant’s blades is done in the field, usually by an industrial climber hanging by ropes or standing on open platforms.
