Global growth in onshore and offshore wind energy has created a forecasted 11.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) increase in Wind Turbine (WT) blades throughout 2020-2025. The ability to verify blade condition throughout the asset lifecycle is integral to economic and reliable renewable energy supplies. Currently, commercial inspection of deployed wind turbine blades is predominately performed by rope access personnel using visual and infrared cameras. In this paper we present the results of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar analysis of a decommissioned wind turbine blade exhibiting clearly defined defects. We show that FMCW sensing provides a non-invasive, non-destructive and non-contact means of surface and sub-surface integrity evaluation of these composite structures. Our results present the analysis of the decoupled reflected electromagnetic wave, verifying FMCW sensitivity to different failure modes relating to surface and internal structures of the WT blade. The FMCW analysis of WT blades demonstrated within this paper represents a first in instantaneous cross-sectional analysis of blade assets, providing a transformative advancement in WT blade integrity analysis.

The publishing of this presentation showcases the utilisation of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar for asset integrity inspection of wind turbine blades. This work will be available to view soon within IEEXplore and was presented by Dr. Jamie Blanche with support from Daniel Mitchell and the project lead Professor David Flynn from the Smart Systems Group based at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

To view this presentation please follow the link to our Smart Systems Group Youtube Channel.