Saving over $1 million: wind turbine inspections with the Elios 3
Safety The Elios 3 allows for safe access to the interior of wind turbine blades without requiring personnel to enter dangerous or confined spaces. This reduces risk and ensures the well-being of inspectors. Speed With the Elios 3, inspections are twice as fast. One drone can inspect up to 4 turbines in a single day, while traditional methods usually manage only 1 to 2 per day. Costs Using the Elios 3 helps identify faults early, which can save over $1 million per turbine blade by reducing replacement costs and preventing major damage. Access Wind turbines can be over 170 feet tall, making access difficult. The Elios 3 provides straightforward access, reducing human exposure and fall risks. Wind energy is one of the oldest forms of power generation, dating back to ancient windmills used for agriculture. Today, wind turbines play a crucial role in generating clean energy. In 2022, wind energy accounted for 7.33% of global electricity production. Despite their importance, wind turbines are complex structures to build, transport, and maintain. A single land-based turbine blade can be over 170 feet long, and the largest turbines, like the Goldwind GWH252-16MW, have rotors that span over 800 feet. Their size makes them challenging to install and inspect, especially inside the blades where critical components are located. Inspecting these massive structures is essential to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Faults such as cracks, grease buildup, or missing bolts can pose serious risks, especially during lightning strikes. Traditional inspection methods often require workers to climb into tight spaces, increasing safety hazards and operational delays. The Elios 3, used by Pathfinder Optics, offers a safer and more efficient solution for wind turbine inspections. It enables technicians to conduct thorough checks without entering hazardous areas, improving both safety and productivity. Joseph Valenzuela, Operations Manager at Pathfinder Optics, has been using drones to inspect wind turbines for years. With a background in non-destructive testing and a passion for robotics, he founded Pathfinder Optics to provide safer alternatives to high-risk inspections. Now, the company uses a fleet of advanced drones, including the Elios 3, to offer specialized wind turbine inspection services across multiple industries. Joseph credits the Elios 3’s LiDAR capabilities and visual feed as game-changers. These features allow him to collect precise data quickly, giving his clients valuable insights and helping him stay ahead of competitors. Initially, Joseph used a standard rotary drone for inspections, but found it unsuitable for navigating the tight spaces inside turbine blades. The Elios 3, with its protective cage and compact design, became the ideal tool for the job. Its durability and maneuverability let Joseph confidently navigate through narrow passages and capture detailed data from within the blades. During a recent project, Joseph inspected four turbines in a single day. He climbed to the hub, deployed the Elios 3, and conducted internal scans of each blade. Each inspection took about an hour, and the entire process was completed safely and efficiently. The portability of the Elios 3 made it easier to carry up ladders or winch it up with cables, depending on site conditions. Once inside the hub, Joseph could control the drone remotely and fly it deep into the blade structure. The LiDAR and visual data collected were then used to identify potential issues before they became major problems. This approach not only saves time but also significantly reduces the risk of costly repairs or replacements. A single damaged blade can cost over $1 million to replace, so early detection is crucial. Drone inspections provide a level of detail that traditional methods simply can’t match. The Elios 3 captures high-resolution images and 3D LiDAR scans, allowing inspectors to detect even the smallest defects. This data is essential for monitoring the health of wind turbines and ensuring their long-term performance. One of the biggest advantages is safety. Instead of sending workers into dangerous environments, the Elios 3 handles the risky parts of the inspection. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and minimizes downtime for maintenance crews. Another benefit is efficiency. Joseph can complete an inspection in just a few hours, compared to the half-day or more required by manual methods. This speed allows for more frequent checks, which is especially important for compliance with local regulations that may require annual or biannual inspections. In emergency situations, such as a turbine fire or grease leak, the Elios 3 can quickly assess the situation without putting anyone in harm's way. This rapid response capability is invaluable in preventing further damage and protecting personnel. Joseph has found that the Elios 3 not only improves his workflow but also enhances the overall safety of his operations. “I’m not a fan of heights,†he says. “The Elios 3 lets me work quickly and safely, without having to crawl into the blades. It’s a huge relief knowing I can stay in the hub and avoid the risks associated with working at height.†Since adopting the Elios 3, Joseph has completed numerous projects along the West Coast of the U.S. He knows firsthand how this technology benefits both the companies he works with and the people involved in the inspections. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about saving lives and ensuring the continued growth of renewable energy. For those looking to modernize their wind turbine inspection processes, the Elios 3 is a proven solution that delivers real results. Discover more about how this drone can transform your operations and help you achieve greater safety, efficiency, and cost savings. All images in this article are credited to CLP Power.
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Key Benefits At A Glance
Developing Drone Inspections For The Renewable Energy Industry
How Drones Can Be Used For Wind Turbine Inspections
The small area from where Joseph can access the separate wind turbine bladesBenefits Of Using A Drone For Wind Turbine Inspections
Bringing Modern Drone Technology To Renewable Energy
Jospeh is conducting safer turbine inspections with the drone and working faster than ever