Innovations in Blade Design Demand Advanced Inspection
The renewable energy sector is in a constant state of innovation, pushing for larger, more efficient wind turbines. As blade designs evolve with solutions like the reinforced bolted joints from FiberJoints, the need for advanced wind blade inspection has become more critical than ever. These new designs, which use specialized composite patches and internal reinforcements, promise to create stronger, lighter, and more durable blades, paving the way for the future of wind energy.
The Hidden Complexity of Reinforced Composites
This evolution in design, however, introduces a new layer of complexity. Adding a reinforcing patch or a sub-surface fiber ring creates new material interfaces that must be perfect to function correctly. While stronger on paper, how can operators be certain that a joint is free from manufacturing defects or in-service damage? This challenge is why a thorough wind turbine blade integrity assessment is essential for ensuring both safety and long-term operational efficiency.
Decades of Experience in Renewable Energy NDT
With a long and proven history in the sector, Composite Inspection and Consulting (CICNDT) has developed a deep understanding of these unique challenges. Our teams have seen firsthand how minor flaws can impact performance, making our expertise in NDT for wind blades a crucial asset for our partners. This knowledge is the foundation of CICNDT’s renewable energy NDT services, which provide turbine owners and operators with the data they need. We bring advanced technologies directly to the tower, specializing in practical, on-site blade inspection.
From the Field to the Lab: A Comprehensive Approach
When new, complex designs emerge, they demand an even higher level of composite blade analysis. This is the mission of the AIMM Center in Ogden, Utah. As CICNDT’s hub for advanced R&D, the AIMM Center is where the next generation of wind blade inspection challenges are met. Here, our experts can perform detailed forensic analysis on new joint designs, using state-of-the-art equipment such as:
- Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT): To create a detailed map of the laminate structure and verify the bond between a patch and the blade skin.
- Computed Tomography (CT): To generate a full 3D model of a joint, providing an unparalleled view of its internal quality and fiber orientation.
Partnering for the Future of Wind Energy
As wind blade technology continues to advance, the methods used for wind blade inspection must evolve in lockstep. At CICNDT, we combine decades of hands-on field experience with the cutting-edge capabilities of the AIMM Center. This allows us to provide our partners in the renewable energy industry with what they need most: absolute confidence in the integrity of their most critical assets.
References
- Source Article: Enhancing the load-carrying capacity of composite bolted joints. (2024, June). CompositesWorld.
- Reinforced Joints Study: Tserpes, K.I. et al. (2016). Use of Composite Patch Reinforcement to Improve Joint Strength. Composites Part B: Engineering. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.11.004]
- Corrugated Reinforcement Study: Tserpes, K.I., Peikert, G., Floros, I.S. (2016). Corrugated Reinforcement to Stop Cracks in Composite Joints. Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tafmec.2015.10.003]
- Simulation Study: Referenced in Adhesive Bonding of Aircraft Composites – NDT Testing and QA Concepts (2021).