Alternative blade inspection in restricted fly zones.

Regulations for flying drones are becoming more restricted. When looking at the map of The Netherlands, it is clear that quite some windfarms have become part of restricted fly zones merely by the fact that these zones have expanded as regulation becomes tighter. When inspecting the maps of our neighbouring countries a similar trend is noticeable. Logically, because national regulations are being harmonized on a European level.
Windstats
Obtaining licenses and a permit (or exemption) to operate drones in some areas is limited or at least difficult and can depend per zone. Military zones, civil aviation zones, trauma helicopter take off and landing zones, critical industrial infrastructure, Natura 2000 areas etc. can come with different requirements. Although these regulations are introduced for good reasons, it takes out the flexibility of blade inspections. It takes time to get permission and once obtained, the possibility of rescheduling an inspection for whatever reason (eg. weather) is limited. Ad hoc blade inspections with drones (outside the scheduled inspections) becomes impossible.
BladeTracker can serve as an excellent alternative to drone inspections with the additional benefit that turbines do not need to be shut down during inspections. Moreover, there is no interface with your O&M department. Since it is a ground based system it can be deployed without any permit or restriction.

Interested or want to share some thoughts? Feel free to contact us!


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Sources: https://windstats.nl/statistieken/   and   https://aeret.kaartviewer.nl/index.php?@dpf_basic