The increased demand for wind turbine products indicates global awareness and campaign for a cleaner environment. InTouch joins this drive by providing top-notice wind turbine inspection processes; helping the wind energy sector in bringing costs down to economic level.
InTouch wind turbine inspection processes are customized to precisely cover the key points of every type of wind turbine. InTouch wind turbine inspection processes include:
Wind Turbine Visual Inspection
Visual inspection includes both direct and remote methods such as those which require tools and equipment of better rendering of judgment. Pictures shall be taken for as part of documentation.
- Rotor Blade Check– Check rotor blades for cracks, erosion of paint, corrosion. Identify whether cracks are superficial or structural in nature.
- Nose Cone Check– Inspect nose cone for any sign of damage. Blade nuts are measured for tightness.
- Nacelle Inspection– Inspect nacelle frame and cover for uneven surface, discharges, and indentations. Bolt holes in the nacelle frame and cover are checked.
- Slip Ring– Inspect slip rings for cracks and indentations. Presence of grease is noted, including color, consistency, and volume.
- Yaw Drive– Check yaw drive and gears for wear, pitting, cracks, and discharges.
- Bearing Inspection– Manually rotate the bearings and check for smoothness of play. Check bearings for seal integrity, grease loss, leakage, wear, pitting, and cracks. Grease if found shall be noted, including its color, consistency, and amount.
- Tail Check– Inspect tail for signs of wear, pitting, and cracks.
- Generator Inspection– Check generator and windings for corrosion, scratches in the magnet, and signs of overheating.
- Transformer Check– Transformer is observed for signs of leaks and damage.
- Color Comparison– All colors and finishes are compared against agreed upon specifications using samples, and the Pantone color book as needed.
- Rub Check – All areas are rubbed forcefully using a wet cotton cloth to check for any discoloration or transfer of color.Wind Turbine Dimensional Inspection
- Parts Dimensional Check– Measure the geometric dimensions of all turbine parts such rotor blade thickness, length, and curvature.
- Assembled Dimensional Check– Measure the geometric dimension of the completely assembled wind turbine.
- Center of Gravity– Check for the center of gravity of the fully assembled product.
- Weight – Weigh both individual parts and completely assembled wind turbine.Wind Turbine Functional Inspection
- Brake Inspection– Engage the rotor brake. Manually turning the turbine should demonstrate strong resistance.
- Rotor Check – Spin the rotor manually. It should be smooth and effortless.
- Bearing Play Check– Check bearings for smoothness of play.
- Acoustical Noise Measurement– Record noise levels when operating at different wind speeds.
- Vibration Test– Check vibration when turbine is operating at different wind speeds.
- Minimum Wind Requirement– Check for the minimum wind speed required for the turbine to start operation.
- Maximum Wind Check– Check whether the turbine can sustain the declared maximum wind speed for a specified period of time.
- Rated Power Output– At specified wind speeds, power output is measured.
- Efficiency Test– Check turbine efficiency for converting wind energy. One of the ways to do this is to compare with other designs and brands.
- Overheating Check– Check the temperatures at the different parts of the turbine while operating at different wind speeds over a specified period of time.
- Salt Spray (Corrosion) Test– Resistance to corrosion is a very essential part of the inspection process. Other corrosion resistance test may also be used as needed.
- Extreme Temperature Check– Check turbine performance at very low and high temperature environments.
- Humidity Test– Check how the turbine performs under highly humid surroundings.
- Accelerated Lifecycle Testing – This test is essential for forecasting the economic life of wind turbines.Wind Turbine Materials Inspection
- Material Check– Check every material used against approved samples through comparison.
- Coating Thickness Check – Verify coating thickness against agreed upon specifications using a coating thickness checker.
- Lead Content Test – Test paints and other materials for presence of lead.Wind Turbine Packaging Inspection
- Packaging Materials Check– Check packaging materials by comparing against approved samples and specifications.
- Markings and Logo– Inspect necessary packaging marks including wind turbine brand and model, quantity per packaging, name and place of business of distributor, country of origin, logos and marks from standards organizations, and stacking and handling marks.
- Carton Drop Test– The carton drop test is essential in ensuring that your product is properly packed to negate any damage brought by normal handling and shipping practices.
- User Manual– Check installation guide and use and instruction for completeness, readability, clarity of instruction, print quality, languages, etc.
- Ease of Assembly Check– Check the likelihood that an inexperienced user will find difficulty of assembling the wind turbine by relying only at the installation guide and the arrangement of parts.
- Safety Measures and Safety Signage– Check the safety markings in wind turbine parts for clarity, size, color, conspicuousness, etc.
- Retail Packaging Check – Specifically intended for small wind turbines, this packaging inspection procedure ensures that your product is ready for market distribution once it reaches its destination.
