Moving Wind Turbine Drone Inspection Technology Demonstration Showcased by Japanese Company

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), based in Tokyo, recently introduced ground-breaking technology at the Tsukaba Forum in Japan. This innovation enables the

inspection of wind turbines without the need to halt their operation, marking a significant advancement in the field. In a demonstration experiment, NTT showcased their novel approach, aiming to revolutionize the conventional inspection methods that involved complete turbine shutdown, adversely affecting power generation efficiency.

The conventional inspection process posed challenges as technicians had to bring the turbine to a standstill before conducting the inspection. NTT's new method employs two autonomous drones equipped with small commercial radio emitters. These drones establish a wireless communication link, utilizing weak radio signals that do not require a federal license. This communication generates a "Fresnel Zone" between the two drones, which can be positioned on either side of the turbine. As the turbine continues to operate, this setup allows the drones to detect any damages or issues with the entire unit, providing a real-time assessment.

According to NTT's press release, Japan has made substantial investments in wind power and plans to construct over 3,600 new wind turbines by 2040. Enhancing the maintenance processes for these often remote turbines is crucial for facilitating a smoother transition to greener energy sources. By employing autonomous drones, the inspection of offshore turbines becomes significantly more manageable. In controlled laboratory settings, the drones successfully utilized the radio field to accurately assess the extent of damage on a moving turbine arm without the need for stationary analysis.

Working on wind turbines poses inherent dangers due to adverse weather conditions and the substantial heights involved, making regular maintenance challenging. NTT envisions a greener and more efficient future by integrating remote and autonomous systems with wind farms. While the technology is currently in the proof-of-concept stage, NTT has not announced a specific timeline for its release. However, innovative applications for drones are continuously emerging across the global economy, particularly in the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. NTT's future plans include conducting larger-scale outdoor tests on multiple operational units to further refine and develop the inspection process.