Overview
Osprey Inspection conducted a comprehensive UAV blade and nacelle inspection campaign for onshore and offshore wind turbines. The primary objective was to identify and classify surface defects — including leading edge erosion, cracks, delamination, and lightning damage — using high-resolution 4K imaging and AI assisted defect detection algorithms.
Wind turbine blades are subjected to extreme cyclic loading, erosion from rain and particulates, lightning strikes, and manufacturing defects. Left undetected, minor damage can progress rapidly to structural failure. Drone inspection enables earlier and more consistent defect identification than conventional rope access methods, with dramatically lower cost and risk.
Scope
- Full blade surface inspection — leading edge, trailing edge, pressure side, and suction side
- Blade tip condition assessment including lightning receptor status
- Nacelle external cover condition and component inspection
- Hub and rotor spinner external condition survey
- Tower external inspection including paint and corrosion assessment
- AI assisted defect classification and severity grading
Deliverables
The inspection campaign delivered complete blade condition data for all turbines within the campaign scope. The structured defect reports — including GPS-referenced imagery, severity classifications, and prioritised maintenance recommendations — enabled the operator to plan targeted repair campaigns with confidence, avoiding both unnecessary preventive repairs and undetected structural risks.