Tip-to-Grid. End-of-Warranty (EoW) inspections for wind turbines.
As wind turbines are vital for renewable energy, it’s crucial to ensure they stay reliable and safe. The end-of-warranty inspection, typically after the first two to four years of a turbine’s 20 to 30-year lifespan, is a key step in keeping these WTG’s in good shape.
Understanding Warranty
Warranties usually cover the first 2-4 years, during which manufacturers handle repairs. After that, the turbine owner takes responsibility. So, as the warranty nears its end, it’s vital to be proactive.
Securing Warranty Claims
Before the warranty ends, it’s crucial to inform the manufacturer about any issues and ask for fixes. Ignoring problems can lead to expensive repairs. A thorough inspection before the warranty expires is essential.
Components Check
During the inspection, key parts like the tower, foundation, nacelle, machine, and blades are carefully examined. This includes checking for damages during production, transport, or erection. The inspection also looks at documents to ensure all agreed-upon obligations are met.
Additional Checks for Reliability
Apart from the standard inspection, experts recommend extra services like gearbox checks, drive train measurement, lubricant analysis, unbalance measurement, and blade checks. These measures help catch potential issues early on, preventing major damages and high repair costs.
In summary, the end-of-warranty inspection is a crucial step for wind turbines. By acting proactively, owners can secure warranty claims, spot problems, and keep their turbines reliable and efficient for years to come.
Bladecare focuses on external & internal blade inspection as well as tower inspection. We also recommend validation of the Lighting Protection System (LSP).
For other parts of the wind farm, we collaborate with partners such as Vattenfall Services AB in Sweden or Tuulia Energy Oy in Finland.