Page 9 - North American Clean Energy January/February 2019 Issue

complete picture of the site and speci c repairs that system needs.
Drones can also test for defective cells and strings of cells in solar panels; mold, moisture and physical damage to a roof membrane; and structural defects such as gaps in insulation, air leaks in windows and openings, and sealing issues in a building envelope. If left unchecked, these anomalies can result in costly repairs and energy loss.
A plant or facility manager may want to schedule an annual thermographic drone inspection of its wind farm depending on the company’s location and exposure to extreme weather
such as freezing, hail, lightning,
storms, heavy winds, and prolonged rain. Additional inspections may
be necessary after a severe weather event that may cause damage and put extreme stress on turbines. Once the blades are damaged, corrosion and oxidization can continue to build and impact energy performance, resulting in costly repairs and system downtime.
Companies also should consider planning an initial infrared inspection of wind turbines during the commissioning process, to
serve as a baseline to ensure against workmanship/manufacturing errors before warranty terms expire.
Last but not least, it is important
to use professionals who have been trained in the use of commercial drones and thermographic testing.
A drone hobbyist or a company that installs and maintains turbines will most likely not be able to gather the most accurate data, or understand its impact on a system.
As more industrial companies become environmentally conscious and begin supplementing their electrical power with renewable energies, and as drones become more a ordable and easier to use, there will be increased demand for infrared drone testing of wind turbines. Regular inspections are crucial to the e ective maintenance
of the turbines in order to maximize power generation, extend the life of the system, and result in a higher return on investment. Custom drones, own by certi ed experts, pinpoint issues before problems escalate, saving companies energy and money.
Tim Leggett is a Level 1 thermographer and a certi ed FAA Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot with Infrared Testing, Inc. He has a B.S. in environmental and resource economics from the University of New Hampshire. Leggett has completed over 50 drone inspections this past year.
Infrared Testing, Inc. /// www.infraredtesting.com
North American Clean Energy
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