Wind Energy NDT Services by CICNDT
At CICNDT, we offer a comprehensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) suite designed to meet the rigorous demands of the wind energy sector. Our services ensure the structural integrity and peak performance of wind turbines by leveraging cutting-edge techniques, with a strong focus on Photothermal Tomography, Laser Shearography, and emerging automation technologies.
Photothermal Tomography
Leading our NDT solutions is Photothermal Tomography, a revolutionary technique that uses thermal waves to detect subsurface voids, cracks, and imperfections in turbine blade materials. This method is particularly effective for inspecting the complex composite structures of wind turbine blades, allowing us to locate defects at varying depths. By integrating Photothermal Tomography with other NDT techniques, we deliver a thorough, multi-layered view of a turbine’s structural integrity.
In a significant advancement, CICNDT is currently in the process of testing and evaluating COBOTs (Collaborative Robots) integrated with Photothermal Tomography for automated wind blade inspections. This integration aims to enhance inspection efficiency, enabling precise and consistent defect detection with minimal human intervention, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of the turbine blades.
Laser Shearography
Another core technology in our NDT portfolio is Laser Shearography, an advanced non-contact optical method perfect for detecting subsurface defects in composite materials. Laser Shearography is highly effective for wind turbine blades, providing a rapid and reliable assessment of structural health, helping to ensure long-term performance and durability.
Advanced Ultrasonic and Optical Inspection Solutions
Complementing Photothermal Tomography and Laser Shearography, CICNDT employs a range of advanced ultrasonic and optical techniques, including Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC):
– PAUT: A precise ultrasonic technique used to identify internal structural anomalies like cracks and voids, even in the intricate geometries of turbine blades.
– DIC: This optical method offers full-field strain and displacement measurements across blade surfaces, detecting stress concentrations and early signs of material degradation.
Comprehensive Advanced Diagnostics
By combining Photothermal Tomography, COBOT-enabled inspections, Laser Shearography, PAUT, and DIC, CICNDT provides detailed diagnostics that cover the entire wind turbine blade, from root to tip. These integrated techniques enable fast, accurate inspections and detailed defect characterization, improving maintenance efficiency.
Championing Renewable Energy Reliability
CICNDT’s advanced NDT services ensure wind turbines operate at their highest efficiency, enhancing the longevity and reliability of renewable energy infrastructure. Our ongoing efforts to integrate COBOTs with Photothermal Tomography underscore our commitment to innovation, early defect detection, and supporting the sustainable growth of wind energy.
