Using drones for offshore wind turbine inspection

Wind turbines require regular checks to identify wear, blade damage and structural defects. Conventional inspections rely on rope access technicians who climb the turbines using harnesses and tethers to carry out knock tests and visual examinations. However, manual inspections involve safety risks, cause turbines to be offline for hours and don’t always detect internal or subtle defects.

Drones are revolutionising wind turbine inspections. Offshore drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors scan the turbine’s exterior. These sensors create 3D maps and geolocate defects such as blade delamination, lightning damage and corrosion. Specialised drones navigate inside the turbine’s blade chambers, capturing detailed imagery of areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Drone inspections offer many advantages, especially in offshore environments.

Technicians avoid dangerous tasks, such as climbing turbines and enduring harsh weather conditions. 

Inspections that previously took hours or days can be completed within minutes, minimising turbine downtime. 

Lower labour and equipment costs make drone inspections more economical than traditional methods. 

High-resolution imagery and sensor data provide detailed insights into turbine conditions. 

Offshore drones can operate under a range of weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance. 

Drones used for wind turbine inspections must meet specific requirements to perform effectively. 

Drones must be able to inspect large turbines and multiple units without frequent recharging. 

Drones must be equipped with obstacle-avoidance systems to operate safely around complex turbine structures. 

Offshore drones must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including saltwater corrosion and high winds. 

The latest drone solutions use AI, deep learning and advanced sensors to conduct fully automated inspections. The AQUADA-GO innovation project, for example, combines AI and thermal-mechanical modelling to detect blade damage with unprecedented accuracy while turbines are still in motion. 

The FOD4Wind project focuses on drones launched from service operation vessels (SOVs) equipped with charging stations. These offshore drones can transport tools and spare parts directly to turbines, streamlining both inspection and maintenance tasks. Such innovations demonstrate the growing role of drones in optimising renewable energy infrastructure and accelerating the transition to green energy.