Project description
Innovative solution for blade monitoring and management
Wind energy is experiencing consistent growth and has become one of the fastest-growing markets in the energy field. However, the industry faces challenges with blade failures and accidents resulting from inadequate blade maintenance. There is a need for effective methods to ensure the integrity of wind turbine blades. Unfortunately, the existing monitoring systems are insufficient in meeting these requirements. In this context, the EU-funded BladeSave project aims to commercialise an innovative solution that offers comprehensive blade monitoring, repair and management. This solution combines a fibre optic structural health monitoring system, which provides advanced multi-sensing capabilities, with management software that incorporates data analysis based on risk-based inspections. The product builds upon existing technologies and targets older wind turbines, particularly those installed before 2011.
Objective
Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world's energy markets. According to the EWEA, the European wind market it is expected to grow consistently at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. As annual blade failures are estimated at around 3,800 with poor maintenance the most common cause of accidents, ensuring the integrity of blades is a key issue with respect to the business, safety and the environment. The overall problem envisaged is the lack of effective condition monitoring systems for the blades, representing a business opportunity for the project’s partners Hence, the Project aims to commercialize a novel solution, BladeSave, marketed as a fusion between a Fibre Optic Structural Health Monitoring System providing multi-sensing capability and a management software incorporating risk based inspection data analysis and offering a comprehensive solution for blade monitoring, repair and management. Based on existing technologies developed by the partners at TRL6, BladeSave will assist WFOs in satisfying newly imposed regulations by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (amendments to EN 50308) and benefit European ISPs in the CM services market, giving them a competitive edge over global rivals. Our product market target consists predominantly of the WTFs installed before 2011 (currently around 71,620 in Europe) as old wind turbines have an average annual maintenance cost larger than newer models, are not covered by warranties and offer a bigger risk of catastrophic failures. The project brings together five experienced companies with a unique set of skills and expertise in the wind industry. BladeSave will have an impact on both European and foreign markets, and over the five year sales projection, we forecast a total cumulative gross profits of at least €48 million, a return of EU investment of 23:1 and the creation of about 380 jobs within consortium and associated companies which are part of the supply chain.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
SO23 7RX WINCHESTER HAMPSHIRE
United Kingdom
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.