Blade Root Repair Solution
The Challenge
As time passes on, we see that windfarm owners are struggling with the problem of loose bushings of the blade root connection, thereby endangering further operation of that specific wind turbine.
This needs to be fixed! Standstill is a costly affair thus a repair is needed.
Up until now, the whole wind turbine blade would be transported for repair or was completely replaced. Both are costly options. We4Ce recognized this problem and started in 2020 to develop a dedicated repair solution.
The Solution
We have partnered with CNC Onsite in Denmark, an experienced company in milling solutions on site, developing a complete blade root repair solution for our customers. This solution makes use of CNC Onsite’s mobile precision machine that drills out the damaged bushings. Then we insert new replacement bushings, also called inserts, which we have developed in our ‘FIT and re-FIT’ program.
FIT or Front Infusion Technology is a new We4Ce production technology for the blade root. It is filed at the Dutch patent offices under PCT/NL2021/050661.
Conducted onsite in the wind park, the repair service meets the need from wind turbine / windfarm owners for cost efficient repairs, and for a validated and controlled repair process which keep CO2 emissions at a minimum and is environmental friendly.
What was the cause of wind turbine blade root bushings damage?
We4Ce can perform a Root Cause Analysis (including ultrasonic scanning and minimum strength testing) so that the Repair Solution will be tailor made.
We work together with UL as the Certification Body for this solution.
FIT
FIT or Front Infusion Technology is a new We4Ce production technology for the blade root.
Our technology is a mix of the T-bolt connection and the traditional We4Ce bushing connection in terms of production processes and materials.
It combines the best of both worlds!
The technology does not require an additional and complex positioning / vacuum ring in the mould. At the same time, the number of bushings and bolts on a given pitch circle diameter can be maximized.
Re-FIT
Re-FIT deals with the same FIT technology, but for existing blades. The technology is very suitable as a repair method for failed blade root bushings. With this technique a life time extension of the blade root bushings is achieved.
Interested in FIT or Re-FIT, please contact us!
CNC Onsite