drone blade inspections: turning image collection into lifetime insight
TRANSCRIPT
Drone Blade Inspections
Turning image collection into lifetime insight
Sandia Wind Turbine Blade WorkshopAugust 31, 2016
InspecTools Overview• Founded in 2013 with a focus on wind energy• Data-driven condition management company• Drone development & service necessity• Other segments: Solar and T&D• Common components in inspections:– Image Capture (drone & manned aircraft using
specialized sensors packages)– Image processing & organization– Analysis and information delivery
– Cloud-based Data Analysis Tools– Cloud-based Temporal Reporting Tools– Data Delivery Tools (PDF, Mobile, Web)
Solution Components
DataAcquisitionH/W&S/W
DataProcessing&AnalysisS/W
DataManagement&ReportingS/W
– Purpose-builtAutomatedUASs– FlightSensorIntegrationS/W– AutomatedDataProcessingS/W
– Automated Image Processing S/W– Custom Data Analysis S/W & Algorithms– Cloud-based Image Data Warehouse
Topics
• New FAA regulatory changes (Part 107)• Does one drone size & type fit all applications?• Are all imaging sensors created equal?• Metatags and image organization• Mobile consumption and collection• Data analysis and reporting for stakeholders
engineering/asset management teams• Ongoing insight and action is based on gathering
empirical information over time
FAA Small Commercial UAS (Part 107)• New FAA certification lowers the barrier to
commercial UAS operation• UAS pilot certification - TSA Background check -
Max. 55lbs,100 MPH, 400 ft. or remain within 400ft. of existing structure – Visual Line of Site –Etc.
• Strongly encourage Part 107 certification within your field staff
• Eager to assist our partners in a certification and training program
Aerial Platforms• Powerful & Redundant• Windy environments• Increased safety• Fast. Efficient. Reduced cost. Ongoing
blade inspections
Current/Future Sensors• Full frame/36+ Megapixel sensor/prime lens• Other sensors (IR, UV, multi-spectral, etc.)
can be used to gain condition insight• Light integration– Optimize image quality using artificial light
• Navigation sensors assist GPS awareness
UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)
Drone Automation
Drone Near Blade Tip
Desktop-WindAMS Viewer
Sample Images
Image Analysis Tools• Software tools notes and reports blade damages
Mobile Data - Consume & Collect• Infield insight into blade condition• Structured data collection• Pre-construction, on-ground inspection, repair• Procedural guidance• Wearable integration
Analysis and Reporting• Multiple data inputs– Blade’s condition and repair history– Turbine’s location using GIS
• Lightning strike, icing events, etc.– SKADA information integration; wind speed, direction,
production, etc.)• In Summary
– Lower the cost and barriers of regular blade inspections– Web software provides insight & feedback over time– Improve ROI through empirical data collection, analysis, scheduling
appropriate actions and tracking them– Know your blades entire lifespan, current condition, have an efficiency
and longevity strategy.– Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power “and ultimately money”
