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GE Takes Wind Turbine Inspection to New Heights Using M2M Technology

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June 19, 2012

GE Takes Wind Turbine Inspection to New Heights Using M2M Technology

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

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Topping out at 328 feet (100 meters) above the ground, wind turbines truly represent a “higher power.” Until now, an inspector would examine the massive turbine blades from ground level, using a high-powered telescope. However, last week, General Electric announced an easier, more efficient way to conduct an accurate inspection—using machine-to-machine (M2M) technology.


Partnering with Ithaca, N.Y.-based International Climbing Machines (ICM), GE engineers have explored a way to do the work using a remote-controlled, robotic device that can scale the wind tower with a wireless, high-definition video camera strapped to its back.

The motivation for the closer inspection is to obtain a more accurate picture of the overall working status of the wind turbine blades. From the safety of the ground, an inspector can use the robot to obtain a real-time detailed view of the blades from less than 33 feet (10 meters) away, facilitating a much more thorough examination and evaluation.

“Technology advances have helped to make GE’s wind turbine fleet the most reliable in the industry; we’re always looking for ways to strengthen this record. One way we can is by enabling more reliable inspections that can detect and mitigate potential issues even earlier,” says Waseem Faidi, manager of the Nondestructive Evaluation Lab at GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York.

Faidi continued, “The inspection technology platform GE is developing with ICM provides a closer view of the turbine blade to detect repair and service needs. And in the future, GE researchers are working on technology that will allow inspectors to see through the blade materials and identify potential issues well in advance of any service needs. This all will mean faster diagnosis and repair – minimizing the risk of failure or forced down-time of the turbine.”

GE is one of the world’s largest suppliers of wind turbines, with a fleet of 18,000 turbines worldwide. Accurate and reliable servicing is critically important and GE’s suite of service offerings help owners and operators maximize both reliability and availability. GE more than doubled its investment in services research and development in 2010 and 2011 as it built a world-class portfolio of services. GE’s wind services solutions incorporate the company’s advanced technology, global resources and services facilities and a network of skilled, highly trained local technicians who are closely connected to GE’s engineering organization.

This new technology was recently tested at a wind farm in Texas with positive results. Other advantages to using the climber over conventional methods include better weather tolerance. No longer will inspections be delayed due to poor lighting conditions, rain, or snow.

GE scientists also are exploring other ways to take inspection technology to new heights. They are in the process of developing a microwave scanner that could be fitted onto the robotic vehicle, enabling an even better view of the wind blades. The use of microwaves would do more than provide a surface view; it would allow inspectors to see through the blade material giving an even earlier indication of any breakdown in the structure. At GE’s India Technology Center, scientists are also testing the use of small, helicopter-like vehicles that would provide for a similar view.

Want to learn more about M2M technologies? Then be sure to check out the M2M Evolution Conference, collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. The M2M Evolution Conference is for industry professionals interested in capitalizing on a rapidly growing segment of the telecom industry. The M2M Evolution Conference embraces the any-to-any strategy of the Internet today. Co-sponsored by TMC (News - Alert) Partner Crossfire Media, it showcases the solutions, and examines the data strategies and technological requirements that enterprises and carriers need to capitalize on a market segment that is estimated to grow to $300 Billion in the year ahead. For more information on registering for the M2M Evolution Conference click here.

Stay in touch with everything happening at M2M Evolution Conference. Follow us on Twitter.




Edited by Brooke Neuman

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