Rotor Blade Maintenance: experience and knowledge
Large-scale developments in the wind energy sector require technology-focused services that ensure maximum efficiency.
As a leading supplier in the wind energy sector, our range of services is based on our unrivalled experience and vast technical knowledge.
Individual services included in regular inspections:
- Checking the housings and internal parts of the blades
- Verification of the tip mechanism (where it is installed)
- Checking the clamps/joints of the blade bolted to the hub and the aerodynamic elements
- Checking the lightning protection system
- Documentation of damage with a large illustrated copy
- Damage analysis and technical assessments
Services with a quality seal
As a respected provider of complete rotor blade services, BayWa r.e. has held the Germanischer Lloyd (today, DNV GL) certification as a repairer of fibre composite components since 2000.
All our work is done in accordance with the demanding DNV GL specification, with certifications for materials and documentation. This translates into accredited safety that you can rely on. That is why manufacturers, insurers and planning officials alike trust our certified services.
We guarantee maximum quality for our customers at all times. Our quality management system has been certified under EN ISO 9001: 2008 since 2012. Likewise, our quality and environmental policy is efficient and certified under ISO 140001.
- Inspections
Regular inspections to prevent problems
Imperfections in blades can be detected in time with routine inspections within their warranty period, which must be accompanied by detailed technical records. Together, this allows specific repairs to be agreed upon with manufacturers, insurers and operators.
It is also essential to perform regular inspections on lightning protection systems. This is required by insurers as lightning is one of the most common causes of downtime.
Individual services included in regular inspections:
- Checking the housings and internal parts of the blades
- Verification of the tip mechanism (where it is installed)
- Checking the clamps/joints of the blade bolted to the hub and the aerodynamic elements
- Checking the lightning protection system
- Documentation of damage with a large illustrated copy
- Damage analysis and technical assessments
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Maintenance
Maintenance to preserve long-term value
As part of the routine maintenance of wind rotor blades, our technical personnel will provide detailed advice on the steps needed to safeguard your system. This will efficiently preserve the machine and its value over time.
You can decide if you would prefer individual services or the comprehensive service, which includes the maintenance contract. Generally, any problems can be solved immediately on-site, avoiding additional costs. Alternatively, further repair work and visits to the plant may be required.
Did you know that experts and insurers recommend carrying out biannual inspections?
Therefore, we provide the following services:
- Independent service: routine maintenance
- Full maintenance and care contract
- Maintenance and assistance services adapted to the customer’s individual requirements, including full documentation
- Detailed records of comprehensive maintenance
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Surface care
Preservation for long-term economic protection
Rotor blades of all kinds are exposed to a host of aggressive factors: weather, environment, long operating times and extreme speeds.
Ultimately, continuous dirt and wear and tear have a major impact on rotor blades. This reduces and worsens their performance. According to research conducted by the German Wind Energy Institute (DEWI), a single dirty blade can reduce output production by 1.5%.
However, there is a solution: it has been proven that sealing prevents frosts from damaging the surface of the blades. At BayWa r.e., we are specialists in cleaning and sealing blades and offer it as one of our services.
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On-site repairs
On-site repairs
We ensure minimum downtime, regardless of the brand or size of the turbine.We guarantee quick and perfect repairs, no matter what the output category of each manufacturer. All the repair procedures and materials are chosen specifically for each type of rotor blade.
Then, once the repairs are completed, erosion protection must be applied to the leading edges of the rotor blades. This service is important as these bear a considerable load, so protection provides a better long-term defence.
All our repair activities are certified and implemented under the DN VGL specifications.
On-site rotor blade services
- Latest generation in access technology with ropes or a platform lift
- Cleaning and sealing of the rotor blade surface with a wax coating
- Repair and maintenance of the tip brake mechanism systems
- Repair of surface and structural damage caused by operating conditions
- Repair of lightning protection systems
- Review and rebuilding of rotor blade components after being struck by lightning
- Application of signal coatings
- Installation and repair of erosion protection systems
- Installation of aerodynamic components and updates
- In-factory repairs
- Repair of complex rotor blade damage
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In-factory repairs
In-factory repairs
Complex rotor blade repairs, the rebuilding of damaged pieces, and extensive structural modification measures cannot usually be done in the field. That is why the rotor blade service workshop of BayWa r.e. has more than 50,000 m2 of space for carrying out this type of work.
Excellent quality repairs
Blades are stored in safe conditions with no vibrations. This is essential for restoring even the structural components that bear considerable loads and enables us to guarantee excellent quality repairs.
Economic efficiency
We have several repair workshops, making our workflow flexible and efficient.
These are our in-factory services:
- Provider of independent services similar to a manufacturer
- Repairing all types of blades
- High availability of repair materials and spare parts
- Stress-free and vibration-free storage in ideal climatic conditions
- All the most common sanitation methods
- Complete rebuilding of destroyed blade components
- Completion of complex structural modification measures
- Large-scale rehabilitations
- Partial and full painting of the highest quality
- Application of erosion protection systems
- Installation of comprehensive aerodynamic components and updates
- Resetting of torque equilibrium
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Storage
Large storage capacity
Our Basdahl facilities (Lower Saxony, Germany) have ideal infrastructure connections with Hamburg and Bremen. This allows us to provide optimal storage for blade components, used wind turbines and other elements. In our space, spanning over 50,000 m2 (7,300 m2 covered), we can store sets of restored blades that are ready to be transported to their wind farms.
We have our own heavy-load vehicles, allowing us to make immediate deliveries.