The Boeing Company
Apparatus and methods for maintenance of wind turbine blades

Abstract:

Systems and methods for the automated non-destructive inspection of wind turbine blades. A motor-driven track that conforms to the shape of the blade moves along its length. At each spanwise position, the motor-driven track is stopped and then while the motor-driven track is stationary, any one of various types of NDI sensors is moved along the track to collect inspection data on the structure. The track is either segmented or flexible in order to conform to the cross-sectional profile of the blade. In addition, tracking the spanwise motion of the motor-driven track along the blade is provided. Optionally, avoiding protrusions on the blade that may be in the way during scanning is provided.