Drone inspection for wind energy and photovoltaics
With ENERTRAG Operation, you experience precision from the air. Our drone inspections set new standards in efficiency, safety, and image quality.
Wind energy: Rotor blade inspection and lightning protection testing
Regular inspections ensure the value of your wind turbine. Modern turbines reach hub heights of over 150 meters and rotor diameters of up to 160 meters. Conventional testing methods reach their limits here. ENERTRAG Operation uses special drones that deliver precise results regardless of height and blade length. Drone technology protects your team and reliably detects faults thanks to high-resolution images and autonomous flight patterns. Whether onshore or offshore, you benefit from maximum flexibility.
Innovative lightning protection measurement
Our drones capture rotor blades fully automatically from different angles. A field strength meter detects interruptions in the lightning protection line, while a camera provides high-resolution images. The measurement process operates at 6000 volts, which is very close to real lightning strikes. This allows you to meet all the requirements of operators and insurers.
Advantages of drone inspection
- Efficient test and route planning reduces downtime and saves costs.
- Higher fault detection thanks to high-resolution imaging and a wide detection field.
- Realistic lightning protection testing with 6000 volts.
- Robust, TÜV NORD-tested measurement method.
- Smart combination of experience and technology.
- Weather-resistant up to 10 m/s wind and in cold conditions.
Q&A on Drone inspection with lightning protection measurement
Here you can find frequently asked questions about the 2 in 1 drone inspection with lightning protection measurement, including:
- Practical questions
- Recognition of the Method
- Costs
Tower inspection by drone
ENERTRAG Operation has been offering tower inspection by drone since 2023. Every square centimeter is documented. The inspection takes about an hour on site and provides detailed reports for long-term comparisons. In combination with other inspections, the procedure is particularly cost-effective. Our inspections comply with current norms and standards.
Whitepaper Drone inspection
The cost-effective operation of wind turbines begins with a critical component: the rotor blade. Damage can occur quickly and is costly. Repairs are expensive, but downtime costs even more. With modern turbines featuring blade lengths between 70 and 90 meters, another factor comes into play: high blade tip speeds significantly increase attrition. Rope climbers reach their limits when dealing with these dimensions.
Drone inspection of towers - efficient, precise, cost-effective
Since last year, we have been offering an innovative method for inspecting towers by drone. The aim is to enable a comprehensive inspection of the tower's outer skin by means of high-resolution photos and detailed reports. This is more efficient and cost-effective than conventional methods such as rope access technology or inspections using binoculars.
Advantages of tower inspections by drone
- Maximum precision: every square centimetre is documented and evaluated.
- Time-saving: An on-site inspection only takes approx. 1 hour.
- Process reliability: Damage reports enable long-term comparisons and preservation of evidence.
- Cost-effective: In combination with other inspections, the inspection is possible from €400 per wind turbine.
Our inspections comply with current norms and standards and provide operators with a reliable basis for assessing damage and planning further operation.
For operators who want to combine responsibility and efficiency - get in touch with us to find out more!
License model for service companies
Would you like to carry out inspections yourself? ENERTRAG Operation offers a license model including training and support.
Proven Quality
TÜV NORD confirms: Quality of the new method for measuring lightning protection on wind turbines using a drone from ENERTRAG Betrieb confirmed
In its inspection on 25 January 2022, TÜV NORD assessed the quality of the method developed by ENERTRAG Betrieb and Sulzer Schmid Laboratories AG for lightning protection testing on wind turbines using drones and confirmed its quality.
Photovoltaics – Thermography and construction monitoring
ENERTRAG Operation also offers automated thermography inspections for PV systems. State-of-the-art thermal imaging technology detects energy losses and material defects at an early stage without interrupting operation. Digital construction monitoring ensures transparency and optimized processes.
Your advantages at a glance
- Early fault detection and risk minimization
- No interruption to operations
- Transparency throughout the project
- Sustainably increased performance of your photovoltaic system
- Personal consultation and customized solutions
Contact
Would you like to find out more? Contact ENERTRAG Operation for a personal consultation on drone inspections for wind energy and photovoltaics.
Products and solutions
ENERTRAG is a competent partner for renewable energies along the entire value chain in Germany, Europe and the world.
