Bladebug

SUCCESSFUL TURBINE BLADE WALK FOR BLADEBUG

A wind turbine blade inspection and repair robot being developed in Britain has successfully carried out its fi rst blade walk on an operating turbine writes Dag Pike

Conceived as a method of checking out the blades of wind turbines remotely without requiring as many humans to work at height, the BladeBUG development represents a major step forward in the technology for this challenging operation that is proving increasingly important in the off shore wind turbine industry. Currently the inspection of turbine blades is carried out by rigging ropes on the turbine to allow manual access.

The BladeBUG attaches itself to the composite turbine blade by means of vacuum suction pads attached to the legs of the robot. The six legs of the robot can be operated sequentially to allow the robot to ‘walk along the blade and the body of the robot can carry a variety of ‘cargoes’ that can be used for inspection and repair work.

ORE Catapult’s 7mW Levenmouth Demonstration turbine which is located off the coast of Fife in Scotland was used for the demonstration. Over two days in mid-October, the sixlegged robot repeatedly scaled blades on the turbine and during the demonstration, BladeBUG walked 50m on a vertically positioned blade on the turbine which is 84m long, with the tip reaching 195m above the sea when upright.

Over two days in mid-October, the six-legged robot repeatedly scaled blades on the turbine and during the demonstration, BladeBUG walked 50m on a vertically positioned blade on the turbine which is 84m long

According to ORE Catapult, the technology demonstrated perfect adherence of its vacuum-padded feet to blade surfaces in offshore conditions, as well as the ability to navigate the varying curvatures of the blade surfaces in a variety of scenarios. BladeBUG is anticipated to enable a 30% cost reduction on current blade inspection techniques, whilst for the larger next-generation turbines, ORE Catapult predicts that the cost savings could reach as much as 50%.

“This is an incredibly significant technology that we know is being keenly watched by the industry as a potential gamechanger. It has a clear potential for cutting costs, reducing human offshore deployment and increasing blade lifetimes,” said Chris Hill, ORE Catapult’s Operational Performance Director.

The robot is a key component of the £4.2 million MIMRee project which is designed to demonstrate a fully autonomous inspection and repair mission to an offshore wind farm with the robot operating from autonomous support vessels. The final MIMRee system technology trials are set to take place in mid-2021.

8 BladeBUG uses

suction and robotics to walk its way along the turbine blade

Vattenfall provides Council Co-Chair

A new Off shore Wind Industry Council Co-Chair has been appointed to lead the next phase of job creation in UK’s green economic recovery.

Thousands of new jobs are being created in offshore wind which is one of the UK’s most successful growth industries. The sector is attracting billions in private investment over the course of this decade, as we quadruple our current capacity to meet the Prime Minister’s target of 40 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030. Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager Danielle Lane is taking over from Ørsted’s Benj Sykes, who has successfully led the offshore wind sector as Co-Chair of the joint Government and industry body for the past six and a half years.

UK Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “With record amounts of offshore wind on the grid, and plans underway to support 60,000 jobs in the industry by 2030, it has never been more crucial for government and industry to work hand in hand.

“That’s why I am delighted to welcome Danielle to her new role as Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, and I look forward to working with her.”

COMMERCIAL GRADE CABIN RIB PROVIDES SAFE WORKING

Originally planned for exhibition on the water at Seawork 2020, the South Africa- based Gemini Marine has now launched a new version of its Waverider WR1060 GRP Cabin RIB

This cabin RIB has been developed specifi cally for professional use in coastal waters by, among others, emergency services, and marine contractors. It has been designed to meet the demand from the commercial market to be able to protect their crew better against weather and environmental conditions during longer stays on the water.

The Gemini Cabin is available in a standard version (WR880 & WR1060) and in an extended version (WR1060 only). The standard version can comfortably seat up to 6 people, while the extended version can take up to 10 people.

The wheelhouse can be supplied with an open rear or with a closed rear bulkhead including access door and rear windows. The foredeck can be safely accessed via a front door in the cabin’s forecastle.

The Gemini Cabin RIBs are ideally suited for use in patrol activities, for support with shipping guidance, for carrying out security tasks, as a safety boat, for calamities and evacuation intervention, for Search & Rescue tasks, for support during diving work, or tender/light cargo duties.

In common with other Gemini models, this RIB has a full CE-B marking, the certification of which has been carried out by a notified body designated and recognized by the EU. In addition, this RIB complies with the English MCA Workboat Code 2

TAKE A SEAT

This first demo Gemini WR1060 GRP Cabin RIB has been equipped by Novi marine with Ullman Echelon shockabsorbing seats with 3-Dimensional suspension technology, described as being capable of absorbing even the hardest side impact when landing at unfavourable angles. They are fitted on sliders with 300mm of travel to accommodate perfect driving ergonomics in both sitting and standing positions.

Passengers are provided comfortable Ullman Biscaya suspension seats with the new MK3 storage base allowing additional 36 litres of compartment space per seat and narrow handles to free up space in the aisle.

50 KNOTS

The propulsion is provided by two Yamaha F300BTEX outboard engines, good for a top speed of over 50 knots and with the help of a Vetus BowPro 42 kgf proportional and brushless thruster, this 11 metre long and 3.15 metre wide Gemini can even manoeuvre accurately to the centimetre in strong crosswinds.

For the hull, Gemini uses vacuum infusion technology with foam core to keep the weight down while not compromising on strength. The well-known UK based company Seaglaze was chosen for the windows and entrance doors.

In terms of navigation and communication equipment, you will find the latest version of the Simrad NSS16 EVO3S HD multi-functional displays, the latest Simrad Halo 20+ pulse compression radar dome and a FLIR M232 thermal camera, mounted on a folding navigation bracket.

This example also features washing facilities and a toilet in addition to useful items including a heavy-duty bow fender with hand-held radiation for safer transfers, a Jason’s Cradle for MOB recovery and a sturdy diving ladder on the A-frame.

In common with other Gemini models, this RIB has a full CE-B marking, the certification of which has been carried out by a notified body designated and recognized by the EU. In addition, this RIB complies with the English MCA Workboat Code 2 and can optionally be supplied with a Category 2 60nM certificate of class. A class certificate for the hull by an IACS is also available on request.

Prices in Europe start from €99,000 excl. VAT for the standard Gemini WR880 Cabin RIB with single outboard engine.

This Gemini WR1060 Cabin RIB is now on display and available for demos, sea trials and for the use of non-profit charities, in addition to being available for sale and rental for the professional market.

8 The propulsion

is provided by two Yamaha F300BTEX outboard engines, good for a top speed of over 50 knots

8 The boat

carries Simrad NSS16 EVO3S HD multi-functional displays