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Revolutionising Wind Turbine Maintenance: Plarad's XA1 Power and DA2 Bolting System

Published in: Wind, Digital Blog

Revolutionising Wind Turbine Maintenance: Plarad's XA1 Power and DA2 Bolting System image

As wind energy continues to grow as a cornerstone of the global renewable transition, maintaining turbines efficiently and safely has become a critical priority. Increasing turbine size, remote locations, and harsh environmental conditions place mounting demands on service teams. For these professionals, access to advanced tools isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Plarad, a leader in bolting technology, has responded to this challenge with the XA1 Power battery-powered hydraulic unit and the complementary DA2 hydraulic wrench. This next-generation bolting solution is transforming how wind turbine maintenance is performed—both onshore and offshore.

Tackling the Challenges of Turbine Maintenance

Wind turbines operate in environments where extreme mechanical stress is the norm. Over time, the structural components—such as blades, hubs, towers, and foundations—are subjected to intense rotational and wind forces. Bolted joints, in particular, require constant attention, as failure in these areas can lead to costly downtime or structural risks.

Accessing these critical joints is often physically demanding. Service technicians routinely work at significant heights and in confined spaces, often without direct access to power supplies. Traditional hydraulic units, which can weigh upwards of 30–40 kg, are cumbersome to transport and set up in such environments. Safety is another major concern, with cables posing trip hazards and operational complications.

Introducing the XA1 Power: Lightweight, Battery-Driven Innovation

Plarad’s XA1 Power directly addresses these concerns with a compact, 10 kg hydraulic unit designed for mobility, independence, and high performance. Powered entirely by battery, the XA1 eliminates the need for external power sources, making it ideal for remote locations, including offshore wind farms.

Capable of supporting pressures up to 800 bar and delivering torque up to 150,000 Nm, the unit ensures precise, high-torque performance. It also boasts a wireless remote control system, allowing technicians to monitor and adjust operations from a safe distance—an essential feature in confined or elevated environments.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in the Field

The XA1 Power's cable-free design significantly reduces tripping hazards and setup time, while its lightweight construction allows for easier transport to turbine nacelles or towers. The intuitive wireless control not only improves operator safety but also enhances workflow efficiency by eliminating the need for close contact during operation.

The DA2: Precision and Power Combined

Paired with the XA1 Power is Plarad’s DA2 battery-powered hydraulic wrench. Together, they form a complete, self-sufficient bolting system tailored to the wind sector. The DA2 features an ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and is capable of long-lasting performance on a single battery charge.

This integrated system streamlines the bolting process, enabling technicians to work faster, safer, and with greater precision—no matter the turbine location.

A Solution for the Wind Sector’s Evolving Needs

As the wind energy sector scales up, the need for smarter maintenance solutions grows in parallel. Tools like the XA1 Power and DA2 not only reduce maintenance time and cost but also enhance safety and reliability across wind energy assets. Their deployment means fewer delays, more efficient operations, and increased uptime for critical renewable infrastructure.

By combining engineering innovation with practical field needs, Plarad reinforces its role as a key technology partner to the wind industry. The XA1 Power system is more than a tool—it’s a step forward in how the sector approaches turbine maintenance.

🔗 Learn more: https://plarad.de/en/

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