Innovation in wind energy often stems from obstacles, challenges, or the pursuit of more efficient solutions to streamline routine tasks. When TOPseven unveiled its pioneering development for autonomous visual drone inspection of wind turbines to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), industry professionals posed an intriguing question that would become the catalyst for a groundbreaking advancement. ‘Is it possible to measure the lightning protection system using a drone, more comfortably and precisely?’
This challenge was not only accepted but embraced, giving birth to an ingenious concept: Contactless Lightning Protection System (LPS) measurement. The method involves inducing a signal into the LPS cable of the rotor blade, creating an electrical field akin to an antenna, and measuring this signal using an advanced E-Field-Sensor attached to a drone.
When combined with autonomous flight capabilities, this approach guarantees a highly automated, cost effective, and precise inspection of the LPS, capable of pinpointing interruptions and anomalies with remarkable accuracy.
