Strat Aero, AirFusion unveil WindSpect inspection solution

Strat Aero and AirFusion unveiled the new WindSpect wind turbine blade inspection solution at the AWEA WindPower Conference & Exposition 2015 on 18 May.

WindSpect is designed to inspect all three wind turbine blades and deliver a report in 60 minutes. It combines Strat Aero's UAV with AirFusion's patent-pending Wind Edition inspection software and analytics. Together, the solution can detect turbine blade damage otherwise hidden from the naked eye, such as foreign bodies, hidden cracks, water deposits, uneven coating and loose adhesive joints.

Strat Aero's UAV is fitted with multiple advanced sensors and HD cameras to collect inspection data. The data is saved onto a secure digital memory card, which is inserted into the ground station computer with AirFusion's Wind Edition. The data is analysed and the resulting report can be directly exported to standard wind energy industry ERP, CMMS and SCADA compatible systems.

Russell Peck, CEO, Strat Aero, said: 'We are very excited to be partnering with AirFusion to offer the wind turbine industry this evolutionary solution. As the industry continues to grow, regular inspection and maintenance of blades are becoming critical tools for wind turbine operators. Our collaborative approach provides the industry with the most cost-effective and accurate solution on the market today.'

Dennis Chateauneuf, CEO, AirFusion, said: 'This is an exciting time to be in the wind and energy industry.  For years, the energy industry has been in search of a smarter, more reliable and efficient inspection solutions. Our deep expertise in developing technology for aerospace, technology and government entities has led us to create a software solution that is far more accurate than a manual approach.

'We are pleased to have found a partner in Strat Aero to bring our combined expertise to market. We are looking forward to a long prosperous relationship with them globally.'