How to repair a wind turbine blade?

Still, for the wind turbine blades, where aerodynamic properties are of critical importance, flush repair is the most common structural repair technique. Structural flush repair is realized by forming a joint between prepared repair area and the repair patch, which should fit exactly the area prepared for repair.

Are external doublers suitable for wind turbine blade repair?

Still, according to Ref. , external doublers are suitable for wind turbine blade repairs (since a technician can access the damage regions only from one side). Still, for the wind turbine blades, where aerodynamic properties are of critical importance, flush repair is the most common structural repair technique.

How much does it cost to repair a wind turbine blade?

If a crane is required to repair or replace a blade, the cost can run up to $350,000 per week. An average blade repair can cost up to $30,000, and a new blade costs, on average, about $200,000 . The wind turbines built and established at the beginning of century, becoming old now.

What happens if a wind turbine is damaged?

Suboptimal, defected repair can lead to eccentric load path, bending in the patch and stresses in the adhesive and composite, early failure of wind turbine blades and necessity of early follow-up repair.

Can new generation wind turbine blades be recycled?

The wind turbines of the new generation are subject to extreme mechanical and physical loading, can be damaged during service time, and will require maintenance and repair. In this paper, technologies for the repair and recycling of the new generation of materials for wind turbine blades are reviewed.

Can laser technology improve wind turbine blade repair?

At the Iowa State University, the laser technology to improve wind turbine blade repair was proposed. The technology includes spraying glass powder into damaged areas, followed by laser heats to make them liquid and bond fibers .