Drone-Captured High-Resolution Imagery for Wind Turbine Inspection with Phase One Cameras

The wind turbine inspection was completed within two hours (three blades were inspected in only 45 minutes) under ideal light and weather conditions.

Upon review of the images, ATI’s clients were amazed by the resolution. They were able to determine that the blade was still in good working order and did not need to be removed. The resolution of the images was in the millimeter and all markings were easily identifiable.

“Our clients had attempted inspection work with drones before and were skeptical about its abilities to get the imagery they needed” says Stephen Burtt, “However, once we showed them the images, they were shocked by the level of detail. Using these images, they were able to determine the blade was still on good health and they could avoid sending up a climber or removing the blades for ground inspection. We eliminated the human liability factor and saved the major cost of taking the turbine off line to remove the blades”.

Aerial imagery captured by the Phase One camera provides accurate millimeter-per-pixel detail needed for wind turbine inspection. The use of drones for visual inspections can allow some critical systems and structures to stay online during inspections. The combination of the two offers a faster, safer, and more efficient process so businesses are able to save money, eliminate human risk and reduce shareholder liability.