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Non-Destructive and Contactless Defect Detection inside Leading Edge Coatings for Wind Turbine Blades using Optical Coherence Tomography
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  • Christian Petersen,
  • Søren Fæster,
  • Jakob Bech,
  • Kristine Jespersen,
  • Niels Israelsen,
  • Ole Bang
Christian Petersen
Technical University of Denmark

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Søren Fæster
DTU WIND ENERGY
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Jakob Bech
Technical University of Denmark
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Kristine Jespersen
Technical University of Denmark
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Niels Israelsen
Technical University of Denmark
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Ole Bang
Technical University of Denmark
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Abstract

Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades is one of the most critical issues in wind energy production, resulting in lower efficiency, as well as increased maintenance costs and downtime. Erosion is initiated by impacts from rain droplets and other atmospheric particles, so to protect the blades special protective coatings are applied to increase their lifetime without adding significantly to the weight or friction of the blade. These coatings should ideally absorb and distribute the force away from the point of impact, however, microscopic defects, such as bubbles, reduce the mechanical performance of the coating, leading to cracks and eventually erosion. In this work, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is investigated for non-destructive, contactless inspection of coated glass-fiber composite samples to identify subsurface coating defects. The samples were tested using rubber projectiles to simulate rain droplet and particle impacts. The samples were subsequently imaged using both OCT, optical microscopy, and X-ray tomography. OCT scanning revealed both bubbles and cracks below the surface, which would not have been detected using ultrasonic or similar non-destructive methods. In this way, OCT can complement the existing quality control in turbine blade manufacturing, help improve the blade lifetime, and reduce the environmental impact from erosion.
29 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
26 Jan 20231st Revision Received
27 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
31 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Accept