A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) planned to inspect wind turbine towers in operation offshore has been successfully trialled by Invisotech at UK’s National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), reports Recharge.
The ROV was equipped with a non-destructive testing probe and high-definition video equipment that conducted detailed evaluation of weld joints on the training tower as part of a test maintenance program.
Maintaining high-value asset integrity is of prime importance to the potential wind industry clients and this ROV is an example of where can bring new technology to meet the current objectives and future needs, and play its part in helping to drive down the levelized cost of wind energy, says, Ken Storey, product director, Invisotech.
The ROV demonstration at Narec was funded under the European Regional Development Fund’s Renewable Energy Technology Accelerator (Reta).
Reta is established to work with northeast England supply chain companies for new technology development and services for offshore renewables sector.
Reducing O&M costs in the offshore wind sector will be critical to supporting the government’s ambition of reducing the levelized cost of energy of offshore wind power to £100/MW over the next few years, said, James Battensby, program manager, Reta, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, which recently took over Narec.
Ore Catapult has collaborated and supported Invisotech at this early proof of concept stage to allow it to fully demonstrate its technology and subsequent benefits to industry, added Battensby.
Sabeena Wahid
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