Internal Wind Turbine Blade Inspections Using UAVs: Analysis and Design Issues

Interior and exterior wind turbine blade inspections are necessary to extend the lifetime of generators. The use unmanned vehicles is an alternative performed by technicians that require cranes ropes. even more challenging due confined spaces, lack illumination, presence potentially harmful internal structural components. Additionally, cost manned interior a major limiting factor. This paper analyses all aspects viability using manually controlled or autonomous aerial for inspections. We discuss why size, weight, flight time vehicle, in addition structure blade, main factors performing also describe design issues must be considered provide autonomy control system, sensors can used, introduce some algorithms localization, obstacle avoidance path planning best suited task. Lastly, we briefly which non-destructive test instrumentation used purpose.