Periodic Reporting for period 1 - flying factory (Flying Repair Drone for Wind Turbines Blades)
Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2023-12-31
This project lowers the levelized costs of energy by reducing wind turbine downtime due to blade repairs by 90%. Instead of slow, expensive and manual repairs over 4½ days. The scope of the project is to finalize development of a drone with onboard tools, which can automatically repair wind turbine blades in just 4½ hours. Cost-effective and disruptive, the technology offers a faster, better and safer way to handle the wind energy sector's critical need for blade repairs.
PROBLEM
Wind turbine blades suffer from repetitive maintenance issues. Repairs are currently done manually by specialized rope-access workers, which is costly and slow. In addition, there's a lack of manpower, which is projected to grow to a shortage of 150.000 technicians.
SOLUTION
An automated, disruptive and patented solution, which is usable by non-specialized workers and offers a 90% reduction of turbine downtime during blade repairs.
MARKET SIZE
The global wind turbine blade repair TAM is projected at €8B in 2026 and growing to €11B in 2031.
TEAM
The management team has 40+ years of experience across leading edge repair technology, robotics, R&D management, internationalization, business development, software development, entrepreneurship and enterprise systems architecture.
MISSION
This project aims to deliver the future of operational access to wind turbine blades by spearheading technological break-throughs and disruptions of wind energy O&M practices. The R&D team develops trail-blazing technology designed for both OEMs, wind farm developers and service companies looking to lead.
PROBLEM
Wind turbine blades suffer from repetitive maintenance issues. Repairs are currently done manually by specialized rope-access workers, which is costly and slow. In addition, there's a lack of manpower, which is projected to grow to a shortage of 150.000 technicians.
SOLUTION
An automated, disruptive and patented solution, which is usable by non-specialized workers and offers a 90% reduction of turbine downtime during blade repairs.
MARKET SIZE
The global wind turbine blade repair TAM is projected at €8B in 2026 and growing to €11B in 2031.
TEAM
The management team has 40+ years of experience across leading edge repair technology, robotics, R&D management, internationalization, business development, software development, entrepreneurship and enterprise systems architecture.
MISSION
This project aims to deliver the future of operational access to wind turbine blades by spearheading technological break-throughs and disruptions of wind energy O&M practices. The R&D team develops trail-blazing technology designed for both OEMs, wind farm developers and service companies looking to lead.
1. Integrated Control System: We've successfully implemented an advanced control system to enhance operational efficiency and user interaction. This system serves as the foundation for streamlined operations and has significantly improved the user's ability to manage complex tasks remotely.
2. Enhanced Modular Force Control: Significant advancements have been made in the force control of various operational modules. These enhancements allow for more precise and adaptable maintenance operations, crucial for the intricate tasks our technology performs.
3. Blade Attachment Improvements: The attachment system for maintenance tasks has been significantly improved, offering enhanced control and adaptability. The improvements in the contact mechanism also aid in precision during critical phases of operation.
4. Navigation System Enhancements: We've made strides in improving the navigation system, particularly in handling challenging surfaces. Innovative solutions have been developed to increase operational traction and stability, demonstrating our commitment to overcoming operational challenges.
5. Precision Dispensing Technology: A new dispensing system has been developed, offering significant improvements in the precision and control of material application. This technology represents a leap forward in our ability to perform tasks with high accuracy.
6. Optimization of Operational Efficiency: Through innovative design and material use, we've significantly reduced the operational weight of our technology, enhancing its efficiency and performance. These developments have contributed greatly to the sustainability and agility of operations.
7. Development of Quality Assurance Protocols: In collaboration with industry partners, we've made progress in developing a robust Quality Assurance System. This system is designed to ensure the highest standards of operation and has shown promising results in preliminary tests.
8. Quality Control and Data Acquisition: Initial steps have been taken to enhance our data-driven approach to quality control. While certain tasks are ongoing, the continuous acquisition and analysis of data remain a cornerstone of our strategy to refine and improve our technology.
9. Market Response and Testing: Initial testing has demonstrated the potential and viability of our technology, generating interest in the market. The response has been encouraging, indicating a strong potential for future developments and partnerships.
2. Enhanced Modular Force Control: Significant advancements have been made in the force control of various operational modules. These enhancements allow for more precise and adaptable maintenance operations, crucial for the intricate tasks our technology performs.
3. Blade Attachment Improvements: The attachment system for maintenance tasks has been significantly improved, offering enhanced control and adaptability. The improvements in the contact mechanism also aid in precision during critical phases of operation.
4. Navigation System Enhancements: We've made strides in improving the navigation system, particularly in handling challenging surfaces. Innovative solutions have been developed to increase operational traction and stability, demonstrating our commitment to overcoming operational challenges.
5. Precision Dispensing Technology: A new dispensing system has been developed, offering significant improvements in the precision and control of material application. This technology represents a leap forward in our ability to perform tasks with high accuracy.
6. Optimization of Operational Efficiency: Through innovative design and material use, we've significantly reduced the operational weight of our technology, enhancing its efficiency and performance. These developments have contributed greatly to the sustainability and agility of operations.
7. Development of Quality Assurance Protocols: In collaboration with industry partners, we've made progress in developing a robust Quality Assurance System. This system is designed to ensure the highest standards of operation and has shown promising results in preliminary tests.
8. Quality Control and Data Acquisition: Initial steps have been taken to enhance our data-driven approach to quality control. While certain tasks are ongoing, the continuous acquisition and analysis of data remain a cornerstone of our strategy to refine and improve our technology.
9. Market Response and Testing: Initial testing has demonstrated the potential and viability of our technology, generating interest in the market. The response has been encouraging, indicating a strong potential for future developments and partnerships.
CO2 Reduction Validation
Needs: External validation is sought for our calculations on CO2 reduction.
Results: Our preliminary numbers show a significant reduction of CO2 per turbine repair, when compared to alternate supply of energy from fossil fuel-based energy production during turbine downtime due to repairs.
HSE / Sustainability Goals
Needs: We aim to develop a drone technology that enhances environmental protection and minimizes personnel injury risk.
Results: Our solution eliminates the need for rope-access, reducing fall risks and improving safety in handling of toxic chemicals. Additionally, it features an innovative floating drone frame to prevent contamination of the sea. We align with sustainability objectives and work condition goals of the UN17 goals.
Commercialization Efforts
Needs: Our focus is on expanding field testing and demonstrating our technology to key stakeholders in the energy sector, to foster widespread adoption.
Results: We are engaging with potential partners for further field testing, demos, trials and investment. Our outreach includes demonstrations in various locations.
Financial Strategy
Needs: Our goal is to attract commercial investors to maximize the impact of received grants and support our development towards financial sustainability.
Results: Various financing avenues are being explored, including seed funding and potential investments from industry partners. We are actively engaging with venture capital firms and investor networks.
Intellectual Property Management
Needs: We plan to enhance our IP portfolio with additional patent filings.
Results: With new legal partnership, we have refined our IP strategy and are preparing for upcoming patent filings, contingent on securing necessary funding.
Regulatory Compliance and Standardization
Needs: We aim to develop a drone solution that complies with regulatory standards without the need for extensive operational clearances.
Results: Our preliminary assessments show compliance feasibility with operational standards, though some certification and administrative processes are anticipated.
Needs: External validation is sought for our calculations on CO2 reduction.
Results: Our preliminary numbers show a significant reduction of CO2 per turbine repair, when compared to alternate supply of energy from fossil fuel-based energy production during turbine downtime due to repairs.
HSE / Sustainability Goals
Needs: We aim to develop a drone technology that enhances environmental protection and minimizes personnel injury risk.
Results: Our solution eliminates the need for rope-access, reducing fall risks and improving safety in handling of toxic chemicals. Additionally, it features an innovative floating drone frame to prevent contamination of the sea. We align with sustainability objectives and work condition goals of the UN17 goals.
Commercialization Efforts
Needs: Our focus is on expanding field testing and demonstrating our technology to key stakeholders in the energy sector, to foster widespread adoption.
Results: We are engaging with potential partners for further field testing, demos, trials and investment. Our outreach includes demonstrations in various locations.
Financial Strategy
Needs: Our goal is to attract commercial investors to maximize the impact of received grants and support our development towards financial sustainability.
Results: Various financing avenues are being explored, including seed funding and potential investments from industry partners. We are actively engaging with venture capital firms and investor networks.
Intellectual Property Management
Needs: We plan to enhance our IP portfolio with additional patent filings.
Results: With new legal partnership, we have refined our IP strategy and are preparing for upcoming patent filings, contingent on securing necessary funding.
Regulatory Compliance and Standardization
Needs: We aim to develop a drone solution that complies with regulatory standards without the need for extensive operational clearances.
Results: Our preliminary assessments show compliance feasibility with operational standards, though some certification and administrative processes are anticipated.