RAINBOW

Offshore wind turbines are constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions. The industry is therefore constantly looking for ways to extend the service life of offshore wind turbines. The RAINBOW project specifically focuses on improved rotor blade durability.
Status
Past
Duration
Jan 2021 - Dec 2023
Type
Intercluster project, National project

The RAINBOW project aims to gain more insight into the erosion of rotor blades due to precipitation and lightning, as erosion causes significant production losses.  This should provide new possibilities for preventive maintenance and improved strategies for inspection, maintenance and repair.

To this end, the project partners are committed to thorough monitoring of the turbines and energy yields on one hand, and automated inspection of rotor blades with drones on the other hand. Based on the results, coatings and other protection materials will be tested and validated under realistic North Sea conditions.

All this will also make it possible to better predict the service life of wind turbines and better prepare and schedule inspection flights with drones. This will eventually result in a longer service life of wind turbines and a drastic reduction in inspection, maintenance and repair costs.

Better risk management of erosion and damage to the rotor blades will contribute to a higher energy yield, as well as lower and more competitive energy prices.

Partners: Otary, Norther, Engie Laborelec, VKI, VUB, Sirris and SABCA

Clusters involved: Blue Cluster and SIM

With the support of: VLAIO and Innoviris

Contact: Stefaan Mensaert

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