Risk-based approach for rational categorization of damage observations from wind turbine blade inspections

Abstract

This study provides a risk-based assessment procedure for wind turbine blade damages observed during visual inspections. A decision model is presented which identifies the cost-optimal intervention based on assessed damage severity. This is achieved by defining procedures for model-based estimation of probability of consequences for specific failure modes, and by analysing the costs associated with different scenarios for intervention. In addition, the procedure provides a risk-based, quantitative interpretation of damage severity categories used in wind turbine blade inspection practices. In the present paper, the workflow and example categorization are demonstrated on two specific faults in wind turbine blades: leading edge erosion damage, and trailing edge crack.