Wind Farm Leading Edge Protection

Your wind turbines should have an expected lifespan of 15 years or more. However, they’re battered by the elements every day. From the effects of the weather - rain, salt spray, sand, ice, hail and lightning. From flying insects, bird damage and more. The leading edge of the turbine blade is particularly at risk and the effects are cumulative.

Over time, the leading edge may erode and show signs of pitting. This makes it less aerodynamic and can cause the turbine speed to slow down. The structural integrity of the blade may also be affected. Slower turbines mean less energy production and less return on investment for you and other wind farm stakeholders. The effects of leading edge erosion can be noticed within two years of installation. That is, unless you take preventative steps.

Wind turbine protection in the form of regular inspections and maintenance is key. It will avoid low levels of erosion developing into major damage. It cuts down on costly repairs. And it will help to prevent catastrophic failure, taking your turbine offline altogether. Wind turbine leading edge protection can also be retrofitted.

At Dangle, we have been providing asset integrity services to the energy sector from the beginning. We’ve worked on projects in the UK, US and Europe over many years, covering both on-shore and off-shore sites. This makes us a strong partner for your wind turbine servicing needs.

Our wind turbine service technicians are highly trained and carefully chosen. Since leading edge protection is usually applied by hand, the skill of the technician is paramount. However, our teams also comprise expertise in rope access techniques, for quick and cost-effective access. We also have extensive experience in industrial access, coatings and composite (IACC) services. This allows us to bring together solutions that maximise your turbine’s output and minimise any downtime. We never compromise on safety, as there’s no margin for error when working at height.

Wind turbines are getting larger and faster. This means wind turbine blade erosion is becoming an issue for many wind farms, rather than just a few in the most extreme environments. Our corrosion and paint accreditations mean we stay up-to-date with the latest high-quality coatings and tapes.

Need a wind turbine service company to devise and implement the most effective solution for your plant? Have any questions on which form of protection is best for your turbine blades? We’d be happy to help.

Wind power made up 30% of the UK’s electricity generation in the first quarter of 2020 - a new record. We’re excited to be part of this growing industry and look forward to new records being made and broken.

Dangle offers a comprehensive range of wind turbine maintenance services. Our company size and structure means that we can offer a flexible and competitive service. With offices in Scotland and England, we cover both coasts and extensive inland areas. We can support you throughout the asset lifecycle.

Get in touch today to discuss your wind turbine protection needs.