Wind energy, as a clean and renewable power source, is gaining increasing global attention. China is rich in wind resources, with an estimated 1 billion kW of developable wind energy potential. In line with the requirements of the National Energy Administration, efforts are being made to further advance wind power development and accelerate its implementation.
While the wind power industry continues to grow rapidly, post-maintenance inspections remain a critical but often overlooked aspect. Efficient and timely maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of wind turbines. Newly installed turbine blades typically show signs of wear after about five years—such as surface abrasion, exposed joints, and uneven internal pressure. The leading edge of the blade, in particular, is the most vulnerable part, suffering from high rates of natural cracking. Therefore, thorough inspection at the end of the wind farm’s operational cycle is essential.
In wind power operations, the challenge lies in quickly identifying faults using new technologies and addressing them effectively to improve the overall life of the power station. Using drones for blade inspections is not a new concept, but recent advancements have made it far more efficient. Tests show that standard drones can complete inspections three times faster than traditional methods, while cutting costs by nearly 50%. We are proud to introduce a new model—the "Thousand Wings" drone, along with the WPPS solution.
The name "Thousand Wings" refers to the advanced Chihiro positioning system developed in China, combined with Nanjing Aoyi's flight control technology. The WPPS system integrates the latest S0 flight control RTK differential system, Chihiro positioning service, and AYDRONE wind power detection ground station software with automated image analysis. Equipped with high-resolution sensors and an HD 30x zoom camera, these drones collect detailed data, enabling the detection of damage that is otherwise difficult or impossible to spot with the naked eye.
This innovative system addresses several key challenges in the wind power industry:
1. New industry application models with improved S0 flight control hardware and algorithms enhance flight stability.
2. An advanced RTK system with dual antenna direction finding reduces heading interference and improves fixed-point accuracy.
3. Chihiro positioning service helps determine the base station origin, saving time on flight path planning and improving efficiency for repeated inspections.
4. A 30x high-resolution visible light camera allows for automatic image processing and zooming, ensuring no area is missed during inspections.
5. Advanced ground station software paired with 3D modeling creates a digital twin for each wind turbine, enabling long-term tracking and reporting.
6. Simplified operation: users set standard parameters for wind equipment, select blade tips and rotor center points, and the system automatically generates the rest of the waypoints and flight paths.
7. Ground station processing combines photos with 3D models, creating a 3D image library for future analysis and research.
From the axis to the tip, from the ground to the sky, and from inland to offshore, the "Thousand Wings" system offers customized solutions tailored to the wind power industry. It provides technical support for every wind power company, plans patrol routes for each turbine, and ensures precise, timely, and safe automatic inspections. This marks a new era of innovation in wind power maintenance.
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