Tethered Drone Wind Turbine Lightning Protection Resistance Detection Device Kitefly

Wind Turbine Lightning Protection Resistance Detection Device

Ⅰ. Project Background

With the continuous increase in the size of wind turbines, the likelihood of being struck by lightning has also grown. Lightning strikes may damage the control systems, electrical equipment, blades, and generators of wind turbines. It is estimated that lightning strikes account for 80% of wind turbine insurance claims, and lightning-caused losses account for 60% of total blade losses. On average, each wind turbine suffers blade damage due to lightning strikes once every 8.4 years. Calculated based on a 20-year lifespan for wind turbines, the total number of blade damages caused by lightning strikes is 2-3 times.

Ⅱ. Solution

The DJI M350 RTK is equipped with a retractable contact copper mesh, which flies below the blade tip and makes contact with it. An automatic retractable winch is used, with one end connected to ground detection instruments and the other end connected to the copper mesh. This is used to test whether the blade tip is conductive and measure the resistance value.

Ⅲ. Required Equipment

1. DJI M350 RTK / DJI M300 RTK

2. Retractable Contact Copper Mesh

3. Automatic Cable Reel Winch

4. Detection Instruments