Palfinger Marine says it has received its first order for its new blade inspection and repair system from Senvion Gmbh to be used at the 325 MW Thornton Bank I, II and III wind farms in the southern North Sea in Belgium.
According to Palfinger, its Blade Access solution combines a PK40002 nacelle crane with a workman basket developed in cooperation with PP Techniq. The basket has enough space for two technicians and their working tools.
Palfinger states that with the nacelle crane, the basket is lifted into operation attached to the blade. Following the contours of the blade, the service engineers carry out inspections on their way down and perform repair work on the way up.
Certified by DNV GL, the system has been designed with glass-reinforced plastic, and the basket is designed to withstand harsh offshore environments.
Bernhard Peintner, head of wind cranes for Palfinger, stated, “Four years ago, the joint team of Palfinger Marine and PP Techniq had the idea of developing a safer and more effective blade access solution. It is very exciting to see our idea becoming a final product that is now gaining its first customers in the market.”
“By adapting the Palfinger Marine crane specifically for our turbines and using it for servicing, we can safely transport both colleagues and their work instruments quicker than before,” added Dirk Reinhold, head of maintenance at Senvion.
