This session will give an overview of the emerging technology of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), otherwise called drones, and their application to the remote inspection of wind turbines, with an emphasis on the assessment of blade damage. It will look at what has been done to date and what the capabilities may be for the future. Finally, it will consider the advantages and disadvantages of different inspection techniques.

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Learning objectives

• List the ways in which wind turbine blade damage can be assessed using drones;
• Identify the potential advantages of drones over other approaches to turbine assessment;
• Anticipate future developments in drone technology and associated instruments.