PALFINGER MARINE launches latest innovation for the safe inspection and effective repair of wind turbine blades: PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS (PBA)

The PBA concept combines the PALFINGER MARINE nacelle crane PK 40002 M with a workman basket especially developed in close cooperation with PP Techniq as partner. The basket has space for two technicians and their working tools. With the nacelle crane, the basket is easily lifted into operation and 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, proving both safe and effective. 

Safe working zone 

Compared with the conventional method implemented to date involving the use of rope climbers, the DNV GL certified PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS solution offers a considerable improvement in terms of safety when it comes to the maintenance of rotor blades. Designed with GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), the workman basket offers a safe and stable working zone for the service engineers in the field. Furthermore, the basket is designed to withstand harsh offshore environments. 

More effective repair 

Due to the blade-guided design, which has been successfully patented, the PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS basket follows the contours of the blade and remains at the same distance to the blade at all times. The service engineers in the basket are provided with a stable and predictable lift down and up the blade while having direct access to electricity and enough space to effectively use a full range of maintenance tools. This means that even complex repair tasks can be carried out while on the blade. 

Less downtime, fast setup 

Using the PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS solution, the normally time-intensive handling of equipment is minimised. Transport and setup can be handled faster and safer than before, which allows the service teams more and effective working hours on the blade - even in the case of bad weather.  

First order already received 

Herewith, PALFINGER MARINE proudly announces that it secured its first order for the delivery of a comprehensive PBA solution package to Senvion GmbH. Senvion will use the PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS in the Thornton Bank I, II and III wind farms in the southern North Sea in Belgium. 

“Safe effective maintenance work on the rotor blades is crucial to ensure our high quality standards. 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”, Dirk Reinhold, Head of Maintenance at Senvion concludes. 

Bernhard Peintner, Head of Wind Cranes PALFINGER MARINE, sums up: “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.” 

Jan Korff Peterson, CEO PP Techniq, agrees: “This patented solution brings safe and fast access to the leading edge, which leads to more efficiency out of the wind turbine”. 

PALFINGER MARINE has once again proven that it is at the forefront of providing innovative lifting and handling solutions to its customers in the renewable energy field. A position that has been achieved over a period of ten years and based on an installed crane base spanning more than 40 wind farms. 

PALFINGER MARINE invites to the product presentation of the PALFINGER BLADE ACCESS at booth B7.525 at “WindEnergy” from 27 - 30 September 2016 in Hamburg. 

Also, the new product video is online.