High-Resolution Blade Imagery · Report by Independent Experts
Visual rotor blade inspection
High-resolution images of all blade surfaces. Inspection report by independent experts with standardised defect classification, fixed price per turbine, delivered via the DDI Portal.
15
turbines per day
ca. 30 min
downtime per turbine
Visual rotor blade inspection is the foundation of every damage assessment, covering leading-edge erosion to laminate cracks and lightning strike traces after a storm event. It is required on a recurring basis by contracts and insurance terms and serves asset preservation. DDI delivers high-resolution images of all blade surfaces per turbine plus an inspection report with standardised defect classification, available in the DDI Portal at a fixed price per turbine. The capture is carried out by drone, without rope access, with significantly shorter downtime than the conventional method.
Easy to commission, efficient to run
A single DDI operator inspects up to 15 turbines per day. Our pilots hold manufacturer-certified operator training from Nordex, Enercon, Vestas and other OEMs and control the turbine from the tower base. No service technician required. Inspections are planned as campaigns per wind farm, typically 4–8 weeks ahead, without seasonal bottlenecks.
Inspection report by independent experts
The inspection reports are produced by independent experts, not by drone pilots. Each finding is rated on a standardised scale with position on the blade, size and a concrete recommended action. The format is directly usable for insurance claims, expert reports and maintenance planning.
How the inspection works technically
All three rotor blades per turbine are captured, with four surfaces each: leading edge, trailing edge, suction side and pressure side. Automated flight paths per turbine type keep image quality consistent and make comparisons across multiple inspection cycles meaningful.
Read the technical descriptionTypical rotor blade damage documented by DDI
The visual inspection delivers high-resolution images of all four blade surfaces. Among others, the following damage types are classified on a standardised scale:
Leading Edge Erosion
Coating wear on the blade leading edge caused by rain, particles and UV. Left untreated, it leads to yield losses and downstream laminate damage. Documented with position, depth and length for maintenance planning.
Cracks and laminate delamination
Surface cracks, drying cracks in the gelcoat and delamination within the laminate (fibre-composite separation). We assess crack shape, length and depth and assign a standardised damage class.
Lightning strike marks and LPS damage
Receptor break-outs, tip-LPS puncture, soot traces and thermal markings after a lightning event. Can be combined with the lightning protection inspection for a complete root-cause analysis.
Coating damage and blistering
Peeling topcoats, moisture-induced blisters, local corrosion at down-conductor bonds. Documented per blade surface, with a clear recommendation for repair or monitoring.
How we work
Scope agreement
Turbine count, turbine type, inspection purpose (routine or post-damage), desired reporting format. The outcome is a fixed-price offer per turbine.
Flight path planning
Selection of the validated flight path for the turbine type, coordination with the remote control centre and O&M team. For new turbine types we create the flight path before deployment.
Scan flight
The drone operator controls the turbine from the tower base and scans all three blades per turbine in high resolution. Captured surfaces include leading edge, trailing edge, suction side and pressure side. Approx. 30 minutes downtime per turbine, no service technician required.
Inspection report and original images in the DDI Portal
The independent experts deliver a PDF inspection report with all findings in summary and a turbine condition assessment. Plus all original images at full resolution. Both available in the DDI Portal, organised by wind farm and project, as a ready-to-forward inspection report.
Frequently asked questions
How long is my turbine offline during the inspection?
Approx. 30 minutes per turbine. Downtime is coordinated via the remote control centre and is significantly shorter than with conventional rope access inspection.
Can I bundle multiple wind farms into one campaign?
Yes. We can reach any wind farm in Europe and charge no separate travel costs, as we combine assignments into campaigns. Wind farms from different operators in the same region can be grouped together.
How quickly do I receive a quote?
After a short call on turbine count, type and location you receive a binding fixed-price offer per turbine within a few working days.
Who produces the inspection report?
The inspection reports are produced by independent experts, not by DDI as the drone operator. Each finding is rated on a standardised scale with position on the blade, size and a concrete recommended action.
Does the price change in bad weather?
No. The fixed price per turbine remains the same even if flights are delayed. Flight operations require wind speeds up to 12 m/s and a dry rotor blade.
Do I need a service technician on site?
No. Our pilots hold manufacturer-certified operator training from Nordex, Enercon, Vestas and other OEMs, are GWO-certified and control the turbine from the tower base. No service technician is required.
How is the data delivered?
Via the DDI Portal. You receive all original images at full resolution plus a PDF inspection report with all documented findings in summary and a turbine condition assessment. The report is prepared as a ready-to-forward inspection document, suitable to pass directly to insurers, operators or other clients.
Can we evaluate the images ourselves?
Yes. On request, DDI can grant expert access to the DDI Portal, allowing you to view and evaluate the original images directly in the portal without DDI taking over the assessment step. This access is available for a small discount on the inspection price.
Request a blade inspection for your turbines
Fixed price per turbine, inspection report by independent experts. Speak with our team.
Prefer to talk directly?
Book 20-min call with Matthias