Field Work
Our field services for wind farms combine technical inspections, non-destructive testing (NDT), and structural measurement campaigns to provide a precise and independent assessment of the actual condition of wind turbines.
From on-site verification of key components to digital capture of geometries using high-precision 3D scans, Nabla Wind Hub’s field campaigns are designed to generate robust technical information that supports informed decisions in operation, maintenance, and life extension of assets.
David Pla
Field Services Manager
Inspections
Structural inspection campaigns allow:
Direct evaluation of components
Specialized visual inspections and NDT to verify the actual condition of critical structural components such as towers, foundations, blades, and bolted connections.
Early detection of degradation
Identification of damage, cracks, corrosion, deformations, or manufacturing defects using advanced inspection techniques and structured field protocols.
Digital capture of geometries
Precise acquisition of geometries via 3D scanning and structural measurements to assess deviations, tolerances, and structural behavior in operation.
Integration with structural engineering
Inspection results are integrated into structural models and residual life analyses to quantify risks and support operational, maintenance, and life extension decisions.
Technical Inspections
Onshore Wind Farms
Field inspections are a key tool within asset evaluation programs, as they provide insight into the actual condition of wind turbine components and allow estimation of the degree of life consumption based on real operating conditions.
At Nabla Wind Hub, we perform technical inspections on a representative sample of turbines, selected based on a detailed analysis of:
- Historical SCADA records.
- Maintenance reports.
- Site-specific conditions (wake effect, topography, wind orientation).
- Analytical load results.
David Pla
Field Services Manager
Verification of Structural Integrity
Inspections follow a standardized technical checklist and focus on key structural and mechanical components of the wind turbine:
- Foundation
- Tower
- Blades
- Blade bearing
- Hub
- Nacelle
- Main frame
- Yaw system
- Pitch system
- Main shaft and bearing
- Bolted connections
- Hydraulic group
- High-speed shaft and brake system
- Generator
- Transformer
This approach allows for the detection of anomalies that could compromise structural integrity or operational performance.
Advanced Inspections
(On Demand)
When results or operational history require it,
more in-depth inspections can be performed,
including:
Video endoscopy of gearboxes and bearings
Crack measurement in foundations and structures
Thermography on electrical systems
Grease analysis in bearings
Oil analysis in gearboxes
Gearbox–generator alignment checks
Insulation measurements in electrical generators
Magnetic particle testing in gearboxes
Penetrant testing on welds
Tap tests
Torque verification
Tower verticality verification (laser scanning)
Benefits of Our Technical Inspections:
- Improved condition-based maintenance planning.
- Reduced risk of failures.
- Technical prioritization of interventions based on criticality.
- Support for life extension project decisions.
- Optimization of wind farm availability and reliability.
Wind Turbine Measurement Campaigns
On-site measurement campaigns are an essential part of fieldwork in wind farms, as they provide the technical data required to develop advanced models, such as aeroelastic models and FEM (Finite Element Method) structural models.
At Nabla Wind Hub, we perform these measurements using high-precision technology to capture the actual geometry and structural conditions of each wind turbine, even in the absence of OEM documentation.
David Pla
Field Services Manager
High-Fidelity
Technical Data Acquisition
Our teams conduct measurement campaigns tailored to each project,
combining multiple data capture and analysis techniques:
High-precision 3D laser scanning
Detailed capture of the actual geometry of components and structures using 3D laser scanning, generating high-resolution point clouds that allow detection of geometric deviations and feed precise digital models.
Ultrasonic measurements
Non-destructive assessment of the state of materials and structural thicknesses using ultrasonic techniques, enabling the identification of internal defects, material loss, or discontinuities.
Reading and analysis of historical SCADA data
Processing and analysis of historical operational data to characterize real operating conditions, identify load patterns, and validate structural behavior hypotheses.
This combination of data ensures the creation of digital models that accurately represent the real physical behavior of the wind turbine, allowing structural and dynamic simulations with maximum reliability.
3D de alta precisión
Applications of Measurement Campaigns
The data obtained directly feed our advanced engineering solutions, including:
- Aeroelastic models for dynamic simulation and control.
- FEM models for structural analysis and integrity assessments.
- Life extension programs.
- Geometric reconstruction for engineering, inverse modeling, and digital twins.
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