UAV based defect detection and fault diagnosis for static and rotating wind turbine blade: a review

With the continuous development of wind energy resources, wind turbines have become a crucial element in the field of green energy. However, various malfunctions may occur during their operation, affecting performance and lifespan. To ensure the safety and efficiency of wind turbines, regular inspections and maintenance are essential. In recent years, rapid advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology have opened new possibilities for the inspection and maintenance of wind turbines. The blades of wind turbines are the most critical components, and this review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of UAV applications in the detection, inspection, and diagnosis of wind turbine blades. It focuses on key UAV inspection technologies, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages in both static and rotating wind turbine blades. Additionally, the paper analyses control algorithms used by UAVs for blade inspection, verifying their accuracy and practicality in this field. Based on these findings, future technological trends are proposed, including UAV autonomous navigation, edge computing-based online monitoring, and intelligent fault diagnosis. It is anticipated that UAV inspection technology will increasingly play a significant role in the inspection and maintenance of wind turbine blades in the future.