Author : Shyam Sukhadeo Sormare

This article aims to review the potential causes that can lead to wind turbine blade failures, assess their significance to a turbine’s performance and secure operation, and summarize the techniques proposed to prevent these failures and eliminate their consequences. Various factors such as lightning, fatigue loads, icing accumulation, and leading-edge erosion from airborne particulates can contribute to damage in wind turbine blades, ranging from minor surface erosion to complete blade destruction. The severity of these effects is highly dependent on the surrounding environment and climate conditions. Therefore, selecting an installation site with favorable conditions is the most effective measure to minimize the possibility of blade damage. However, several techniques and methods have been applied or are being developed to prevent blade damage, with the aim of reducing the risk, if not eliminating it entirely. The combined application of damage prevention strategies with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is considered the optimal approach for effective treatment. By comprehensively reviewing the causes of wind turbine blade failures and the associated prevention techniques, this article provides valuable insights for researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders involved in wind energy generation. The findings emphasize the significance of proactive measures to minimize blade damage, ensuring the efficient and secure operation of wind turbines.

Keywords: Wind Turbine, Lighting failure, Fatigue, Coating & Surface treatment, Inspection & maintenance, SCADA system.