Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Assisted Damage Detection of Wind Turbine Blades: A Review

Abstract

The wind energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, marked by the expansion of wind farms and the development of large-scale turbines. However, conventional manual methods for wind turbine operations and maintenance are struggling to keep pace with this development, encountering challenges related to quality, efficiency, and safety. In response, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a promising technology offering capabilities to effectively and economically perform these tasks. This paper provides a review of state-of-the-art research and applications of UAVs in wind turbine blade damage detection, operations, and maintenance. It encompasses various topics, such as optical and thermal UAV image-based inspections, integration with robots or embedded systems for damage detection, and the design of autonomous UAV flight planning. By synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying key areas for future research, this review aims to contribute insights for advancing the digitalization and intelligence of wind energy operations.