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As part of the CORTIR Phase 3 project supported by the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program), we have performed a field measurement campaign on the 7MW ORE Catapult Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine in Scotland, featuring 83.5-meter blades. The field measurement campaign was done in close collaboration with our partners ORE Catapult and Global Wind Service (GWS), this campaign aimed to monitor panel deformation and its critical impact on trailing edge bondlines, providing essential real-world validation for our advanced 3D non-linear FEM models at Bladena. Our team successfully installed a sophisticated data acquisition (DAQ) system equipped with displacement sensors inside the blade, carefully designed to capture localized deformations without compromising blade integrity. Thanks to meticulous onsite teamwork, strategic safety planning, and favorable wind conditions, the sensor installation was completed smoothly. The measurement campaign is now concluded, and the collected data has been processed. Two key plots are shown below: one illustrating breathing between trailing edge panels, and another showing distortion in the trailing edge box region. In both cases, the measured data aligns well with our FEM model predictions, confirming that the model captures the blade’s real-world behavior with only minimal adjustments. This represents a significant step forward for the CORTIR project and our ongoing validation efforts. We are excited to be working with ORE Catapult and leveraging the value of their open access R&D turbine. The data collected will provide vital feedback in exploring potential improvements of future simulation modelling and test processes by improving the link between infield measurements and technology validation methods. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to push the boundaries of wind turbine innovation!
With blade failures making headlines across the industry, understanding the why has never been more important. Bladena’s Root Cause Analysis (RCA) service helps get to the bottom of issues - fast. From structural assessments to in-depth failure investigations, their insights can help you prevent costly downtime and plan smarter maintenance. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dJSAK7z8  These are some of the questions we regularly help customers answer: How to evaluate the inspection data? Did the blades perform as expected during this period? Can future performance be affected by the current damages? What are the hidden risks after the end of the warranty if the company is not self-performing? Find out more about how we help owners take control at the end of warranty https://bit.ly/4jZkTb8  Not all blade certifications are created equal. Wind turbine owners face complex decisions when selecting blades - and relying on certification alone can miss crucial details. Our technical due diligence service highlights the gaps between testing and certification, helping you make informed, confident procurement choices. 
When a 900 kW turbine experienced curtailment due to blade overload, the operator sought a solution to resist strong winds and enhance the structural strength of the blades. Following a technical assessment, root cause analysis, and the application of D-TE™ reinforcements on six blades, the outcome was significant: - Structural strength increased by 40% - AEP gain: +255 MWh/year per turbine - Return on investment: 18 months D-TE™ is a lightweight trailing edge reinforcement technology developed to address cracks, edge openings, and structural fatigue - while also offering a temporary repair option for lightning-related damages. With D-TE™, turbines remain in operation longer and with greater resilience, even under extreme conditions.
What a great few days at WindEurope in Copenhagen! 🌍✨ It was fantastic to see the industry come together once again - so many inspiring conversations, innovative ideas, and meaningful connections. A special highlight: Find Mølholt Jensen, founder and CTO of Bladena had a great time reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new colleagues from RES following Bladena’s acquisition. It is exciting to see the collaboration and shared vision taking shape! Bladena is thrilled to participate in this year’s WindEurope Conference in Copenhagen on April 8-10! This year is particularly special as we join our new colleagues at RES, following Bladena’s acquisition on November 29th 2024. (Read more about the acquisition here- https://lnkd.in/d3KjvHdb ). Our team—CTO Find Mølholt Jensen, Director of Engineering Mathias Kristian Reding, and Sales Director Peter Grabau—will be at the RES Lounge (D-C10), where you can join them for a coffee and a chat in a relaxed setting. If you are interested in blade structural integrity, risk-based damage categorization, the latest advancements in blade robustness, or if you would like an update on how we can offer the best of both world's through Bladena’s integration into RES whilst still retaining our data independence and confidentiality, we would love to meet you! We look forward to insightful conversations and exciting opportunities to strengthen the wind energy sector together. See you in Copenhagen!  Utilizing field measurements, internal inspections, and monitoring techniques, Bladena´s diagnostic methods accurately capture local blade responses. These approaches enable us to validate FEM simulations, detect damage early, and enhance reliability through calibrated models. A field case example highlights the discrepancy in the values of peeling stresses experienced by the blade when subjected to pure edge/flap loads compared to when torsional loads are also applied. If you want to know more about blades or have a question regarding Diagnostics write to us on [email protected]  As wind turbine blades exceed 60 meters in length, the structural challenges and risks of failure increase significantly. Very large blades often fail due to a combination of fatigue and extreme loads, which are linked to specific local blade response phenomena such as out-of-plane panel bending and Cross Section Shear Distortion (CSSD). These issues highlight the critical need to address structural failures during the design and testing phases. Notably, full-scale fatigue tests often fail to replicate the most extreme local blade responses, as they do not adequately simulate the combined effects of edgewise and flapwise deflection, along with the torsional forces experienced by the blade during operation. If you want to know more about blades or have a question regarding Structural failures write to us on [email protected] 
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