Assessing the root cause of a blade defect
Challenge
A 2.0 MW V90 turbine, commissioned in 2008, experienced a shell debond from the boxbar, leading to concerns about the integrity of the blade and the potential for similar issues across other assets. The customer required a detailed assessment to understand the underlying cause of the failure and to support further discussions with their supplier and insurance company.
Shell debond observed at the boxbar of the 2.0 MW V90 turbine blade.
Solution
Our team was engaged to investigate and determine the root cause of the blade failure. The team conducted a thorough technical analysis and evaluation, delivering both a technical opinion and a root cause report. This objective assessment provided the evidence base needed for constructive dialogue with all parties involved.
Impact
The investigation resulted in a clear, unbiased understanding of the failure mechanism, enabling informed decision-making between the owner, supplier, and insurer. The findings also raised awareness of potential risks in similar blades, helping to mitigate future failures and strengthen overall blade reliability.