Gilardoni was a sponsor and participated in the 9th Energia24 Conference, organized by Aipnd. An event dedicated to technologies and applications’ promotion for the integration of renewable energy.
The event, of national and international scope, brings together technicians, professionals, trainers and companies to address the challenges of the energy transition. It is chance to discuss the development opportunities of sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric, but also to evaluate the role of non-renewable sources in the management of production discontinuity.
Ultrasonic and x-ray non-destructive testing can have a significant impact on the renewable energy and energy transition sectors in several ways, helping to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the technologies involved.
Some ways they can help the industry are:
- Wind turbine blade inspection
Wind turbine blades are subject to structural fatigue due to the constant stresses of the wind. Ultrasonic testing can be used to detect microcracks or delamination within the blades to ensure that they remain safe and efficient in the long term.
- Hydroelectric Turbine Monitoring
Hydroelectric turbines, like all moving machines, can develop wear and internal tear over time. Ultrasound allows us to examine the metal components of turbines to detect internal corrosion or hidden structural defects that could compromise their performance.
- Storage Tank Integrity Check
Energy storage systems (e.g., energy storage batteries) may have tanks and vessels that require regular checks. Ultrasound allows you to inspect the condition of the tank walls to detect corrosion, deformation or leaks, ensuring the safety of the system.
- Inspection of metal infrastructure and pipelines
In energy infrastructures, such as pipes or metal supports used for solar plants or other structures, ultrasonic inspections can find defects such as cracks, cavities or inhomogeneities in the material, reducing the risk of sudden failure.
- Development of new materials and devices
In the context of new renewable technologies, such as solar cells or energy storage structures, ultrasonic inspections can be used to test and ensure the quality of innovative materials, such as composites or advanced metals, which require a high level of precision and strength.
- Predictive maintenance
Ultrasonic inspections are key tools for predictive maintenance, which allows structural or material problems to be identified before they become serious. This reduces operating costs and increases the life of energy equipment, improving the efficiency of renewable resources.
In summary, x-ray and ultrasonic testing offer a non-destructive method to ensure the safety, quality and longevity of the infrastructure and technologies that support the renewable energy sector, helping the energy transition to advance in a safe and sustainable manner.