Marc HoffmannBrazil’s wind industry is growing at an impressive rate, with the country now becoming a key player in global renewable energy markets. This growth, while promising, comes with unique challenges. The increasing size and remoteness of wind farms present hurdles in ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining uptime, and managing maintenance effectively. To meet these challenges, operators must adopt innovative approaches to scale their operations while maximising energy production. In this article, we spoke with Boanerges Jatahy, General Manager – LATAM, about how innovative solutions such as 3DX™ Blade Platform can help transform how wind farms are managed and maintained.
Leveraging automation for operational excellence
In a market where efficiency is paramount, automation offers a clear path forward. 3DX™ Blade Platform enables operators to streamline turbine inspections by automating processes that were once time-consuming and labour-intensive. This shift not only reduces the time and effort required but also enhances condition monitoring through advanced data analytics.
Additionally, 3DX™ Blade Platform offers the flexibility of self-inspection, empowering operators to conduct inspections with their own teams. This approach allows operators to complement external inspections with in-house efforts, further optimising operations. By leveraging self-inspection capabilities, operators can better manage their resources, reduce reliance on external providers, and significantly lower the inspection cost per turbine by up to 40%.
In addition, downtime is a universal challenge in wind farm operations, and minimising it is essential to the overall success of any project. Solutions such as 3DX™ Blade Platform address this challenge by equipping operators with the real-time insights needed to take swift, preventative action. Early fault detection reduces the likelihood of major repairs, ensuring turbines remain operational and energy production continues uninterrupted. This proactive approach is critical for optimising energy output and meeting the demands of a growing wind market like Brazil.
Brazil’s vast geography presents further challenges for wind farm operators. As Boanerges explains, “Many of the country’s wind farms are located far from urban centres, making it difficult for operators to conduct frequent inspections or address maintenance issues promptly. With 3DX™ Blade Platform, we’ve overcome some of the barriers posed by geography, allowing operators to effectively monitor and manage their operations regardless of location. This capability is a game-changer for managing vast and remote wind farms, reducing the need for physical inspections and allowing for quicker, data-driven decision-making.”
Brazil: A Growing Market for Sulzer Schmid’s solutions
Sulzer Schmid has seen significant growth in Brazil, with the country now one of the top locations for inspections in 2024. This growing demand for advanced solutions like 3DX™ Blade Platform highlights the importance of supporting the region’s wind industry and underscores Sulzer Schmid’s commitment to investing further in Brazil.
“We are excited about the future of wind energy in Brazil, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this market,” says Boanerges. “Establishing a local Sulzer Schmid entity here is just the beginning. We’re dedicated to helping our customers in Brazil tackle the challenges they face and offering solutions that support the growth of the renewable energy sector.”
A future powered by innovation
As Brazil’s wind energy sector grows, the ability to scale efficiently and address operational challenges will define the success of operators. Innovations like Sulzer Schmid’s 3DX™ Blade Platform provide a pathway to achieving these goals, offering a competitive edge through automation, data-driven insights, enhanced efficiency, and self-inspection capabilities. By empowering operators to take greater control of their operations, optimise downtime, and reduce inspection costs by up to 40%, these innovations position operators for long-term success in Brazil’s dynamic renewable energy market.
By bridging the gap between remote operations and advanced technology, Sulzer Schmid is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting Brazil’s renewable energy journey, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of the global wind industry.