R&D TEST SYSTEMS REVOLUTIONISES WIND TURBINE MAINTENANCE WITH PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK G2

R&D Test Systems’ Bolt-Check software uses ultrasound technology to easily detect whether bolts are at the optimum tightness, reducing reliance on expensive manual tools.

Wiesbaden, DE. 21^st January 2025

Denmark-based R&D Test Systems has launched Bolt-Check, an innovative, ultrasound-based digital solution that can precisely measure the tightness of bolts in wind turbines. This significantly increases accuracy in tightening only the required bolts to the correct torque, enabling utility organisations to proactively manage service and maintenance.

To operate Bolt-Check in the office or whilst at a wind turbine, R&D Test Systems has procured Panasonic’s market-leading TOUGHBOOK G2 2-in-1 detachable tablet from Danish communications specialists, Northcom, to operate the software. The 10.1-inch TOUGHBOOK G2 offers up to 18.5 hours of battery life*, and is IP65-rated for water and dust resistance. It’s tested to MIL-STD 810H standards, for ultimate reliability, and features powerful Intel^® Core™ i5-1245U vPro™ processing power and Intel^® Iris^® Xᵉ Graphics for superior performance.

_{*When using hot-swappable battery function.}

"We required a rugged, reliable and modular device that could be customised to our requirements, and work in the harsh environments of wind farms. The TOUGHBOOK G2 can withstand drops, bumps, vibrations and water splashes, giving us peace of mind that productivity won’t be affected when operating Bolt-Check. They keep working no matter what, which is absolutely crucial."

Digitising manual processes and reducing guesswork

Previously, engineers would have to manually tighten around 6,000 bolts per wind turbine, without knowing whether they needed attention, or how tightly they were fastened. This could lead to human error, compromising the structural integrity of the wind turbines, or leading to them failing to operate properly.

Using the TOUGHBOOK G2, the ultrasound technology within Bolt-Check allows engineers to instantly identify the tightness of every bolt on a wind turbine, increasing efficiency in only servicing the required bolts. This enables organisations to streamline turbine maintenance, and maximise uptime and the delivery of sustainable energy.

When servicing offshore wind turbines, 50kg hydraulic equipment and pumps need to be transported out to sea in custom-built ships with a dedicated crew. Bolt-Check helps to save considerable money and resources by reducing the number of manual service inspections required.

Closing the skills gap

With a shortage of skilled engineers in the industry, Bolt-Check’s cloud-based software is intuitive and easy to use, with engineers no longer needing to specialise solely in operating heavy, manual tools.

"By developing a solution that the wind turbine industry desperately needs, R&D Test Systems’ innovation is changing the sector as we know it. In turn this is helping the Nordics region to continue leading the way in transitioning to green energy,” adds Stefan Lindau, Head of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK (Nordics).

To find out more about Bolt-Check, please click here

R&D TEST SYSTEMS REVOLUTIONISES WIND TURBINE MAINTENANCE WITH PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK G2

Digitising manual processes and reducing guesswork

Closing the skills gap

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