Wind Turbine Lightning Protection Resistance Detection Device

Ⅰ. Project Background

With the continuous increase in the size of wind turbines, the likelihood of being struck by lightning has also grown. Lightning strikes may damage the control systems, electrical equipment, blades, and generators of wind turbines. It is estimated that lightning strikes account for 80% of wind turbine insurance claims, and lightning-caused losses account for 60% of total blade losses. On average, each wind turbine suffers blade damage due to lightning strikes once every 8.4 years. Calculated based on a 20-year lifespan for wind turbines, the total number of blade damages caused by lightning strikes is 2-3 times.

Ⅱ. Solution

The DJI M350 RTK is equipped with a retractable contact copper mesh, which flies below the blade tip and makes contact with it. An automatic retractable winch is used, with one end connected to ground detection instruments and the other end connected to the copper mesh. This is used to test whether the blade tip is conductive and measure the resistance value.

Ⅲ. Required Equipment

1. DJI M350 RTK / DJI M300 RTK

2. Retractable Contact Copper Mesh

3. Automatic Cable Reel Winch

4. Detection Instruments

Founded in 2018, Airfly Tethered is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of tethered UAV power systems. As one of Jiangsu Province’s leading intelligent manufacturing companies, Airfly is dedicated to advancing tethered technologies that enable safe, efficient, and continuous drone operations.

Based in Nanjing, China, Airfly collaborates with domestic and international partners to provide high-quality, high-performance tethered modules and power stations for UAV applications worldwide.
Our flagship products include the A4, WF4, and FW6 airborne power modules (6kW, compatible with 750V ground stations), and the G4 and G7 ground tether power stations (7kW / 750V)—widely recognized as reliable, market-proven solutions.

Driven by the philosophy of “Technology Empowers, Innovation Leads,” Airfly partners with renowned universities such as Nanjing University, Southeast University, and NUIST, forming a strong R&D team with cutting-edge expertise. We not only deliver industry-leading standard products but also provide customized non-standard tethered solutions to meet clients’ specialized needs.

Airfly Tethered serves over 600 domestic and 80 international clients, with exports to the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Our tethered systems play critical roles in power inspection, communications, monitoring, emergency response, firefighting, and security.

Looking ahead, Airfly will continue to expand the boundaries of tethered UAV applications, creating greater value for customers worldwide and powering the future of intelligent aerial operations.

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