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Industrial endoscope is a non-destructive testing tool commonly used to inspect the working condition of wind turbine gearboxes. It can promptly detect internal wear, broken teeth, cracks and other defects. It is widely used in daily wind turbine maintenance and inspection work.

With the growing global demand for resources, people are increasingly paying attention to the application of renewable and clean energy. Wind energy is a resource with very large reserves in nature. It is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and low-cost, and its application is becoming more and more widespread around the world. According to data, in 2021, the global installed capacity of new wind power reached a record high of 99.2GW, of which onshore wind power installed capacity accounted for 82.3GW, accounting for 83%; offshore wind power installed capacity reached 16.8GW, an increase of 161% compared to 2020.

With the continuous development of the wind power industry and the massive installed capacity of wind turbines, routine maintenance and repair after installation are crucial issues. Common problems with wind turbine gearboxes include: 1. Tooth wear; 2. Tooth abrasion; 3. Tooth contact fatigue; 4. Bending fatigue and tooth breakage; 5. Shaft misalignment, bending, and unevenness; 6. Tooth contact fatigue. The actual meshing process of wind turbine gears involves both relative rolling and relative sliding, generating pulsating loads and, in turn, shear stress. When this shear stress exceeds the fatigue limit of the gear material, fatigue cracks will form on the contact surface. These cracks can cause tooth flank damage, increase wear, and lead to tooth breakage and failure.

When a wind turbine generator malfunctions, an industrial endoscope probe can be used to peer through the gaps in the wind turbine gearbox, providing direct visibility on the display. This inspection method eliminates the need for disassembly and damage to the equipment, and eliminates the need for return to the factory for inspection. This reduces the risks associated with disassembly and assembly, improves inspection efficiency, and significantly reduces maintenance costs. The joystick allows the probe to rotate 360°, providing a comprehensive view of the wind turbine gearbox's internal condition, enabling the immediate detection of component wear, tooth surface bonding and cracks, foreign matter, and surface defects.

Coantec Ltd. is a well-known domestic endoscope manufacturer. The industrial endoscopes independently produced and developed by it are small in size, light in weight, and easy to carry. They also have the functions of taking photos and videos, generating reports, and measuring defects. Maintenance personnel can formulate maintenance plans based on the inspection results of wind turbine gearboxes to better ensure the normal operation of wind turbine gearboxes and improve work efficiency.