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3S SOFIT-Z3 Blade Maintenance Platform: Opening a New Chapter in Wind Power O&M in Vietnam

27.03.2025

With the continuous advancement of wind power technology, the trend toward larger turbine capacities, taller towers, and longer blades has brought unprecedented challenges to wind farm operation and maintenance (O&M). In this context, 3S has introduced an innovative solution for long-blade maintenance scenarios: the SOFIT-Z3 Blade Maintenance Platform, effectively addressing the lack of dedicated maintenance equipment in the era of large-scale wind turbines.

Recently, the SOFIT-Z3 successfully completed its maintenance application at the Hong Phong 1 Wind Farm in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The project, commissioned in October 2021, consists of eight 5.3 MW turbines and represents the largest wind turbines installed in Southeast Asia at the time. The SOFIT-Z3 is expected to bring transformative changes to wind power O&M practices in Vietnam.

Limitations of Traditional Maintenance Equipment in Meeting Industry Trends

Traditional blade maintenance equipment primarily relies on ground anchors to pull the platform close to the blades. Due to the extended maintenance distances, such equipment struggles to safely reach the target areas, creating significant operational inefficiencies and safety risks. Specific issues include:

  • Risk of suspension rope breakage;
  • Platform tilting caused by anchor tension;
  • Difficulty in controlling external forces (e.g., from vehicles or boats), leading to platform instability.

SOFIT-Z3 Anchorless Retractable Blade Maintenance Platform Effectively Addressing O&M Challenges in the Era of Large-Scale Turbines

Advantage 1: Anchorless Electric Drive Support System
No ground anchors required, eliminating environmental constraints and safety hazards. The horizontal extension range reaches up to 18 meters, easily meeting the maintenance needs of ultra-long blades.

Advantage 2: Anti-Swing Clamping Device
A horizontal swing range of ±15°, combined with a clamping mechanism that securely grips the tower, effectively prevents platform sway.

Advantage 3: Automatic Leveling System
Smart sensors detect tilt angles and automatically activate the leveling system to ensure platform stability during operation.

Advantage 4: Transformable Platform with Adjustable Positioning
Features a sliding adjustable structure that adapts the platform configuration to different maintenance positions, enhancing efficiency.

The SOFIT-Z3 Blade Maintenance Platform significantly improves the stability of long-distance blade maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient wind power O&M services in the era of large turbines. Moving forward, we will continue to uphold our spirit of innovation, delivering more high-quality aerial safety equipment and service solutions to serve better those working in demanding environments and inject sustained vitality into industry development.