Systems for solar energy are essential to the world’s switch to renewable energy. In order to maximize energy output and maintain long-term asset value, they must remain efficient. Since delayed identification frequently leaves operators with little alternatives for efficiently mitigating hazards, early detection of flaws in solar modules is very important.
Because they offer effective, extensive monitoring capabilities, PV aerial inspections have emerged as a crucial component of solar farm maintenance in this context. The most advanced techniques available today use drones fitted with thermal imaging sensors and high-resolution cameras. Operators may swiftly inspect large installations with these equipment and find problems like open diodes, open strings, thermal hot spots, and other possible flaws. There is, nonetheless, space for substantial innovation, and the PVOP project is poised to make a ground-breaking contribution in this area.
By presenting six ambitious use cases that surpass the existing state-of-the-art in aerial thermography, PVOP seeks to improve the field of aerial inspections. These developments will either be provided as standalone products or incorporated into a more all-encompassing framework for managing solar farms.
PVOP technology for PV aerial inspections
Drone-Based Electroluminescence Imaging: PVOP will speed up solar panel inspections using drones equipped with advanced electroluminescence (EL) imaging. Unlike traditional EL testing, which is slow because it requires individual module biasing, PVOP’s system will bias multiple modules at once while drones capture images, allowing for faster identification of defects like microcracks and cell degradation.
Ultra-High-Resolution Aerial Inspections for Defect Detection and Inventory Management: PVOP will use ultra-high-resolution aerial photography to detect even small, centimeter-level defects in solar cells, enabling early detection of potential larger problems and proactive maintenance. This technology will also automate the reading of module serial numbers from labels after installation, simplifying inventory tracking and improving traceability.
Aerial UV Fluorescence Testing: PVOP will be a pioneer in using aerial UV fluorescence (UVF) testing. This technique analyzes the light emitted by solar panel materials under UV light to detect cell-level issues without needing to bias the modules. Nonetheless, PVOP acknowledges the need to address existing challenges like the lack of industry standards and sufficient data.
Tracker Misalignment Detection through Multi-Temporal Imaging: PVOP will use aerial images taken at different times to detect misaligned solar trackers. The system will identify inconsistencies in tracker positions caused by mechanical issues, environmental factors, or installation errors, thus ensuring optimal energy production.
Automated Hanging DC Cable Monitoring: PVOP will develop automated solutions to identify and report hanging DC cables, which are often missed in standard inspections but can affect performance and safety.
AI-Powered Vegetation Management: PVOP will use drones and AI to identify areas in solar farms that need vegetation management. This system will detect overgrown vegetation or obstructions, ensuring optimal system performance and reducing maintenance risks.
The role of AI and machine learning
The use of artificial intelligence techniques, as a process accelerator for inspections, is at the heart of PVOP’s inventions. Near real-time defect identification and categorization are possible by these sophisticated systems’ ability to automatically interpret enormous amounts of imagery taken during aerial inspections. Operators may lower total maintenance costs, limit downtime, and implement corrective actions more effectively by using AI/ML. Additionally, by improving inspection uniformity and accuracy, these technologies reduce the possibility of human error.
Towards a sustainable solar future
Advanced methods for aerial inspections and AI-powered analysis are combined in PVOP to provide a potent foundation for proactive solar asset management. The solar sector may improve renewable energy systems’ performance and dependability by adopting these innovative strategies, which will eventually advance the development of a safer, more robust, and sustainable energy future.
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