Any defects in the solar panel like swirl defect, cell defects (scratched, cracked or broken cell) or dirt upon the surface area of photovoltaic cell results in hot places/hot spots which in turn produce heat. It is inconvenient to inspect, monitor and maintain large scale solar power plant through traditional methods like point-to-point inspection or any other manual inspection methods.UAV inspection forms an essential part of quality control methodology and periodic maintenance schedules. The cutting edge UAV technology at GarudaUAV provides an efficient method of validating new installations and helps to maintain maximum operational output from Data.
One should have compact sets of high-class thermal imaging; Geotagged high-resolution camera and control elements to inspect quickly a large area of the power plant. Thermal imaging detects defective panel cells, connection points and complete arrays that form individual electrical phases. During the flight, we can control and monitor live images to produce fully radiometric data which will be the primary raw data. The data are further processed and analyzed by our specialist at our platform.
Now aerial infrared imaging linked to high definition image capture for inspection of photovoltaic modules are widely accepted. It is an easy, safe, less time-consuming and efficient way of inspection. The exponential growth and use of solar energy creates a challenge of proper maintenance and inspection for its proper functioning. Companies have to manage their assets as well as maximize the outcome. In the case of a big plant, it is quite infeasible and time taking to inspect each cell manually and summarize the report. Finding the root cause and the location of damage cell is challenging through physical inspection.
Now, UAVs reduces this infeasibility, cost and numbers of hours for solar power plant inspection.
Through the light weight thermal sensors mounted on UAV, the difference between defected panel and proper functioning can be identified through software and experts as defected panel create more heat. Thermo experts deal with the pattern of heat structure and the team further make final report within a small period of time in an efficient and structured manner that helps solar form to run at its peak frequency.