Detecting PV Panel Faults in Advance: Fault Detection with Thermal Drone

Today, as the interest in clean and sustainable energy sources increases, solar energy systems are becoming increasingly widespread. It is critical for solar power plant owners to ensure that the systems operate efficiently, have a long lifespan and that maintenance needs are met correctly and on time.

Thermal Drone Technology and PV Panels

Thermal drones are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with advanced sensors. Thanks to specialized sensors, they can detect and image the surface temperatures of objects. Thermal drone applications on solar panels (PV panels) make it possible to detect potential malfunctions and performance issues by mapping the thermal properties of the panels.

Detection of PV Panel Failures with Thermal Cameras

Cell Failures: Solar panels convert solar energy into electricity through the cells they contain. Failures in the cells can reduce efficiency. Thermal cameras can identify faulty cells by detecting different cell temperatures.

Connection Problems: Problems at electrical connection points can lead to interruptions in power generation and even damage panels. Thermal drones detect high resistance connections, enabling early intervention.

Hot Spots: Uneven temperature distributions on the surface of panels can lead to hot spots. This negatively affects the performance of the panels. Thermal data enables precise location of hot spots.

Shading Issues: Shading can lead to reduced efficiency due to shadows falling on the panels. Drones with thermal cameras detect areas of shadowing and analyze temperature differences to determine the extent of the problem.

Aerial Thermography with Drone on PV Panels

PV (photovoltaic) modules in solar power plants can fail due to various factors, which can lead to loss of efficiency. Problems include shading, trees, ground vegetation, pollution, adjacent rows and debris. To overcome challenges and improve efficiency, aerial thermography technology has become an extremely important tool.

Aerial thermography is a technology that utilizes thermal cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). It involves the use of thermal cameras to detect and image the surface temperatures of PV panels. In large and wide areas, such as solar panels, thermal drones can be used to scan the surface temperatures of the panels and obtain thermal images.

Thermal drones are an environmentally friendly option compared to inspections with conventional vehicles. Working in the air, they do not damage surfaces and save energy.

Advantages of Fault Detection with Thermal Drones

Fast Detection: Large areas of solar energy can be quickly scanned by thermal drones and potential faults can be detected immediately.

Efficient Maintenance: Early detection allows problems to be solved before they escalate. This makes maintenance processes more efficient and helps to maintain uninterrupted energy production.

Increased Efficiency: Regular thermal inspections optimize energy production by keeping panels operating at peak efficiency.

Cost Savings: Early detection and quick intervention prevents major repairs and energy loss.

MapperX The Power of Data and Analytics in Solar Power Plants

MapperX is an artificial intelligence software product developed specifically for solar power plants. Thanks to image processing and machine learning technologies, it can detect faults in PV sites with 99% accuracy.

Fast and Accurate Detection: MapperX detects damages, cracks and contamination on solar panels with high precision. In this way, field workers can quickly solve the detected problems.

Reducing Costs: MapperX avoids unnecessary maintenance costs thanks to early detection. It also facilitates the management of regular maintenance and increases energy production in the long term.

Increasing Efficiency: MapperX monitors the efficiency of panels and reports changing performance.

Aerial thermography provides a contemporary approach to maintenance and troubleshooting of solar panels. With thermal drones, the surface temperatures of panels can be scanned, potential problems can be identified early and energy production can be optimized. Aerial thermography increases efficiency in the solar industry, helping to reduce barriers to sustainable energy production.

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