- Drones using infrared technology eliminates time-consuming electrical testing and helps technicians identify faulty equipment.
- Robots are now being used to efficiently clean the solar panels to maximize the power capacity of the solar farm.
Artificial intelligence is being deployed to improve the performance of solar and wind farms. Drones using infrared cameras patrol the skies over the solar farm collecting data, which is then processed by high-speed computers to make critical decisions to optimize the performance of the equipment and the facility.
Flying a drone eliminates time-consuming electrical testing and helps technicians identify faulty equipment. Technicians have used handheld thermal imaging devices for years, but drones provide an overall view of the solar farm.
Thermal imaging shows the solar field in shades of purple to yellow, based on heat signatures. Hotter panels appear more yellow than surrounding ones. These bright spots indicate that the panels are not efficiently converting solar energy to electrical energy. A single yellow panel usually indicates a faulty panel that needs to be replaced. Drones can also inspect transmission lines and substations.
Pic: Robot cleaning solar panels – GBA
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels must be routinely cleaned to generate the maximum electricity. Robots are now being used to efficiently clean the solar panels to maximize the power capacity of the solar farm.
Dust on solar panels can affect performance by up to 30%. Advance robots can vacuum, wash and clean the panels with water and detergent ensuring ongoing optimal performance. Labour costs are reduced and much time is saved in the cleaning process
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
