Aerial Thermography of Photovoltaic Panels
Aerial thermal imaging of photovoltaic (PV) frames is a method of inspecting and diagnosing the performance of PV installations using thermal cameras usually mounted on drones or helicopters. The camera captures the thermal images of the PV panels and detects anomalies in temperature, which may indicate problems such as damaged cells, shading, poorly connected cables or other technical issues.
WHY IT MUST BE DONE
- Fault finding and malfunctions: Aerial thermography allows rapid and accurate detection of problems in PV panels, such as hot spots, which can be caused by damaged or malfunctioning solar cells.
- Preventing damage and extending life: By identifying problems early, preventive repairs can be made before they develop into larger damage that could lead to reduced performance or even damage to the entire installation.
- Performance evaluation: Through thermography, it is possible to evaluate the overall performance of the PV panels and confirm that they are operating within the intended specifications.
- Maintenance Efficiency: Aerial heating reduces maintenance time and cost as it can quickly cover large areas and identify problems that would otherwise take longer to detect.
WHAT WE ACHIEVE AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
- Speed and accuracy: Aerial heating allows the control of large installations in a short period of time with great accuracy.
- Improved efficiency: By detecting and correcting anomalies immediately, optimal performance of photovoltaic systems is ensured.
- Cost reduction: The need for unscheduled maintenance is minimized and major problems are avoided, thus saving money.
- Safety: By using drones, inspections become safer, avoiding the need for personnel to climb heights or risk difficult-to-reach areas.
The Holistic Air Heating technique saves valuable time over floor heating inspections and can detect the following problems:
- Hot Spots
- Diode faults
- Problematic string connections
- Reverse polarities
- P.I.D. effect
- Cold or superheated panels in series
- Shading problems
- Manufacturing defects
- Damaged broken panels
- Overheated junction boxes which can cause future damage.
- Estimation of energy loss rate based on park problems on an annual scale
In summary, overhead heating is a critical tool for maintaining and confirming the efficiency and longevity of PV installations.
At K Energy we have perhaps the most complete professional tools in Cyprus for thermal imaging from a height and drone operators with significant experience in the field. Contact our experts and improve the performance of your photovoltaics immediately!
