Extracted from: Here
Enhance Solar Farm Efficiency with FLIR Systems' UAS Thermal Camera
Efficient operation and maintenance (O&M) of solar farms are crucial for minimizing industry costs, which are estimated to reach $1 billion annually in labor expenses alone. To prevent unforeseen expenditures and enhance operational effectiveness, regular inspections play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth functioning. However, these inspections can pose both safety hazards and time-consuming challenges. Traditional handheld equipment inspections can take weeks to cover the entire site. The solution lies in the revolutionary aerial thermal imaging kits offered by FLIR Systems.
Aerial Precision for Comprehensive Insights
As the demand for photovoltaic O&M rises, the adoption of thermal imaging has become pivotal for swift and effective inspections. FLIR's aerial thermal imaging kits provide a powerful tool to rapidly survey expansive areas and pinpoint issues within solar panels from an elevated perspective. Panels operating sub-optimally exhibit distinct temperature signatures compared to their efficient counterparts. Through thermal imaging, concerns like inverter malfunctions, combiner issues, string failures, module irregularities, misaligned trackers, and shading problems become instantly visible.
Swift Issue Detection with Thermal Imaging
The cutting-edge thermal imaging technology empowers you to identify hotspots in a matter of minutes, transforming what used to be a half-day task into a rapid operation. An ENETECH manager, overseeing maintenance for solar power generation systems, attests that tasks previously taking hours are now completed within around 10 minutes.
Unveiling the Benefits
FLIR's aerial thermal imaging kits possess the capability to detect hotspots even from an altitude of 50 meters above the ground at a 300 kW power station. The thermal images captured aloft can be conveniently viewed on a handheld tablet, enabling prompt identification of irregularities. This immediate response includes locating abnormal hotspots caused by heat-induced expansion in junction boxes. Additionally, spotting cluster defects is facilitated by identifying discolored segments on the screen, promptly addressing abnormal power distribution. Early identification proves vital, particularly for cluster defects that could lead to a significant 33 percent power reduction in individual solar panels.
Incorporating thermal inspections into your routine maintenance regimen significantly reduces inspection timelines from weeks to mere hours, courtesy of FLIR's aerial thermal imaging solution. By employing this technology, not only do you enhance safety during inspections by minimizing exposure to the elements, but you also elevate your operational efficiency.
Elevate your solar farm management efficiency by embracing FLIR Systems' aerial thermal imaging technology. Discover hidden issues swiftly, cut down inspection times, and optimize your O&M strategy for maximum results.
