2014 pv reliability, operations & maintenance workshop: heliospec by dreamqii: high resolution...
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2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring HelioSpec, Rob AndrewsTRANSCRIPT
HelioSpec by DreamQii:
High resolution UAV system
monitoring
Rob Andrews May 7,2014 [email protected] www.heliospec.ca
Helio Spec
• Built on the DreamQii UAV platform
• Multiple drone (Swarm) operation
• Pre-programmed flight paths with flight simulation
• Integrated obstacle avoidance
• Low cost, modular construction
• Operator can control multiple drones at once
– Manual override, Return to land, emergency abort
• Redundant fail safes
Mission: Create a practical tool for the PV specialist who learns to fly a drone, not the drone specialist who learns to inspect PV
The HelioSpec swarm
• Utilize multiple low cost units to efficiently cover large areas at high resolution
• Communicate with other drones and robotic systems
Workflow
Site visit
Pre-Flight and Swarm Launch
Data Capture and Navigation
Real Time Processing
Corrective Actions
Long Term analysis and trend reporting
Data transfer to cloud
Receive processed data on-site
Enterprise Workflow
• Designed for low enterprise overhead
• HelioSpec manages:
– Pilot training
– Flight path creation and optimization
– System maintenance, parts replacement
– Image processing and distribution
– Regulatory compliance (Eg: SOFC permits in Canada)
– Billed on pay-per-use basis: low capital overhead
Why UAV Inspection?
• Cover large sites quickly – ~15 minutes per scan
• Create a system ‘fingerprint’ • Thermal normalization of large
sites • Optimal imaging angles • Observe and diagnose:
• Solder Bond Failure • Diode Failure • Loose connections • Potential Induced Degradation
(PID) • Cracks and micro-cracks • Soiling distribution (Multi-
sensor) • Accelerated degradation
Poor inspection angle from ground perspective shows sky reflection artifacts
Two Short-circuited Modules
What is a module failure?
Source: Mani Tamizhmani , TUV
Regulations- Canada
• Low altitude, <35kg, Visual Flight Range (VFR) • Regulated by Transport Canada(TC) • Requires Special Operators Flight Certificate (SOFC)
– ~20 days application. Up to 1 year duration – Must be supported with co-ordination with local Air Traffic
Control(ATC),If within their area of control – Some applications may require submission of a NOTAM
(~20 days)
• No official pilot training requirements, must demonstrate competency and safety
• There is some interpretation in the requirements for ATC communication, eg. definition of areas of control.
Summary
• UAV scanning can be a tool to diagnose complex PV system errors
• The product can also be used in the securitization of assets
• Fully autonomous systems are being developed which can decrease the costs of scans
• We are still waiting on FAA regulations for US operations