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Photovoltaic Power Plant Inspection solution
Renewables

Photovoltaic Power Plant Inspection

Solar panel inspection and monitoring with thermal imaging

Drones can precisely identify and locate defects in solar farms by utilizing high-definition visible light and thermal imaging. This facilitates early fault detection and preventive maintenance, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of photovoltaic power stations.

Advantages

Efficient Resource Deployment

Deploy resources more efficiently and minimize personnel risk by reducing time spent in the field and pinpointing faulty components with accuracy.

Streamlined Data Analysis

Integrate drone data collection with advanced detection algorithms to streamline fault identification and enhance inspection efficiency.

Accurate Condition Assessment

Merge visual and thermal data to accurately assess the condition of components and make well-informed maintenance decisions.

Applications

Scale Management

The scale of photovoltaic projects is expanding rapidly, making it challenging to allocate operation and maintenance personnel promptly.

Data Collection Efficiency

The process of collecting and analyzing data from solar inspections can be laborious and complex.

Component Performance

The efficiency of photovoltaic panels can be significantly affected and diminished by exposure to factors such as dust, dirt, or other contaminants.

Solution Features

Comprehensive drone-based solutions designed for renewables operations.

Automated Solar Farm Inspection

The DJI Dock 2 enables you to automate recurring inspection tasks with ease. Schedule an inspection task, and the DJI Dock 2 will automatically collect the data and upload the findings to the DJI FlightHub 2 cloud platform for comprehensive analysis and processing.

  • Lightweight and portable device, facilitating easy installation
  • Suitable for full project cycle applications, ranging from construction management to inspection tasks
  • Boasts an IP55 rating, making it resilient in harsh environments
  • An operating radius of 10 km enables extensive coverage of large solar farm areas
  • The cloud API facilitates the transfer of collected data to third-party software

Workflow

1
Mission Planning

Use DJI FlightHub 2 to plan inspection flight routes based on high-definition 3D model of the solar farm.

2
Data Collection

Using DJI FlightHub 2, select the preferred dock and scheduled inspection mission. The Matrice 3TD will execute the inspection tasks according to the plan, and uploads the captured data to DJI FlightHub 2.

3
Data Analysis

Analyze the images to detect faulty elements or required maintenance work by using the DJI Thermal Analysis Tool. Transfer the collected data to a third-party software to use automated detection algorithms.

Platform Specifications

DJI Dock 2
Weight: 34 kg (without the drone)
Size: length 570 mm, width 583 mm, height 465 mm
Environment adaptability: -25℃-45℃ working temperature, IP55 Rate, max operation height 4,000 m
Max Operating Radius: 10 km
Matrice 3D
Weight: 1410 g
Size: length 335 mm, width 398 mm, height 153 mm (without propellers)
Max flight time: 50 minutes
Max Operating Radius: 10 km
Wide camera: 4/3 CMOS, 20MP, Mechanical Shutter: 8-1/2000 s
Tele camera: 1/2" CMOS, 12MP
Environment adaptability: -25℃-45℃ working temperature, IP55 Rate, max operation height 4,000m
Matrice 3TD
Weight: 1410 g
Size: length 335 mm, width 398 mm, height 153 mm (without propellers)
Max flight time: 50 minutes
Max Operating Radius: 10 km
Wide camera: 1/1.32'' CMOS, 48MP
Tele camera: 1/2" CMOS, 12MP
Thermal camera: UHR Infrared Image Mode 1280 × 1024@30fps
Environment adaptability: -25℃-45℃ working temperature, IP55 Rate, max operation height 4,000 m

High Performance Inspection

The DJI Matrice 30 Series delivers a potent combination of portability and performance, boasting an extended flight range of up to 15 km and ingress protection to endure severe weather conditions. It enables precise detection of solar panel defects, sediment buildup, or damage through its high-resolution visual and thermal (M30T) sensors.

  • The drone's foldable and compact design ensures easy transportation
  • Achieves rapid deployment, operational within just 2 minutes
  • Offers an extended transmission range of up to 15 km
  • Provides cost-effective solutions with an integrated infrared camera
  • Equipped with a laser rangefinder to accurately locate and provide coordinates for defective components within solar farms

Workflow

1
Mission Planning

Plan the drone flight routes throughout the solar farm or the area to be inspected using the DJI Pilot 2 app.

2
Data Collection

Upon arrival at the takeoff point, deploy the drone and initiate the previously saved inspection mission. The drone will automatically follow the flight route.

3
Data Analysis

Analyze the images to identify faulty elements or required maintenance work by using the DJI Thermal Analysis Tool. Transfer the data to a third-party software to identify faults using automated detection algorithms.

Platform Specifications

Matrice 30 Series
Weight (incl. two batteries): 3770 ± 10 g
Max Flight Time: 41 min
Sensing system: Six-directional sensing and positioning
Environment Adaptability: Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level (without other payload) 7,000 m (with 1676 propellers); Max Wind Resistance 12 m/s
Zoom camera: 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 48MP

Portable Thermal Inspection Solution

The DJI Mavic 3T, a compact and portable drone, comes equipped with high-performance visible and thermal imaging cameras, making it ideal for comprehensive solar panel inspections in both industrial and residential settings.

  • Compact and lightweight, facilitating easy transportation and handling
  • Features both visual and infrared imaging cameras for enhanced inspections
  • Supports fully automated and sophisticated inspection routes, allowing the drone to systematically capture data along a predefined path

Workflow

1
Mission Planning

Plan the drone flight routes throughout the solar farm or the area to be inspected using the DJI Pilot 2 app.

2
Data Collection

Upon arrival at the takeoff point, deploy the drone and initiate the previously saved inspection mission. The drone will automatically follow the flight route.

3
Data Analysis

Analyze the images to identify faulty elements or required maintenance work by using the DJI Thermal Analysis Tool. Transfer the data to a third-party software to identify faults using automated detection algorithms.

Platform Specifications

DJI Mavic 3T
Weight: 920 g
Max Flight Time (no wind): 45 mins
Sensing type: Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft
Environment Adaptability: Max Take-off Altitude Above Sea Level 6000m; Max Wind Speed Resistance 12 m/s
Wide Camera: 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 48 MP
Tele Camera: 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 12 MP
Thermal Camera: Video Resolution 640×512@30Hz
Compatible with RTK module and DJI Cellular module

Multipurpose Drone Inspection

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a versatile platform with interchangeable payloads tailored to meet the specific needs of each task. Whether it's mapping or inspection, the Matrice 350 RTK provides comprehensive operational capabilities for large-scale solar farms at various project stages.

  • With its array of payloads, the drone delivers operational efficiency and superior inspection capabilities
  • The H30T's advanced thermal sensor (1280 × 1024) elevates inspection efficiency and quality
  • A faster shutter speed leads to reduced inspection durations and expanded coverage
  • Dual-Control feature to enhance reliability and ensure operational safety

Workflow

1
Thermal Inspection Mission

Using the Matrice 350 RTK equipped with the Zenmuse H30T payload, manually fly to capture thermal readings of the key components of the solar farm. Use the Live Mission Recording feature to easily repeat the same missions in the future.

2
Data Analysis

Analyze the inspection photos manually or use model detection to identify defects in the transmission corridor.

Platform Specifications

Matrice 350 RTK
Weight: Approx. 6.47 kg (with single downward gimbal and two TB65 batteries)
Max Flight Time: 55 minutes
Sensing system: Six-directional sensing and positioning
Environment Adaptability: IP55, Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level 7,000 m (with 1676 propellers, without other payload); Max Wind Resistance 12 m/s
Zenmuse H30T
Weight: 920±5 g
Ingress Protection Rating: IP54
Zoom Camera: 1/1.8-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 40 MP
Wide-Angle Camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP
Infrared Thermal Camera: 1280×1024@30fps
Laser Range Finder: max range 3000 m
Zenmuse L2
Integrates frame LiDAR, a self-developed high-accuracy IMU system, and a 4/3 CMOS RGB mapping camera
2.5 km2 covered in a single flight
Detection Range 250m @10% reflectivity, 100klx
Effective Point Cloud Rate: 240,000 pts/s
Supports 5 Returns
Turnkey Solution

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