UAV photovoltaic panel inspection algorithm

Can a UAV be used to inspect a photovoltaic plant?

For more information on the journal statistics, click here . Multiple requests from the same IP address are counted as one view. Because photovoltaic (PV) plants require periodic maintenance, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for inspections can help reduce costs. Usually, the thermal and visual inspection of PV installations works as follows.

Can uav photogrammetry be used for Autonomous inspection of PV plants?

The autonomous inspection of PV plants through UAV photogrammetry has been explored in the literature , , , . The UAV is given a set of waypoints, usually arranged in such a way to cover a delimited area to ensure the required horizontal and vertical overlapping of images.

What are the advantages of UAV inspection of PV modules?

The obtained images of PV modules during UAV inspection are first transformed from RGB mode into single-channel images, for significant reduction of computation and analysis complexity. The filtering process enhances the quality of images of PV modules and the obstacles of gridlines can be eliminated.

What is automated PV inspection?

This technique is a very similar approach to visual inspection (the same failures can be detected as in visual inspection by naked eye). It processes captured colour images. Automated inspection of PV installations is performed by using a RGB sensor/camera, that can also be embedded to UAV platforms.

What is a UAV-based inspection system for large-scale PV systems?

The implemented UAV-based system for inspection of large-scale PV systems consists of an UAV with a set of sensors in different forms and on-board processors, a digital light visible single-lens reflex (SLR) camera for condition monitoring, and a ground control station (GCS).

What are the variables in PV solar aerial inspection?

The main variables in PV solar aerial inspection must be studied to define appropriate values for them. For instance, height limits the number of PV panels that can be inspected at the same time, i.e., the area inspected is directly proportional to the operational height.