Predictive maintenance of photovoltaic plants using multirotor drones with automatic recharging system of Li-Po batteries

Abstract

Creating the correct maintenance of the strings that form the electric generators, from a photovoltaic park, it requires scanning of the equipment with thermal vision cameras, in the visible and infrared field, at an optimum angle determined precisely for each location depending on the geographic position and the architecture of the power station. In general, this angle is difficult to maintain from the ground so it is necessary to mount the cameras on a support, or most efficiently on a multi-rotor drone that is very stable and easy to handle. Maintenance using multi-rotor drones and heat sensitive cameras is no longer a novelty and has multiple advantages: low costs, minimization of work accidents, and the data acquired can be analyzed in real time or can be stored for later analysis. But this process also has disadvantages: limited flight autonomy of drones, generated by the hard development of battery technology and a small number of specialized personnel in this field. To minimize these disadvantages, we have developed an automatic recharging system of batteries, without disconnecting them, which allows the automation of the scanning process and offers the possibility of taking control of the drones and from a distance.

Why Can Simple Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Practices in Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV Power Plants Play a Key Role in Improving Its Energy Output?

“…Predictive maintenance [19]: it is condition-based maintenance being carried out after profound monitoring, analysis, and evaluation of main parameters associated with the degradation of equipment under observation. For instance, if power loss in the inverter occurs due to overheating, several reasons such as filter obstructions, problems in the airflow, or high seasonal temperature could be the reason.…”