2014 pv reliability, operations & maintenance workshop: heliospec by dreamqii: high resolution...

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HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring Rob Andrews May 7,2014 [email protected] www.heliospec.ca

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2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring HelioSpec, Rob Andrews

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Page 1: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

HelioSpec by DreamQii:

High resolution UAV system

monitoring

Rob Andrews May 7,2014 [email protected] www.heliospec.ca

Page 2: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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

Page 3: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

The HelioSpec swarm

• Utilize multiple low cost units to efficiently cover large areas at high resolution

• Communicate with other drones and robotic systems

Page 4: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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

Page 5: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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

Page 6: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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

Page 7: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

What is a module failure?

Source: Mani Tamizhmani , TUV

Page 8: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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.

Page 9: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

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

Page 10: 2014 PV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop: HelioSpec by DreamQii: High resolution UAV system monitoring

Thank you

Rob Andrews

[email protected]

www.heliospec.ca