Title :
Aerial solar Thermography and condition monitoring of photovoltaic systems
Author :
Denio, Harley, III
Author_Institution :
Solar Infrared, Beaverton, OR, USA
Abstract :
This paper illustrates how Infrared Thermography can be applied to determine the operational status of photovoltaic solar systems on a large scale using flight. Solar Thermography is the use of an infrared camera to inspect photovoltaic solar systems for problems that can cause; damage to the cells, loss of efficiency, and fire hazards. The demand for cheap renewable energy sources is at its highest that it has ever been. Therefore solar arrays and installations have been being erected the world over. In this rush for renewable energy there is a growing need for accurate data showing where the solar arrays need maintenance. The difficulty of finding and tracking down problems and potential issues that arise in these installations in monumental. Therefore Infrared thermography is a valuable technology that can be used on a wider scale to pinpoint problems in these large arrays.
Keywords :
cameras; condition monitoring; infrared imaging; maintenance engineering; photovoltaic power systems; solar cell arrays; solar power stations; aerial solar thermography; condition monitoring; fire hazards; infrared camera; infrared thermography; photovoltaic solar systems; renewable energy sources; solar arrays; Abstracts; Accuracy; Arrays; Humidity; Plastics; Silicon; Testing; Infrared imaging; Inspection; Maintenance; Photovoltaic systems; Predictive maintenance; Thermal analysis;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2012 38th IEEE
Conference_Location :
Austin, TX
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4673-0064-3
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2012.6317686