Thermal imaging inspection is a method for detecting defects or power generation anomalies by measuring the surface temperature of operating solar modules. Its key feature is the ability to identify module performance conditions without interrupting power generation and in a non-destructive manner.

Thermal inspections are performed using UAVs equipped with thermal and visible-light cameras. The drone flies over the solar modules and captures thermal images. The collected data is then processed through the IRUAV PLATFORM, where AI thermal defect analysis and visualization tools present the inspection results.

The frequency of thermal imaging inspections mainly depends on the regular maintenance plan of the solar power system. In general, inspections are conducted at least once a year, but more frequent inspections can help detect and prevent potential issues at an earlier stage.

Through thermal imaging inspection, it is possible to detect faults such as internal and external open circuits and short circuits in solar modules, bypass diode conduction or short circuits, hot spots caused by cell fractures, shading, soiling, and junction box overheating, among others. The platform further classifies these faults into twelve categories based on handling methods for reference. Technical articles.

Using thermal aerial inspections allows for rapid scanning of large areas, saving up to 90% of the time compared to manual inspections. Even in hard-to-reach locations, UAVs can capture detailed thermal images, enabling comprehensive inspections and reducing worker safety risks.

Thermal aerial inspections allow for the early detection of defective modules and low-efficiency areas, enabling timely replacement or repair. This helps maximize power generation over the system’s 20-year operational lifetime.

Data-driven O&M management can be simply described as a combination of inspection activities to ensure the performance and safety of solar power systems and O&M actions based on inspection data. The Cloud Visualization System (IRUAV APP) integrates third-party module AI inspection results and recommended actions, while the maintenance log records the response and handling by the O&M team. This allows investors and supervisors to track the progress of issues affecting power generation, thereby improving O&M efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing the return on investment of solar power systems.

Experts primarily refer to the thermal defect classifications of crystalline silicon PV modules listed in Annex C of IEC 62446-3:2017, and further refine them by incorporating PID (Potential Induced Degradation) and visible-light image references, resulting in 12 defined categories of thermal defects. All of these defect types have been detected in actual solar power systems in Taiwan over the past several years.