Advancements in drone technology are unlocking new opportunities for precise operations across various infrastructure assets. This opens possibilities for cost-effective ways to enhance site security and maintenance.
Completed
Description
Problem
The development of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) parks presents new challenges in maintenance and security. Managing vast areas requires significant human resources, and traditional security measures—such as CCTV cameras installed along the entire perimeter—can be expensive and difficult to monitor effectively. These challenges pose both financial and safety risks that must be addressed.
Solution
An autonomous drone-box system offers a smart solution for both maintenance and security in large PV installations. The drone can perform pre-defined, scheduled inspection flights, regularly monitoring the park perimeter and critical infrastructure. It can also be triggered by alarms from security cameras or acoustic sensors to inspect specific locations in real time. Equipped with high-resolution visual and thermal cameras, as well as zoom and manual tracking capabilities, the drone significantly enhances infrastructure security. Furthermore, the onboard thermal imaging system can detect hot spots on damaged PV modules, helping to identify issues early, prevent hazards, and reduce potential electricity production losses.
Status and progress
A pilot project was carried out at the Varme PV park in Latvia, where the solution demonstrated its effectiveness in performing selected security and maintenance tasks in a large-scale photovoltaic facility. Based on the results, the technology is now being considered both as a complementary tool for operations within existing PV parks and as a standalone solution for future projects.
