1.
HelioSpec by DreamQii:
High resolution UAV system
monitoring
Rob Andrews
May 7,2014
Rob.Andrews@heliospec.com
www.heliospec.ca

2.
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

3.
The HelioSpec swarm
• Utilize multiple low cost units to efficiently cover
large areas at high resolution
• Communicate with other drones and robotic systems

4.
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

5.
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

6.
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

7.
What is a module failure?
Source: Mani Tamizhmani , TUV

8.
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.

9.
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

10.
Thank you
Rob Andrews
Rob.andrews@heliospec.ca
www.heliospec.ca