HelioSpec uses multiple drones (a "swarm") equipped with cameras and sensors to efficiently inspect large photovoltaic (PV) solar sites. The drones can autonomously follow pre-programmed flight paths, communicate with each other, and capture high-resolution imagery and data. Operators can control multiple drones simultaneously and processed data is transferred to the cloud. HelioSpec also manages drone pilot training, regulatory compliance, and provides inspection services on a pay-per-use basis to reduce capital costs for customers. UAV inspection allows sites to be scanned quickly from optimal angles to diagnose various PV system errors and potential problems.

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