Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Photovoltaic power systems--Maintenance and repair; Drone aircraft in remote sensing;
Abstract
As the population of the world continues to increase, so does energy consumption. At the same time, available fossil fuels continue to be depleted. Knowing these two facts, there is a need to find additional sources of energy. Photovoltaic panels (solar panels) are front and center of the renewable energy available options.
Exploring the practical use of infrared thermal imaging for data collection and maintenance of photovoltaic panels is the main objective of this study. In this research, three unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights were completed to obtain thermal imaging of the Cedar Falls Utilities Solar Field with various dates and weather.
The images obtained by the UAV show varying temperatures of solar panels. The comparison between the power output of the solar garden and the temperature of the panels themselves, did not show any significant correlation. The research opened up more questions and shows the need for more research on the topic of how to utilize drone and thermography technology to assist utility companies.
Year of Submission
2019
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Technology
First Advisor
Ali Kashef, Chair
Date Original
7-2019
Object Description
1 PDF file (vii, 115 pages)
Copyright
©2019 Ginger Ivy Jo L'Heureux
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
L'Heureux, Ginger Ivy Jo, "An investigation of solar panel thermal images collected from an unmanned aerial vehicle" (2019). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 985.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/985
