The DJI Zenmuse XT2 camera offers many advantages for rooftop solar panel inspectors and operators of massive solar farms. In addition to being able to clearly view temperature anomalies on a crisp thermal image, the Zenmuse XT2 can be used to scan installed solar panels during normal operation across large areas within a short time frame. This allows problem panels to be isolated quickly, ready for remedial action, keeping energy production at optimum levels. Attached to the DJI M200, the XT2 will have a flight time around 30 minutes, allowing for the inspection of large sites in a single flight. Instead of sending inspectors out into the plant to check individual panels on foot, a flight overhead recorded using 4K video provides the image clarity needed to carry out initial inspections. Inspectors then are only required to investigate problem areas, significantly increasing their efficiency and productivity.
Wind turbines present unique challenges for maintenance inspections. Current methods involve hoisting staff to heights that present significant health and safety risks. As a result each inspection requires extensive downtime and meticulous planning before it can be carried out, reducing the overall efficiency of energy generation.
Conducting wind turbine inspections via UAVs is a significant improvement over existing methods. A UAV is able to fly precisely and accurately in close proximity to the turbine, taking away the need to put people at risk. Advanced Sense and Avoid technologies found on the DJI Phantom 4 and the Matrice 200 ensure that a sudden gust of wind or pilot error will not result in a collision.
DJI’s “Micro Four Thirds” Zenmuse X5S series cameras, compatible with the DJI Inspire 2 series and the DJI Matrice 200 produce high–resolution imagery, 20.8 megapixel photos and 4K video, ideal for identifying fissures, cracks, or other indicators of structural stresses that may require repairs. As all the data is stored on-board, it can be reviewed either at the point of inspection, or back at the office. These innovations allow inspection teams to increase their overall efficiency while reducing facility downtime.
Safety and efficiency are paramount to modern energy refining facilities and inspections are mission critical to maintaining operations. Traditional inspection methods have always been challenging as facilities can cover large areas with complex structural layouts. UAVs allow for even the largest facilities to be inspected quickly from the air. The DJI Phantom series provides simple, high-altitude facility surveying as well as close proximity vertical inspection. More demanding scenarios can draw on DJI’s wide portfolio of products spanning the Zenmuse XT2 thermal imaging sensor created in collaboration with FLIR, the Zenmuse X5S with its large “Micro Four Thirds” sensor, and high-efficiency platforms offering extended flight times of up to 30 minutes. However and whichever technologies are applied, these systems allow teams to quickly identify structural weaknesses, scan for hot spots, identify gas leaks and much more, empowering them to make decisions quickly and move more efficiently to remedial actions.
Power lines spanning vast distances are the circulatory system of modern power grids. They present unique maintenance challenges due to their geographical dispersion, as well as their height. Traditionally inspected by helicopter-based methods, they can be more easily and efficiently inspected using UAVs Inspection teams equipped with a DJI MATRICE 200, equipped with DJI’s Zenmuse X5S “Micro Four Thirds” camera are able to begin aerial inspections mere moments after arriving on the site. Capable of capturing 20.8 megapixelS photos and 4K video the images these cameras capture are detailed enough for fine post-inspection analysis while the live feed allows operators to see significant problems as they fly.
Nuclear power is one of the most efficient energy sources available today. However, nuclear facilities must be managed with stringent operational standards to ensure safety. Nuclear materials also present serious safety risks to inspection staff, strengthening the case for remote solutions. Using UAVs for inspections in these situations allows the work to be carried out more quickly than traditional methods. The DJI Matrice 200 equipped with DJI’s Zenmuse XT2 thermal camera is an integrated, ready to fly thermography solution to detect potential leaks or structural stresses not visible to the naked eye. The Matrice 200 can also be flown with DJI’s high resolution “Micro Four Thirds” Zenmuse X5S cameras to create a flexible platform that meets the varied needs of different inspection teams and scenarios.
