The Value of Predictive Maintenance
With infrared predictive maintenance, inspections will gather relevant, real-time data on the condition of the equipment being inspected. The comprehensive reports with detailed findings and thermograms are then stored in a secure, cloud-based client portal that you can access at any time. Data from the inspection can be used to predict when parts need to be repaired or replaced. To minimize disruption and increase safety, infrared predictive maintenance inspections are performed while equipment is operating under full load.
Ultimately, the goal is to transition maintenance resources away from emergency repairs and into scheduled inspections of the facility's electrical, mechanical, steam, and PV equipment. Inspections take less time than repairs, especially if done with a thermal imager (infrared camera).
Cost Savings
Studies by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), estimate that a properly functioning predictive maintenance program can provide a savings of 30 % to 40 % over reactive maintenance. Other independent surveys indicate that, on average, applying infrared thermography to predictive maintenance programs results in the following savings:
- Return on investment: 10 times
- Reduction in maintenance costs: 25 % to 30 %
- Elimination of breakdowns: 70 % to 75 %
- Reduction in downtime: 35 % to 45 %
- Increase in production: 20 % to 25 %
Infrared PV Testing quickly and easily assesses the quality of solar panel installations, as well as pinpoints any potential problems.
Many solar panels are expected to last 20 years, but they often don't live up to their advertised longevity. Because of inconsistent quality in both manufacturers and installers, testing panel integrity is an important protection for any solar investment.
Common Sources of Solar Panel Failures:
- Defective semiconductors
- Corroded connections
- Loose contacts and short circuits
- Contamination from moisture or dirt
- Overheated connections
- Ruptured cells
- Normal wear and tear
Use Infrared PV Testing to:
- Provide Quality Assurance of Installations. Solar panel manufacturing practices are inconsistent at best. The quality of the installation process can be equally as variable. Infrared testing is the best way to provide assurance that solar panels are installed properly and free of defects.
- Prevent Loss of Power. Any gains from solar panel investments can be diminished or erased by premature system deterioration. To maintain optimal power production, infrared testing should be performed at regular intervals determined by preventive maintenance needs.
- Protect against overheating. Solar panels' constant exposure to moisture accelerates corrosion within the system. Loose and corroded connections overheat and cause premature deterioration and potential fire hazards. These hazards are easily identified through infrared testing.
- Provide Safety. Because infrared testing is non-destructive and conducted from a distance, it can be safely conducted on solar panel systems with the highest voltage. Infrared testing is able to pinpoint overloads and short circuits without coming into physical contact with them.