{"id":4418,"date":"2023-07-25T20:36:10","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T15:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/?p=4418"},"modified":"2023-11-13T17:12:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T11:42:11","slug":"how-to-empower-pv-plants-against-climate-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/how-to-empower-pv-plants-against-climate-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting PV plants against climate change with Autopilot"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”822964″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”654218″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]During July 2023, the world <\/span>witnessed<\/span> unprecedented heatwaves and soaring global temperatures, leaving a profound impact on our <\/span>planet,<\/span> and raising concerns about the implications for solar assets. <\/span>I<\/span>n this context, the renewable energy sector <\/span>is <\/span>confront<\/span>ed with<\/span> significant challenges, particularly <\/span>impacting<\/span> solar power production and the longevity of inverters, panels, and Balance of System (BOS) components. With the frequency of extreme weather events on the rise, solar plants face potential performance declines and increased maintenance costs.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This blog article explores the effects of these conditions on solar panels and presents a case study featuring one of our clients. This <\/span><\/span>25<\/span><\/span><\/span> MW utility solar plant in South France highlights the <\/span>effectiveness<\/span> of advanced predictive platforms like <\/span>SmartHelio<\/span> Autopilot, and how these technologies empower operators to <\/span>anticipate<\/span> and address climate-induced issues, ensuring sustainable and efficient energy generation.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Adverse Effects of Climate Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rising global temperatures, more intense heatwaves, and erratic weather patterns significantly <\/span>impact<\/span> solar power production. <\/span>High temperatures<\/span> exacerbate<\/span> soiling on solar panels, reducing energy yield<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span> and <\/span>necessitating<\/span> more <\/span>frequent cleaning interventions. Additionally, increased ambient temperatures lead to decreased current carrying <\/strong><\/span>capacity<\/span> of fuses, resulting in progressive string disconnections, as <\/span>demonstrated<\/span> in th<\/span>is<\/span> case study.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, extreme weather events like storms, hail, and heavy rainfall can damage panels and BOS components, decreasing their longevity and causing unexpected downtime and maintenance costs. The increased wear and tear on inverters and other vital equipment further <\/span>heightens<\/span> the need for proactive maintenance strategies.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”962479″][vc_column column_width_percent=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”822964″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”241813″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

The Power of SmartHelio Autopilot<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The case study is based on a <\/span><\/span>25 MW utility solar plant in South France<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>highlights the value<\/span> of <\/span>SmartHelio<\/span> Autopilot in <\/span><\/span>mitigating <\/span>adverse effects of climate change on solar plants<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/strong> Its advanced predictive analytics capabilities enabled the <\/span><\/span>detection of progressive string disconnections and high soiling issues caused by the heatwave<\/span><\/span>, prompting the client to take proactive action<\/span>. <\/span>Here<\/span>‘<\/span>s<\/span> how:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”183700″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-487870″ uncode_shortcode_id=”188405″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

Anticipating Climate-Induced Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”107837″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]By continuously analysing historical and real-time data, SmartHelio Autopilot accurately predicted the occurrence of string disconnections based on weather forecasts and its impact on the power generation, DC side current, and voltage gradients.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This early detection allowed the client to take preventive measures before any significant losses occurred<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-487870″ uncode_shortcode_id=”107231″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

Optimizing Maintenance Strategies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”170741″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]With the knowledge of upcoming rain forecasts, SmartHelio Autopilot assisted in planning cleaning interventions to mitigate the impact of soiling on the plant’s performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By optimizing the cleaning schedule, the client effectively maintained panel efficiency while minimizing resource consumption.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-487870″ uncode_shortcode_id=”174901″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

Enhancing Component Longevity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”196206″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

By identifying the issues affecting the inverters and promptly resolving the inverter issue, SmartHelio Autopilot contributed to extending the longevity of critical BOS components.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Proactive measures taken in response to the platform’s predictions reduced downtime and minimized unplanned maintenance expenses.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”86″ preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” border_color=”transparent” shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”171926″ overlay_color_type=”uncode-palette” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-jevc” uncode_shortcode_id=”209310″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]The graph <\/span>below <\/span>represents<\/span> a <\/span>correlation <\/span><\/span>between the frequency of weekly string disconnections and the corresponding increase in average ambient temperature. Using <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Smart<\/span><\/span><\/span>Helio’s<\/span><\/span><\/span> proprietary <\/span>algorithms based on Physics-<\/span><\/span>Informed AI\u00a0that <\/span>c<\/span>on<\/span>si<\/span>ders <\/span>factors like<\/span> high<\/span><\/span> temperature<\/span><\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span> irradiations, <\/span>and <\/span>OEM specifications<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span> etc<\/span>, <\/span>it was<\/span><\/span> able<\/strong>\u00a0to predict the number of string disconnections in the upcoming weeks<\/span><\/strong>.<\/strong> This helped <\/span>the <\/span>client to <\/span>take action<\/span> and <\/span>replace the inverters<\/span> before they bl<\/span>ew<\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”4436″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”452740″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”825340″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”892276″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the effects of climate change continue to challenge the solar power industry, the role of predictive analytics platforms like <\/span>SmartHelio<\/span> Autopilot becomes increasingly crucial. The case study of the 25 MW utility solar plant in South France <\/span>demonstrated<\/span> <\/span>how such advanced tools empower operators to <\/span>anticipate<\/span> issues and take proactive actions. By accurately predicting the impact of <\/strong><\/span>high temperatures<\/span> on soiling and fuse b<\/span>urn out<\/span>, <\/span>SmartHelio<\/span> Autopilot enabled the client to safeguard their plant\u2019s performance, <\/span>maximise<\/span> energy generation, and reduce maintenance costs.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Embracing advanced predictive platforms like Autopilot equips solar plant operators with the insights needed to navigate the ever-changing climate challenges. Through intelligent analytics and early detection, these platforms pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future in solar energy generation, making the vision of a clean and renewable energy world a tangible reality.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”822964″][vc_column_text text_color=”color-nhtu” uncode_shortcode_id=”654218″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]During July 2023, the world witnessed unprecedented […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4746,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"With the frequency of extreme weather events on the rise, solar plants face potential performance declines and increased maintenance costs.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[49,27,53,54,47,40,51,52],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4418"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4418\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4746"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smarthelio.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}