AutoPV: Autonomous Mobile Measuring and Mowing Robot for Testing Ground-Mounted PV Systems

In the AutoPV project, the project partners will develop a system for the autonomous inspection and maintenance of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems. The aim is to create a functional prototype that travels over the area of a ground-mounted photovoltaic system without human supervision or remote control, analyzing the solar modules using various measuring methods and cutting back unwanted vegetation.

The prototype is designed as a moving robot that uses satellite navigation, inertial sensors, color cameras and a 3D laser scanner for orientation. An infrared camera is used for thermographic inspections to detect faulty modules. Motorized scythes installed at the front enable simultaneous maintenance of the area under the solar modules and ensure that the robot can move forward unhindered.

Grantor:

• ZIM

Partners

• SUNTEC Energiesysteme
• University Würzburg
• University of Technology Nürnberg
• Evocortex
• Zentrum für Telematik e.V.
• Helmholtz-Instituet for Renewables Energies Erlangen-Nürnberg

Project Date:

• 2019 -2022

Link:

• http://www.mobi-inspec.de/projekt-autopv.aspx