China is investing in photovoltaic (PV) installations at a rapid pace and becoming a core market, holding more than 40% of global capacity. While the future of PV power generation is promising, the industry faces significant challenges: intermittency, output fluctuations, poor accuracy, high operational risks, and the inefficiencies that come with traditional operations and maintenance (O&M). All of these barriers risk hindering industry development.
Many companies are turning to infrared imaging technology as a tool to help them overcome these challenges. Thermal imaging cameras such as the Flir T540 are invaluable for predictive maintenance at large-scale power generation facilities. In fact, an 80 GW integrated hydro-wind-solar base in southwest China employed the T540 with a dual field-of-view lens to successfully address major O&M issues.
Core Application Scenario: Full-Chain Coverage for Power Plant O&M
The Flir T540 professional infrared thermal camera, paired with the FlexView dual field-of-view lens, is a powerful tool for PV O&M. Without manual lens replacement, it enables instant switching between a 24° standard FOV and a 14° telephoto FOV, ensuring efficient and precise fault localization.
Based on on-site conditions and with thermal imaging in their toolkit, the O&M team developed a “proactive prevention” strategy that balances inspection efficiency and accuracy while significantly reducing O&M costs and time.
Module Inspection: Locating Faults in Core Power-Generating Units
Hot-Spot Effect Detection
Issues such as shading, damage, or diode failure all appear as hot-spot areas with >5°C temperature difference through a thermal imaging camera. The Flir T540 accurately identifies these zones, enabling repairs within 24 hours and preventing 20%–50% power loss.
Micro-crack and Cold-Solder Detection
Micro-cracks or cold-solder joints create linear or mesh-like low-temperature patterns (~1°C difference). The T540 captures these subtle defects, enabling repairs within 72 hours and extending module lifespan.
PID Degradation Detection
PID causes stripe-shaped high-temperature zones along module edges. The T540 clearly reveals these patterns, allowing resolution within 7 days to prevent further degradation.
Equipment Inspection: Ensuring Stable Operation of Critical Devices
Transmission Line Inspection
Hotspots caused by poor contact or overload on transmission lines can be easily identified for repair.
From the real-world case above, it is clear that the Flir T540 professional infrared thermal camera, combined with the FlexView dual field-of-view lens, reshapes the PV operation and maintenance system. By enhancing power generation efficiency, reducing O&M costs, strengthening safety risk control, the T540 drives the industry toward a “proactive prevention” model through technological integration and scenario expansion—ultimately enabling high-quality development.
