Photovoltaic module segmentation and thermal analysis tool from thermal images

The growing interest in the use of clean energy has led to the construction of increasingly large photovoltaic systems. Consequently, monitoring the proper functioning of these systems has become a highly relevant issue.In this paper, automatic detection, and analysis of photovoltaic modules are proposed. To perform the analysis, a module identification step, based on a digital image processing algorithm, is first carried out. This algorithm consists of image enhancement (contrast enhancement, noise reduction, etc.), followed by segmentation of the photovoltaic module. Subsequently, a statistical analysis based on the temperature values of the segmented module is performed.Besides, a graphical user interface has been designed as a potential tool that provides relevant information of the photovoltaic modules.

Implementation of a neural network for non-linearities estimation in a tail-sitter aircraft

The control of a tail-sitter aircraft is a challenging task, especially during transition maneuver where the lift and drag forces are highly nonlinear. In this work, we implement a Neural Network (NN) capable of estimate such nonlinearities. Once they are estimated, one can propose a control scheme where these forces can correctly feed-forwarded. Our implementation of the NN has been programmed in C++ on the PX4 Autopilot an open-source autopilot for drones. To ensure that this implementation does not considerably affect the autopilot's performance, the coded NN must be of a light computational load. With the aim to test our approach, we have carried out a series of realistic simulations in the Software in The Loop (SITL) using the PX4 Autopilot. These experiments demonstrate that the implemented NN can be used to estimate the tail-sitter aerodynamic forces, and can be used to improve the control algorithms during all the flight phases of the tail-sitter aircraft: hover, cruise flight, and transition.