Sustainable Energy Company Uses AI to Track Construction Progress

A I • Apr 24,2024

A renewable energy company building a high-precision solar farm has leveraged AI to automate panel alignment. This ensured optimal efficiency, reduced construction time and costs, and provided real-time data for increased transparency with the client.

Client:

Specializing in establishing and managing renewable energy ventures like solar and wind farms, Omexom Renewables Portugal operates under VINCI Energies, a renowned figure in the energy and digital services sector.
With a presence in Portugal from 2007, the company has established a strong track record of successfully delivering projects that meet high standards on time and within budget.

Staying at the forefront of innovation, Omexom Renewables Portugal actively employs cutting-edge technologies: from drones for aerial inspections of solar panels and wind turbines to AI-powered data analytics to optimize energy production and maintenance.

Problem Statement:

Omexom Renewables Portugal was building a 50-megawatt solar farm using an innovative solution with sun-tracking, double-sided light-absorbing panels instead of fixed structures. This project required high precision during equipment installation, as any errors could reduce the power plant’s efficiency, damage equipment, and significantly financial losses.

Particular precision was required for the alignment control of the solar panels. The slightest deviations from the ideal position could significantly affect electricity generation.

Results:

Increased installation accuracy: AI solution detected and corrected errors in solar panel alignment, ensuring maximum efficiency in electricity generation.
Time and cost savings: Automating the panel alignment control process reduced time and costs.
Increased transparency and trust with clients: Panel alignment data was available to the client in real-time, which increased transparency and trust in the company.

AI Solution:

Omexom Renewables Portugal aimed for jewel-like precision in monitoring any changes on the construction site during the solar power plant’s construction.

For this purpose, they implemented the AI Clearing system developed by AI Clearing, a construction technology company. Leveraging computer vision and machine learning capabilities, the system analyzed visual data (photos and videos) captured by robots from multiple angles on the construction site.

The AI Clearing system analyzed this data and provided recommendations for their correction in case of detecting even the slightest deviations of the panels from the ideal position.

The AI Clearing system helped Omexom Renewables Portugal achieve high precision in installing solar panels. By automating the panel alignment process, the company saved time and money.