We recently had the opportunity to give demonstrations of our solar parks at a number of solar parks in Europe autonomous mower. We (fortunately) received a lot of positive feedback there. Mainly about the mowing performance, the quiet operation of the autonomous mowing machine and the speed with which the machine can maintain (part of) the solar park. Since people were also surprised by our quick way of switching and the relatively short preparation period, we consider it useful and very curious for interested parties to briefly explain how such a (preparation of a) demonstration works exactly.
It naturally happens that we arrive at a solar park without having received (much or detailed) information in advance. At these solar parks, the autonomous mowing machine will first be controlled manually (radiographically). We are then pointed to a part of the park where we can plot a route. We then enter the route into the software using a tablet, so that the autonomous mowing machine can mow the grass through the rows of solar panels using GPS RTK. Part two of the demonstrations will follow mowing the lawn under the solar panels are. Because there is no reception under the solar panels, the mower will navigate on lidar. This of course requires quite a bit of attention and that is why it is good for us to have an idea of the situations at solar parks in advance. Consider the placement of the solar panels: what is the lowest point, what is the circumference of the poles, are there braces between the poles and where are the inverters located.
In order to be able to seamlessly demonstrate navigating a solar park, we would like to receive sufficient information in advance. This way we are able to prepare the demonstration remotely and in some cases even optimize routes. This is possible because we then have an image of the obstacles and simulate the routes in the software to make them more efficient.
DXF drawings
To get a good idea of the solar park in advance, we ask the managers to provide DXF drawings. The use of DXF drawings (Drawing Exchange Format) to optimize the routing in a solar park then involves several steps for us.
Import DXF drawings
We import the DXF drawings into compatible CAD software. This ensures we have accurate and up-to-date representations of the layout of the solar park. This way we get a good idea of the exact size, distances and possible challenges.
Analyze terrain and obstacles:
We use the DXF drawings to analyze the terrain and identify potential obstacles or challenges in the solar farm area, such as hills, shrubs or even trees, buildings or other structures.
Simulate route:
Once this has been mapped out, routes can be created. The number of routes depends on the size of the park, the wishes of the managers and also on the number of charging stations. We therefore use the DXF-based layout to simulate the distribution across the solar park to determine optimal routing.
By effectively using DXF drawings in these steps, routing on a solar park will be possible in advance. Subsequently, once the autonomous mowing machine starts driving on the solar park, this routing will be physically checked. Because we create the routes in advance and simulate them, this will make an additional positive contribution to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Demonstration of autonomous lawn mowing
During the demonstration we normally reserve 2 hours to make preparations. We test whether the information received in advance is correct with the routing created in the software, check whether the posts are at the specified distances, whether the height of the grass corresponds and then turn off the program.
If there are any inaccuracies, the Vector WD2.0 can be radio controlled, so that we can still plot a route. A demonstration on GPS RTK will always work. Navigating on lidar requires more certainties and tools, which is why we always arrive at the solar park earlier to be able to rule out or circumvent these uncertainties (if possible).
Buy an autonomous mowing machine for a solar park
When customers purchase a Vector WD2.0 autonomous mowing machine from us, we have intensive contact about the layout of the solar park. Together we determine the ideal routing (multiple routes possible), position of the docking station (charging station of the autonomous mowing machine) and of course ask for information. It should now be clear that ideally DXF drawings are provided for this. It sometimes happens that owners and/or managers no longer have DXF files available and for that reason we have to look for alternatives. We can also manually map the solar park in detail. For this we use a special stick, with which the GPS coordination is stored and transferred to the software. Another and faster option is to use special drones. These fly both over and under the solar panels, so that there are exact coordinates of the entire site (solar park area), as well as all poles on which the solar panels are attached, the fences and any obstacles around the solar panels and all cables, braces and inverters that may be connected. hang/are attached under the solar panels. In short, we always ensure in advance that we know in detail how the autonomous mowing machine will manage the grass in the coming seasons to guarantee a certain quality.
Would you like to investigate together what the Vector WD2.0 can do for your solar park? We are happy to visit you with our autonomous mowing machine demonstration at your solar park to give.