Magazine
Shaping the future
Drone scans photovoltaics with pinpoint accuracy
11. June 2025
5G network, machine learning, AI-based detection: NürnbergMesse uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor and maintain the large-scale photovoltaic systems on its hall roofs. Drones ascend and scan the modules with pinpoint accuracy for possible damage, such as hotspots, heat pockets or broken glass.
This method has a major advantage over conventional maintenance, says Stefan Heid from Technical Facility Management, who is responsible for IT technology, cable, radio and plant networks: "The drone images are evaluated in detail in a software program and if we detect anything, it is displayed in a web-based dashboard after the flight." With conventional maintenance, this is not possible for these large areas; all that remains is to detect reduced electricity production.
NürnbergMesse is driving forward its energy revolution with state-of-the-art technology on the hall roofs.
Image credit:
wethinklocal
In a first step, around 14,000 modules were installed on the roofs of the North parking garage and Halls 3, 3A, 3C and 11. There are plans to equip the roof areas of Halls 4A, 7A and 12 with a further 7,000 modules. However, it is not possible to keep Bavaria's most powerful photovoltaic system in perfect working order with conventional maintenance. This is why NürnbergMesse opted for the much more efficient drone monitoring system.
With his radio-controlled ground station, Stefan Heid pulls the ConVecDro hexacopter model, which weighs around 11 kilos and is compatible for industrial applications - six propellers - high above the hall roofs, scans the modules with a dual sensor thermal imaging camera and thus obtains high-resolution images of their condition.
A flight permit is required to use the drone, but the public mobile network or WLAN are not sufficient for this. "That's why we decided to set up a 5G campus network," explains Stefan Heid, "this is an absolute novelty at German exhibition venues, and NürnbergMesse is a pioneer here."
NürnbergMesse relies on modern drone technology for the efficient maintenance of its photovoltaic systems.
Image credit:
Roth teleconcept GmbH
The 5G campus network provides a stable and secure mobile communication infrastructure, which enables the modules to be regularly checked for functionality. By transmitting RGB and infrared camera images in real time, the drone automates the maintenance of the photovoltaic system in a cost-efficient manner.
And that's not the end of the story. The 5G license opens up numerous other possibilities for future applications: Perimeter surveillance in outdoor areas, logistics control in the halls with autonomously driving cleaning robots or the realization of digital twins in live operation for exhibitor supply. The future on the exhibition grounds has already begun.
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