Thermal cameras in power maintenance

This article highlights the key features of the thermal camera and its multiple advantages.
Distribution System Monitoring
With the rapid development of the power industry, the power load increases yearly. Thermal defects in power distribution devices also gradually increase, and electrical fires have been on the rise, which has seriously affected the security of the power supply. The prevention of electrical fires and the reduction of losses caused by electrical fires have become topics of common concern for fire supervision departments and all sectors of society.
The traditional electric routine inspection method has low measurement accuracy and needs to display the overall temperature distribution of the electric device fully. The thermal camera can accurately locate abnormal heating points of power distribution devices and help eliminate potential hazards in time, effectively guaranteeing the safe operation of power distribution devices.

Distribution transformer inspection
A distribution transformer is an important part of a distribution network. Once overheating and failure of the transformer happen, the normal power supply will be impacted, and the maintenance cost is high. Transformer overheating may be caused by improper installation of devices, electrical isolation, gradual ageing of mechanical components, and inappropriate setting of operating parameters. A thermal camera is helpful to quickly locate the overheating position of a transformer and detect hidden dangers such as loose joints, overheating of bushings, poor contact (tap changer), overload, three-phase unbalance, and a clogged cooling pipe to facilitate timely repairs.
Distribution line inspection
Distribution lines are an essential part of the power system and undertake the important tasks of power transmission and distribution. Thermal cameras can inspect the temperature on the surface of devices such as clamps, instrument transformers, pole-mounted circuit breakers, and pole-mounted disconnectors without stopping the power supply and sampling, determining whether there is an overheating fault in power line devices, improving the quality and inspection accuracy of power line operation, and ensuring the safe and continuous operation of the power transmission line.

Unique Advantages of Thermal Cameras

• Non-contact measurement allows for remote measuring and eliminates the need for disassembly, ensuring inspectors’ safety.
• Professional measurement tools are provided to monitor the chosen areas freely and automatically obtain the highest temperature point to implement intelligent device shooting and fault diagnosis.
• The setting of temperature threshold, duration, and sampling interval are available to achieve automatic data collection and curve generation to provide a reference for developing power maintenance plans.
• High and low-temperature warnings for monitored areas help detect electric device failures and eliminate potential hazards.
• Recommended Models

T300/T600 Series Handheld Thermal Camera for Power Systems
The 5-inch HD colour LCD touchscreen allows for point, line, and area measurement tools, resulting in clear feedback of abnormal temperature. Wide measurement range, expandable to 2,000 °C, four lenses and multiple FOVs, suitable for various scenes to reduce routine inspection costs
Intelligent shooting (routine inspection task package), intelligent database management, and intelligent diagnosis enable the intelligent management of routine electric inspection. 4G and WiFi video transmission, laser rangefinding, GPS, Bluetooth, and other functions realise fast and efficient routine inspection.

• 256×192, 384×288, 640×512 infrared high resolution options
• Manual focus, assisting in distinguishing small targets
• The dual-spectrum fusion function simplifies the observation of complex environments.
• Intelligent high- and low-temperature alarms, assisting in timely troubleshooting
• Wi-Fi function, sharing temperature data in the air
• customised point/line/area temperature analysis, giving intuitive, concise, and clear feedback

Industrial 5G Smart Device for Thermal Imaging PX1

• 5G high-speed interconnection, allowing image or video uploads anytime and anywhere, realising high-speed interconnection without delay
• The images can distinguish the minimum temperature difference of 0.04°C, with high measurement accuracy and frame rate of up to 25Hz, generating finer images and more accurate temperature measurements.
• Professional measurement analysis app supporting measurement tool plotting, with four image modes + 9 palettes to meet the habits of different users
• 53″ super-large waterdrop screen, displaying more information and giving a more comfortable experience
• n Solid and durable, with IP68/IP69K rating, waterproof and dustproof, 1.5m drop protection

How to Take an Infrared Thermal Image of Premium Quality?
Please refer to the following suggestions for using a thermal camera to produce a high-quality thermal image of an electric device:

• Select thermal cameras with high thermal sensitivity for scenarios with a small temperature difference in detected regions
• Select different FOV lenses for different electric devices
• Select products or levels of proper measurement ranges according to the actual temperature.

Manual focusing can detect small targets if automatic focusing cannot meet specific needs.
For details, please visit our website: www.infiray.com