Cutting-edge thermal imaging cameras help in real-time substation condition monitoring

Compact, battery-powered thermal cameras by FLIR, like the T1020, and T865, equipped with a built-in display and sensor, allow inspectors to conduct temperature analysis efficiently across a range of substations, including digital, conventional and gas-insulated types.

- 

When an inspection engineer walks into a substation, identifying faults visually is almost impossible. However, a thermal camera without any physical contact or shutdown detects these infrared emissions and converts them into a visual temperature image. This ultimately helps to detect faults, so preventive measures are taken to avoid glitches. TP Singh from FLIR shares further insights into the Testing and Measurement sector and the company’s role in revolutionising the industry in an exclusive interview with EPR.

How does a thermal imaging camera help in enhancing predictive maintenance and operations?

Thermal imaging cameras operate on the principle of infrared technology, enabling us to ‘see the unseen’ and predict potential faults before they happen. Unlike the human eye, which relies on visible light and reflections to see, like a white shirt only appearing white when there is light, thermal cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by any object above absolute zero (-273°C or 0 Kelvin). This makes them invaluable in power substations where thousands of connectors continuously emit heat due to electrical load.