What is Thermography?
- Thermography is a technique of analyzing the thermal characteristics of an object from its infrared image, captured through non contact thermal imaging device.
- Infrared thermography allows us to see heat energy radiated by objects (Both cold and hot bodies emit this type of energy).
How Thermography is Useful?
- Temperature is one of the first observable parameters that can indicate the condition of operating electrical equipment. Heat is a by-product of all work whether is it electrical, mechanical or chemical.
- Thermal energy not in control will cause failure in the equipment.
- Thermography allows us to detect the temperature of the object from the thermal energy emitted.
Applications-In Switchyard:Corona has the potential to increase the temperature, which can result in system failure. To detect this thermography survey is required.
For Transformers:Infrared imaging of the transformer can often detect oil level and radiator convection cooling problems.
For the Batteries: can detect the individual faulty cells by measuring the temperature without contact,
At the Electrical Panels:Infrared thermography is used to perform Preventive Maintenance inspections-
Broadly the following can be observed-
- Loose connections / terminations,
- Oxidation at the cable termination points,
- Dust deposition at terminations,
- Defective lug crimping, overloaded or imbalanced circuits,
- Faulty breakers, damaged switches, faulty fuses and other hazardous electrical conditions.