Today, thermography is one of the technologies most used in the facilities sector, construction or even in the field of renewables.
The applications of thermography are innumerable at times where it is not possible to locate and identify errors with the naked eye. Solution cameras thermographic ! to discover what we do not see.
First, understand what it is and then, how we can apply it to the actual work…
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The thermography is a procedure that is used to obtain information about the temperature of an object at distance , without using physical contact with the myself.
Infrared radiation of the spectrum is captured electromagnetic, by means of cameras that can transform the energy radiated into information about the temperature of said elements.
But... What are the advantages of thermography? Regarding the use of this technique and its applications, it is highlights its use for the performance of audits energy, in energy rehabilitation of buildings, study of energy efficiency in the industrial sector, construction or in renewables as it allows analyze the thermal behaviour. Highlighting what is very useful for the following reasons:
To transfer this concept to the real world, we use the thermal imaging camera .
The operation of the thermal imaging camera is based in a radiation detector that captures infrared radiation emitted by objects so that said radiation will be read and interpreted by the camera.
From the image obtained, several colors can be seen that correspond to the different signals of infrared radiation emitted, absorbed and reflected long-wave waves that come from the parsed item. Obtaining a temperature pattern over its thermal behaviour.
But... How to carry out inspections thermographic? We could express the steps like:
Minimum, during the process of taking a thermal image Among others, the following rules must be observed:
As we mentioned at the beginning, the uses of the thermography is useful for envelope analysis of the building or the systems of installations, but, also, it is used to inspect wind turbines or panels solar:
The most common uses in the applications of the thermography are:
In the following PDF manual you can find more information on the practice of thermography at work daily.
To make a correct diagnosis, on the one hand, requires that the technician know how to properly use the camera and the software you use, that is, that you have enough skill and experience with it.
The technician must also have theoretical training about how heat transfer occurs between objects (through conduction, convection, and radiation), as well as on the operation of the laws of thermodynamics related to the behavior of heat.
Detection, location and verification of the status of areas with thermal bridges such as the meeting of the façade enclosures with wrought iron or with pillars, the meeting facade with covers, the perimeters of window openings (jambs and lintels), etc… or areas where there is no insulation or it has deteriorated .
This image shows a wall that has an area with lack of insulation, in the image on the left it is seen in bluish colors, with a colder temperature than the rest of the wall.
Detection of areas with air leaks, so that in these areas there are also higher energy losses generating problems in the ventilation installations, as well as as possible condensation.
Detection of moisture that can cause other damage or pathologies that end up affecting the rest of the building. In addition, it must be taken into account that condensation in certain interior layers of the enclosures, since the cameras They do not usually have ventilation either, making it difficult to dry the themselves and favor the appearance of other associated problems such as the presence of fungus or mold.
Detection of façade areas with excessive losses of heating, in this case thermography helps us to detect certain areas of the façade where heat escapes quickly to the outside, since the thickness of the façade was minimal and had hardly any thermal resistance, since they used to place the radiators or heat emitters in niches generated by subtracting layers from the enclosure.
Detection of problems in the components of the high or low voltage electrical installations, and faults in the system, such as power surges, bad connections made or internal damage, excessive overheating in some fuses or connections etc.
Detection of failures in installations mechanical , within these we find those of water sanitary hot, air conditioning and protection against fire, allowing us to study the state in which find their components, and detect any leaks of water, obstruction of pipes, deterioration or loss of insulation that they present, inadequate thicknesses of insulation or incorrect placement of the same.
Observation of the condition of motors and pumping equipment so that a thermal image will help us to detect overheated motors, overloaded pumps, bearings hot or lubrication problems, detect these problems can help prevent more serious damage from occurring and more expensive repair.
They allow maintenance and verify the conservation status of photovoltaic panels, so that only through its monitoring and proper maintenance it will be possible to guarantee the adequate performance of said facility. Actually, it can be used for many equipment industrial, so, in the field of industrial maintenance it is a very useful tool.
Thermography can detect any type of abnormalities in these panels such as the presence of cells broken, cells with fissures or with defective welding between its joints.
It is evident that there are many models and manufacturers of thermal imaging cameras ; Bosch , FLir , Fluke , etc. We only want to express that they are not cheap if you are looking for quality and that it is worth paying for a device that will last you many years.
The following Power Manager video compares three different models of thermal imaging cameras; from the basic, to the most expensive and powerful on the brand Flir and Fluke. A mark recognized worldwide for its quality in thermographic technology and software:
It is a calibrated equipment and through the support software we can carry out detailed studies of thermal behavior of elements: Facades, ducts, ventilations, leaks, electrical panels, industrial processes, etc.
Can be used to detect hot (or cold) spots on items at a greater distance, but lacks accuracy. The Values are merely indicative. It is very useful to use the camera to visualize a leak, but then we will have to access to accurately measure it up close.
It is the perfect tool for the energy auditor since it allows us to detect thermal deficiencies in insulation, leaks, overheating, etc. But your measurement is not accurate and we will not be able to make a judgment.
The use of thermography is necessary to energy audits or when a energy rehabilitation , due to the objectivity and reliability that it provides to know the real state of the thermal behavior of the envelope and installations, but not only in these cases but also in the realization of the energy certificate.
Above all, because it is necessary to assess that, in a certain building, although it may present a good thickness of thermal insulation with good carpentry, good glass, etc...
If correct information is not available on how to behave in areas with thermal bridges or on the presents excessive areas with infiltrations or the existence of air leaks or heat losses, probably we will make an incorrect estimate of them at the time to enter said information.
One of the most important points when it comes to correct problems in the thermal envelope and that can deteriorate the building lies in the detection of cold areas or thermal bridges that could cause humidity.
These condensation humidity (See rehabilitation tips of roofs) are a potential problem that over the years can affect the structural elements of the building, if in addition we add that other types of humidity can come together due to leaks in the drainage network or in pipes of the cold water network and/or hot, we face an even bigger problem, that's why It is essential to try to detect and correct the themselves.
Equally, in the case of facilities, it is of great utility to assess whether their performance is the correct one and verify that the components have not been deteriorated or present any type of pathology that may end up impairing the operation of the installation. Obviously, if the equipment loses performance, consumption energy soar and also these problems mentioned could affect by considerably reducing the years of useful life of the installation.
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Point of interest:
Note: The images in this post are taken from a FENERCOM guide.
