Thermal imaging improves the reliability of substations

Electrical power utilities are faced with an aging infrastructure with an increasing risk of blackouts and brownouts (a dip in voltage in an electrical power supply).

As a consequence - utilities are looking for ways to address these issues in order to improve the reliability of electrical power delivery while at the same time reducing unplanned maintenance costs.

Through use of thermal imaging cameras and automation software - FLIR and its partners have developed monitoring systems that provide early warning of impending equipment failures such as transformer fluid leaks or internal insulation breakdown.  

The FLIR thermal imaging cameras are able to recognise differences in the heat signatures of electrical components and the surrounding background, and compare the temperatures of similar components in close proximity to one another.

To download a copy of the application report, please click on the link above.