10 reasons for abandoning manual thermography of the electric infrastructure

In the rapidly evolving scenario of electricity infrastructure management, the advent of predictive intelligent monitoring based on sensors represents a significant advance.

Traditional methods, such as annual thermography and periodic inspections, have long been the standard in maintaining and monitoring electrical systems. However, these approaches are increasingly recognized as insufficient in view of the growing requirements of reliability, safety and efficiency in energy distribution.

As industry is moving towards smarter and more proactive solutions, the role of the Internet of Industrial Things (IIOT) with intelligence, preventive failure detection and operational optimization becomes undeniably crucial.

Here are the 10 reasons why you should abandon the annual thermography of the electric infrastructure and use sensor -based continuous predictive intelligent monitoring:

1) Predictive intelligent monitoring is designed to identify an event about to happen - the processing of real -time information of sensors can provide a view of the evolution of infrastructure in a truly predictive way;

2) Even though an event occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, predictive intelligent monitoring and sensor -based features allow the technical team to isolate the main cause faster than in another approach;

3) Predictive intelligent monitoring reduces the exposure of the technician to risk;

4) Traditional annual thermography represents an inspection of less than 1% of operating time leaving 99% dependent on luck;

5) Unlike thermographic inspection, continuous sensor monitoring may continually control the most critical operating electrical charges;

6) Periodic inspection means that the collected data remains independent and is not integrated to create dynamic information and actionable insights;

7) Monitoring through IOT with the use of sensors provides accuracy; Periodic inspection and measurement depend on both equipment and operator skills to correlate the true internal temperature (and therefore never are of uniform quality);

8) Infrared transmission rates by a 'thermal window' can significantly deteriorate over time - this affects the accuracy of temperature readings;

9) Thermal image camera manufacturers claim that an essential requirement for accurate temperature data is that the camera should have direct view line for the conductor being inspected (accuracy is compromised by possible obstructions and the fact that windows are thermal have variable and deteriorating levels of infrared transmission);

10) A second requirement of thermal image cameras manufacturers is that the conductor that is being photographed thermally should operate with a minimum load of 40% of the projected load. For example, if the circuit is designed for 3KA, it must be operating at least 1.5ka at the time of inspection. This is rarely observed by those who perform thermal inspections of electrical equipment and are not known to most equipment owners/operators.

Conclusion

By addressing the deficiencies of traditional monitoring methods, IOT with the use of sensors emerges as a higher solution, offering unmatched accuracy, continuous operation and improved predictive resources. This article not only highlights the critical role of continuous monitoring through sensors in the modernization of energy infrastructure management, as well as emphasizes its contribution to safety, efficiency and reliability in the sector.

The adoption of continuous predictive monitoring based on sensors, as clearly outlined in our discussion, is not just an innovation; It is a necessary evolution in the way we address the maintenance and supervision of our energy systems.

With information: Exertherm