Why thermal imaging cameras with smart sensors for the power sector?

ELECRAMA 2023 has always offered great opportunities by serving a potential market to the power sector, utilities and allied businesses. “We took this event platform to unveil our two products-  DFOV lens and Si124 accoustic imaging cameras , used to identify and address critical concerns of the power sector”, says T P Singh of Teledyne FLIR.

Products launched at ELECRAMA

During ELECRAMA 2023, we introduced two new products: the Dual Field Vision Thermal Camera (DFOV)  lens and the Si124 accoustic imaging camera.

The DFOV is a specialised lens that is essential in thermal imaging. Previously, we needed separate lenses for near and far views, but with DFOV, such concerns are easily addressed.

The T5xx and T8xx  camera has a 180-degree rotation capability, special feature  allowing us to choose between near and far. It is simple to use and advantageous when the lens is focused on a certain item, and our hands and eyes are relaxed. Hundreds of these cameras have been sold in India, with thousands more sold globally.

The Si124 is a partial discharge detector. It has 124 microphones included inside it. Its single-handed action provides a highly accurate location of the fault. Another benefit is that if someone is already using Flir software with a thermal camera, you only need to add this in, and the same software will receive input from both the device’s thermal camera and Si124.

What are the areas and fields where these will be used?

Most of the products and solutions featured at ELECRAMA benefit power utilities.  Talling bout Si 124, There are three types of cameras used in electrical utilities and industries. The first is a standard air leak, the second is a partial discharge, and the third is a hybrid of the two.

For thermal cameras, the usage of these things is fairly common, whether in oil and gas, power utilities, or other industries; all organisations require thermal cameras for predictive maintenance.

What kind of maintenance is required for these particular handy cameras?

Except for the calibration, there isn’t anything major needed if these products are handled professionally.. The camera must be calibrated once a year. We are proud manufacturer who provide a 10-year warranty on the detector and a 2-year warranty on the entire product. This warranty is applicable when product is registered  online on our website within 60 days after purchase. The product has a 2-year overall guarantee and a 10-year warranty on the detector, which is the product’s heart and brain. Except for calibration, maintenance is negligible.

How do you see the demand for thermal cameras in the coming years?

We notice a linear growth pattern. As the number of substations increases, so does the need for an appropriate maintenance tool. The thermal camera is the first predictive maintenance tool since it can measure temperature without shutting down the equipment and from a safe distance while running. As a result of these three traits, this tool immediately becomes a favourite and is the first to evaluate any installation. Even if the temperature fluctuates by one degree Celsius, we can accurately measure it from 300 metres using the special cameras we provide.

What are your views on India’s energy transition?

India has always been our focus area, and it is even more so now that we have a complete sales team available in India. We have distributors in all parts of India, and we have our service centre. India is definitely on the priority list.

Can you also talk about your plans for Make-in-India?

The bulk of items are currently made in Europe and the United States, We are a highly technical company, we do our research and development in Sweden. We have yet to determine whether to relocate that to India.

For more details visit: https://www.flir.in/