What´s Thermography?

Thermography is a monitoring technique that uses thermographic cameras to capture images of heat generated by electrical components. These images reveal temperature variations that can indicate problems such as loose connections, overloads or imminent failures in electrical systems. By identifying “hot spots” in electrical panels, thermography allows maintenance teams to intervene before these problems worsen, preventing serious failures and extending the life of equipment.

The Importance of Thermography

Regular thermography of electrical panels is crucial to guaranteeing the reliability and safety of installations. This practice makes it possible to detect potential problems before they become critical, avoiding unexpected downtime, damage to equipment and, in extreme cases, serious risks such as fires. In addition, thermography is an essential tool for preventive maintenance, as it allows interventions to be planned efficiently, minimizing interruptions in operations and reducing operating costs.

The Evolution of Thermography for Online Systems

Traditionally, thermography was carried out manually, with operators using thermographic cameras to inspect electrical panels periodically. However, this approach has its limitations, such as the dependence on periodic checks and the exposure of operators to risks in potentially hazardous environments.

Online thermography represents a significant evolution of this method. With fixed thermal sensors installed in the panels, monitoring becomes continuous and in real time, eliminating the need for frequent manual interventions. This innovation allows constant monitoring of the equipment, detecting temperature variations immediately and enabling a rapid response to any anomalies identified.

Benefits of Continuous Online Thermal Monitoring

Online thermography offers several benefits compared to traditional methods:

1. 
   

   24x7 Continuous Monitoring: Fixed thermal sensors ensure that electrical panels are constantly monitored, capturing data in real time and allowing potential problems to be detected immediately.

   
   


2. 
   

   Rapid Response to Anomalies: As monitoring is continuous, any abnormal temperature variation is detected instantly, enabling rapid intervention before the problem worsens.

   
   


3. 
   

   Reduction of Manual Interventions: By automating the monitoring process, online thermography reduces the need for manual inspections, reducing operators' exposure to risks and optimizing the use of human resources.

   
   


4. 
   

   Savings and Efficiency: Although the implementation of an online thermography system requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits, such as reduced operating costs, fewer unplanned shutdowns and the prevention of serious failures, far outweigh this investment.

   
   


5. 
   

   Historical Data and Predictive Analysis: Online thermography allows the accumulation of historical data on equipment temperatures, which can be analyzed to predict future failures and improve the effectiveness of preventive maintenance.

   
   

In short, thermography, especially in its continuous online form, is a powerful tool for ensuring safety, efficiency and longevity of electrical installations. By evolving from manual methods to automated systems, companies can not only improve operational reliability, but also optimize costs and resources, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment.