Energy Audits -Thermal Imaging Device
Infrared thermography is a time-tested scientific application of
measuring thermal energy, or the temperature of objects around us.
This technology has recently become more popular as advanced electronic
technology has made the thermal imaging device more affordable whereby
it can be utilized as a cost effective means of identifying adverse
conditions all around us.
Everything around us has a specific heat signature and emits infrared light in different proportions, referred to as emissivity. This emitted heat is absorbed from other heat sources around it and is re-emitted, or is the source of the generated heat.
Unlike the reflected light our eyes see, the infrared camera sees heat energy which is radiated from objects as well as reflected from other heat sources. The thermal imaging equipment can virtually "see in the dark".
When conditions change in a viewed object, a temperature differential or anomaly becomes apparent. Identification of exactly what the anomaly is must be further investigated with other testing equipment to verify the source.
Things that cause an anomaly are numerous.
They often occur from:
- Air infiltration: due to inadequate building envelopes or air leakage from mechanical equipment.
Moisture intrusion: water retains its heat longer and appears warm.
Evaporative cooling: liquids cool below the ambient air temperature as they evaporate and appear cool.
Condensation: water vapor warms the cool object that condenses water vapor to a liquid.
Specific density changes: the ability of a substance to retain its heat will change when deterioration from rot or insect infestation occurs.
Changes in fluid flow: increased or decreased fluid flow are apparent during the heat exchange in hydronic heating equipment and even blood flow.
A thermal scan is not actually a photograph, rather a display of 307,200 individual temperature readings (in some cameras).
Advantages of thermal imaging is that non-contact temperature
acquisition can be obtained without touching the object. This is
particularly advantageous when we are not able to access the object
(for safety reasons) or that an air conditioner must otherwise be shut down for
evaluation.
Two-dimensional evaluations can be made by comparing the temperature of
multiple targets within the same scan. This temperature differential
between like objects produces the anomalies which we seek.
Thermal imaging is real-time. It is not necessary to wait for processing of images and immediate evaluations can be obtained.
Thermal Imaging is Not:
- Night vision: night vision equipment amplifies visual light.
X-ray vision-thermal imaging can not "see-through" opaque objects.
A mold detector: thermal imaging detects the effects of moisture which is always related to the growth of mold spores.
More sensitive than human touch: thermal sensors of the skin are more sensitive to temperature change than most electronic equipment.
Frequent Uses of Thermal Imaging:
- Estimated R-values of building components: used in detection of inadequate or deteriorated insulation of the building envelope.
Detection of air infiltration: accounts for more than 30% of building energy losses.
Equipment performance: the first sign of impending equipment failure is increased heat. Thermal imaging can notify one of the need for air conditioning repair, and leads to to knowledge that improves heating and cooling throughout your home.
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