Thermal imaging cameras used to be common in industrial plants some years ago. Today, they are in widespread use in many commercial buildings. All buildings (whether commercial or residential) face issues such as thermal loss, equipment failure and moisture intrusion. These do not merely affect the energy efficiency of the building. In many cases, they force the property owners to consume more power than they need to keep their buildings comfortable. To counter this, many facility managers of commercial properties across Australia have invested in these point-and-shoot imaging devices. These cameras typically use infrared wavelengths for measuring the thermal signature of an area. Thereafter, the infrared camera converts the data into a visual image that could colourise the heat for denoting areas of thermal variance. It is worth mentioning that these devices do not measure temperature. They only measure radiated thermal energy from which they derive a temperature based on the quantum of energy detected.
By relying on these thermal imaging devices, facility managers can easily:
Identify Various Electrical Issues: Thermal imagers enable facility managers to identify issues in electrical components that could pose safety hazards. For instance, thermal imaging devices can easily highlight overheated circuits or motor bearings that are on the verge of failing. When a motor is malfunctioning, the external area of the bell housing will usually be warmer. Thermal imaging devices also make it easier to spot loose connections.
Identify Thermal Performance Issues: With time, buildings often experience heat loss from their walls, pipes, doors, windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) cameras and other imaging devices might not be able to read the air temperature. But, they can measure the effect of that air temperature on a surface. Therefore, they can help facility managers determine if the air flow is sufficient for disbursing heat or cooling in a room. Some rooms might have issues of air infiltration from the doors and windows. As such, regardless of the temperature coming out of the vent, the room will probably never maintain the right thermal balance. It is worth mentioning that facility managers can use thermal imagers during the construction of the property as well.
Resolve Roofing Problems: Roof leakages could create a significant issue for the occupants suffering beneath them. Roof problems could typically comprise punctures, gaps in a seam or compromised membranes around HVAC units. When these issues arise, the water will first saturate the insulation over the roof deck. As the sun shines, this moisture will absorb the heat of the sun. At night, the roof will continue to radiate heat. But, the moisture-retaining areas will take longer to radiate this heat because they have higher thermal masses. Thermal imaging devices enable facility managers to identify these hotspots easily.
By relying on these thermal imaging devices, facility managers can easily:
Identify Various Electrical Issues: Thermal imagers enable facility managers to identify issues in electrical components that could pose safety hazards. For instance, thermal imaging devices can easily highlight overheated circuits or motor bearings that are on the verge of failing. When a motor is malfunctioning, the external area of the bell housing will usually be warmer. Thermal imaging devices also make it easier to spot loose connections.
Identify Thermal Performance Issues: With time, buildings often experience heat loss from their walls, pipes, doors, windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) cameras and other imaging devices might not be able to read the air temperature. But, they can measure the effect of that air temperature on a surface. Therefore, they can help facility managers determine if the air flow is sufficient for disbursing heat or cooling in a room. Some rooms might have issues of air infiltration from the doors and windows. As such, regardless of the temperature coming out of the vent, the room will probably never maintain the right thermal balance. It is worth mentioning that facility managers can use thermal imagers during the construction of the property as well.
Resolve Roofing Problems: Roof leakages could create a significant issue for the occupants suffering beneath them. Roof problems could typically comprise punctures, gaps in a seam or compromised membranes around HVAC units. When these issues arise, the water will first saturate the insulation over the roof deck. As the sun shines, this moisture will absorb the heat of the sun. At night, the roof will continue to radiate heat. But, the moisture-retaining areas will take longer to radiate this heat because they have higher thermal masses. Thermal imaging devices enable facility managers to identify these hotspots easily.
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