[RE-wrenches] Thermal imaging

[Randy]

Andrew,

We purchased the Flir I7 based on Bill Brooks recommendations.  It has
worked well. Plenty of battery life for doing large arrays

 

We have evaluated over 400kW of arrays and we have found issues - we found
modules that show hot cells. We learned the temperature impact of shading
and dirt or bird poop on the module.  We discovered 7 modules at one 120kW
site and when we did IV curves we found  only one module had reduced output.


 

See attached photo as an example.

Good luck.

Randy

 

Randy Sadewic

Positive Energy

 

Office: 505 424-1112

Cell:    505 570-0137

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Andrew
Truitt
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 4:55 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Thermal imaging

 

Wrenches - I am considering the purchase of a thermal imaging camera for PV
system commissioning applications.  Prices seem to range from $1,000 to
$10,000+.  Primary manufacturers seem to be Fluke and Flir, with Extech,
Ideal and Milwaukee offering a few products as well.  It seems to me that
the key factors to consider are temperature range, thermal sensitivity,
screen resolution, screen size, battery life, type of image capture and
price.  Does anyone have experience with using thermal imaging to identify
temperature irregularities in modules and/or electrical equipment?  What
temperature range, thermal sensitivity, and screen resolution is needed for
both/either of these tasks?  What have been the key factors/specifications
in terms of ergonomics and functionality?  Any preferences in terms of
manufacturer?

 

 

For a brighter energy future,


Andrew Truitt 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalT (ID# 032407-66)

Principal
Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC

 <tel:%28202%29%20486-7507> (202) 486-7507

LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713> 

Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/> 


24 copy.jpg

"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor
safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough

 





 

  

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