[RE-wrenches] Thermal imaging

[Bill Hoffer]

Jason

Accuracy of measurements is dependent on the size of the hotspot and the
circle in the bulls eye of the camera, see the module attached to Randy's
response.  The big problem with the less expensive cameras is that ratio is
totally distance dependent, and you need to get really close to get an
accurate measurement.  As far as I know that can change with
interchangeable lens only available on more expensive models.  It is one
thing to be looking at a 6" cell in a panel and another to be looking
valves and flow through smaller pipes.   Also realize that there will be
some interpretation in the results because you can only see heat that gets
radiated through the pipes, especially if using PVC.  I bet it would be an
awesome trouble shooting tools though, often you can find the answers you
need with less fun tools!   I have been really satisfied with my Flir E-40
which has a lot of useful features not available in the lower models, I
believe it ran me about $4500 a couple of years ago, but i am sure the
prices have been dropping as they are selling more and more of them!  I
definitely would recommend one of the E series if you are serious about
using it and the lower models only if you are curious and want an entry
level camera to get familiar with the technology.  Flir has an awesome
online learning course that can help you decide the best tool for what you
want to do!

Bill


On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 11:50 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>wrote:

> I've been considering this for solar thermal (pool heating) applications.
> Any comments on how far away these can be effective? For example, what if I
> am 30 feet away, trying to diagnose a flow rate issue through a large array
> of panels? I would need to get far enough away to get the whole system in
> the field of view. Would I be able to see hot spots where panels have no
> flow of water?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>  On Jun 12, 2013 11:14 AM, "Randy" <randy at positiveenergysolar.com> wrote:
>
>> 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 Professional™ (ID# 032407-66)****
>>
>> Principal
>> Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC****
>>
>> (202) 486-7507****
>>
>> LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713>***
>> *
>>
>> Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/>****
>>
>>
>> [image: 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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-- 
Bill Hoffer
P.O. Box 1823
White Salmon, WA 98672
sunengser at gmail.com <bhoffer at sunergyengineeringservices.com>
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