Long-wave infrared technology is widely applied in the power industry. Attostek’s LWIR camera products offer accurate temperature measurement and high reliability, providing mature solutions for substation, distribution, and transmission systems.
I. Substation
1. Online Monitoring
For key components such as transformers, voltage transformers, bushings, and line clamps in the main transformer circuit, high-resolution thermal imaging pan-tilt units can be deployed. Preset positions can be set for automatic inspection, enabling comprehensive monitoring. This ensures reliability and real-time performance while maintaining accurate temperature measurement in harsh environments like high temperatures. Precise temperature measurement and alarms for various components are achieved through preset positions and area control. Depending on installation scenarios, a combined infrared and visible light dome camera can also be used. It provides high-definition imaging and accurate temperature measurement, with built-in AI capabilities for intelligent identification and remote diagnosis, suitable for indoor automatic inspection and detailed monitoring of critical equipment.
2. Mobile Inspection
Portable thermal imagers equipped with a clip can be easily attached to mobile phones for field personnel to conduct regular equipment inspections and status verification. The accompanying mobile application features functions specifically tailored for inspection tasks, such as importing task lists, auto-naming images, and capturing GPS information at shooting points. It also allows setting reference images to standardize operators in acquiring correct thermal images. Infrared images captured on-site can be easily synchronized to the cloud for data management and analysis, fault diagnosis, report generation, and more.
3. Robot Inspection
Outdoor inspection robots for substations consist of a mobile carrier, communication devices, and detection equipment. Operating in remote-controlled or fully autonomous modes, they enable autonomous navigation, automatic recording, intelligent identification, and remote control, achieving full-coverage inspection of the substation. Attostek provides thermal imagers to multiple robot partners to obtain accurate temperature data of power equipment.
4. Short-term Fixed-point Monitoring
In addition to fixed-point monitoring and mobile inspections, temporary fixed monitoring points are sometimes required for potentially problematic areas or during high-load periods. These points can conduct continuous monitoring for several days or weeks.
5. SF6 Leak Detection
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely used as an arc-extinguishing and insulating medium in high-voltage, high-capacity power system circuit breakers. SF6 gas is non-toxic, colorless, and odorless under normal temperature and pressure. However, under the influence of corona, spark, and arc discharge, it can produce various toxic and harmful gases, impacting the environment.
6. Control Cabinet Monitoring
Control cabinets integrate numerous knife switches and protection circuits, which are prone to overheating and require real-time monitoring.
7. Converter Valve Hall
As the main building in converter stations for arranging converter valves and related equipment, the converter valve hall requires continuous monitoring using thermal imagers to ensure that insulating components do not experience condensation or overheating.
II. Distribution
1. Distribution Cabinet Detection
To ensure the safe and stable operation of distribution cabinets and prevent major accidents caused by overheating, short circuits, or aging of contacts and wiring, thermal imagers can be installed inside the cabinets for uninterrupted monitoring.
2. Rail Robot Inspection
Rail robots installed in distribution rooms, equipped with infrared thermal imagers, can conduct overall temperature monitoring of room equipment. By employing system analysis, temperature difference comparison, and historical trend analysis, they enable the identification of thermal defects in equipment and automatic alarm triggering.
3. Handheld Inspection
Regular manual inspections in distribution rooms help further eliminate potential safety hazards. Field personnel using handheld infrared thermal imagers can comprehensively detect distribution equipment and address abnormalities promptly.
III. Transmission
1. Drone Inspection
Traditional transmission line inspections mostly rely on maintenance personnel using handheld instruments to troubleshoot faults and judge potential hazards based on experience, which can easily lead to missed inspections. Many transmission lines are located in sparsely populated areas, making manual inspections even more challenging. Drones equipped with Attostek’s thermal imager and HD camera combo can perform automatic inspections along planned flight routes, quickly acquiring image and temperature data and transmitting it in real-time. Combined with image analysis and intelligent diagnostic systems for fault analysis, they enable accurate identification of line faults.
2. Transmission Tower Monitoring
Attostek provides outdoor self-powered wireless infrared monitoring systems installed on transmission towers for line monitoring. The system includes a power module, infrared thermal imager, wireless data transmission, cloud data management, and a client app. The power module uses solar panels or wind power generation, with batteries for storage. The infrared thermal imaging module employs a low-power thermal imager with sleep functionality to conserve energy. The wireless data transmission module uses 4G mobile network technology to transmit data to dedicated networks or the mobile internet.
3. Inductive Power Harvesting
Through inductive power harvesting technology, power can be obtained directly from AC transmission lines, offering safety, reliability, and independence from weather conditions. The inductive power harvesting module integrates a thermal imager and HD camera. Installed on transmission lines, it enables long-term, uninterrupted monitoring. Attostek has specifically designed compact, low-power thermal imager modules that can be tightly integrated into inductive power harvesting monitoring systems, achieving multi-dimensional sensor IoT monitoring for transmission lines.
4. Tunnel LinesUnderground transmission lines are used to transmit power by laying cables underground. They are often employed in urban residential areas or regions where erecting overhead transmission lines is difficult, such as across rivers or straits. Using tunnel inspection robots equipped with thermal imagers for detection enhances the perception of the working environment of underground lines and fault warning, improving the operational reliability of tunnel lines.