Feature Thermal Imaging Lightweight camera for aerial shots
A lightweight thermal imaging camera that can be easily mounted to a variety of UAVs including micro- drones and multicopters has been introduced by Micro-Epsilon to carry out thermographic surveys
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recision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has launched a lightweight thermal imaging camera that can be easily mounted to a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including micro-drones and multicopters to carry out thermo- graphic surveys and defect analysis of photovoltaic cells (solar panels), wind turbines, buildings and other difficult to access structures.
The thermoIMAGER TIM
LightWeight consists of a miniature infrared (IR) camera (Micro-Epsilon’s thermoIMAGER TIM 400 or 450 ther- mal imager) and a miniature light- weight NetBox mini PC. With a total weight of just 380g this two-piece system is suitable for aerial thermography applications. IR video recordings can be launched directly via a button on the camera housing; the video is stored on a microSD storage card in NetBox.
Numerous applications “thermoIMAGER TIM LightWeight is the lightest thermography system for aerial applications available on the market today,” comments managing director Chris Jones.
“The combination of a miniature lightweight PC and a powerful light- weight thermal imaging camera opens up numerous potential applications in
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aerial maintenance and quality inspec- tion of a variety of structures and sys- tems including solar energy and wind power installations and for thermo- graphic surveys of buildings - tall structures where manual inspection would be costly and time consuming.”
Solar panel inspection
In a recent application the camera was used to carry out defect analysis on solar panels. Any defective photo- voltaic cells can destroy an entire solar module and so thermography is an effective method of preventative main- tenance. For example, any noticeable differences in temperature can be detected by the thermal imager in addition to defects relating to electri- cal and mechanical components, installation and processing-related defects including short circuits, in- active cells, moisture and poorly sol- dered joints. As part of scheduled maintenance operations, thermogra- phy can provide valuable information for resolving warranty claims. Inspection using IR cameras are per- formed in a non-contact, non-destruc- tive manner at a safe distance from the target. The thermoIMAGER TIM LightWeight IR camera is therefore suitable for use on a multi-drone or quadrocopter (a small, remote-con- trolled helicopter with four blades).
Design factors to consider when using an IR camera as part of aerial operations include low weight, autonomous control and sufficiently high camera resolution to ensure high quality IR images.
The compact high resolution thermoIMAGER TIM LightWeight IR camera measures just 111 x 55 x 45mm. The camera provides full radiometric IR inspection with an optical resolution of 382 x 288 pixels in 12ms per frame.
Enhanced thermal sensitivity Thermal sensitivity is down to 40mK so even the slightest temperature vari- ations can be reliably detected. A 20Hz video signal is generated during inspection flights and radio-transmit- ted to the UAV operator.
In parallel, radiometric imagery is stored on an SDHC memory card at a frequency of 35Hz. A GigE interface is provided to download the video from the NetBox PC after the flight. The package is completed by Micro- Epsilon’s versatile PI Connect software for data recording and analysis. Connection of an HD video camera is supported via an additional USB port.
Micro-Epsilon T: +44 (0)151 355 6070
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Factory Equipment
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