PRODUCTS EDITOR’S CHOICE
or electrical engineers, a thermal imaging camera can be a vital tool. It can be used for trouble shooting power electronics, checking for potential problems during an installation, testing cables, or carrying out regular inspections. Historically, thermal imaging cameras have been expensive pieces of kit, and often too much of a luxury to include as part of an everyday toolkit. However, as the technology develops and the popularity of thermal devices increases, so does the affordability of the units. The Flir One Pro is a good example of
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING REVIEWS THE FLIR ONE PRO F
The Flir One Pro accurately detects and displays the highest and lowest temperature within the environment
this development. The Pro is compact and portable - at just 68mm x 34mm x 14mm, the unit is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and therefore easily stowed away in an engineer’s kit. Compatible with IOS and Android, the unit simply connects to a mobile phone via the USB-C connector. The user can ‘plug in and play’ for on-the-go image analysis and reporting capabilities. The Flir One Pro’s adjustable height connector allows the unit to be used even if the phone has a case. This gives the user the ability to adjust the height of the USB- C connector via a roller mechanism. In an
The Flir One Pro is used via an app. The app detects the camera automatically and is easy to use. The app offers three modes of visibility: the visible camera - what the eye can see; the thermal camera; and the MSX, which is a mixture of visible and thermal camera, providing a more discernable image. The user can also choose between different colour pallets, which can help to better identify potential problems. With the built-in spot meter it is also possible to pinpoint certain areas of the environment to get a more accurate estimate of its temperature. The Flir One Pro offers impressive
industrial environment where the engineer may need to work small and awkward spots, this useful feature illuminates the need for the engineer to remove the case, exposing the phone to the risk of damage. The unit itself is rugged and has been rated to take a drop from 1.8m. It also comes with a protective case that should keep it from accidental damage. Featuring the Lepton Thermal micro-
camera, the Pro promises a 4x improvement in thermal resolution, allowing the user to see more detail and measure smaller components from farther away. The expanded temperature range means the user can measure temperatures between -20° to 400°C, with up to three spot temperature meters and six temperature regions. The Flir Pro lasts for about an hour of continuous use, and can be fully charged within 45 minutes.
performance for something so portable. Its hardware is compact and robust, and the accompanying software is easy to use. The device offers engineers the ability to conduct on-the-go thermal analysis easily and efficiently.
www.flir.co.uk
The Flir One Pro app can display the image in various different colour pallets, shown here in this image of cabling inside an enclosure
Left: Hot spots detected inside a computer tower
ECONOMICAL CHARGING SOLUTION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The new AC wallbox portfolio, comprised of 52 different types in total, provides a high quality, cost effective electric car charging point for private and business use. The latest addition further strengthens ABB’s comprehensive portfolio of smarter building solutions from lighting to heating, music, security and car charging. Easy to fit and with a compact design of 50 by 25cm2
, the
wallbox can be installed at homes or offices. It is particularly suited to businesses that wish to provide
34 APRIL 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
overnight charging facilities for customers, such as those in the hospitality business. Manufactured with a robust all- weather enclosure for indoor and outdoor use, wallboxes are available in different versions, offering 4.6 and 11kW AC charging, as well as 22kW AC 3- phase charging. As with all ABB products, expert assistance with fitting and maintaining the wallboxes is only a phone call away through the company’s global technical support services.
Compatible with the industry standard Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), the ABB AC wallbox is future-proof and enabled for authentication and load balancing. For added flexibility, the wallboxes offer a range of connector types including type 2 socket, type 2 socket with shutter and type 1 and type 2 cable. For locations where wall mounting is difficult, a range of pedestals are available including one charger, two chargers back to back or two chargers in a 90°
angle. Wallboxes are also available with or without energy meter, load balancing, back office integration and UMTS/3G modem.
www.abb.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
