What are some common energy waste problems that infrared thermography can detect?

A study by the International Journal of Energy Research found that IRT is a cost-effective tool for detecting air leaks in commercial buildings, with a payback period of less than 2 years. In addition, A case study by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) showed that: identifying and sealing air leaks in a commercial building with IRT resulted in a 20% reduction in heating and cooling costs.

Infrared thermography can effectively identify insulation loss from steam lines. Typically, the temperatures of steam lines with proper insulation should not exceed 20 to 25°C. Exceeding these temperatures indicates energy losses, and thermography can be helpful in detecting and addressing these issues.

Studies estimate that 10-40% of existing homes have significant insulation defects, with older buildings being more prone. A case study by NREL showed that: identifying and addressing insulation defects in a commercial building with IRT resulted in a 20% reduction in heating and cooling costs Examples of Insulation Defects: • Air gaps around windows and doors: These can be identified by drafts or using infrared thermography. • Compressed or damaged insulation in attics: Visual inspection or probing can reveal these issues. • Moisture damage around pipes or in crawlspaces: Visible signs of water infiltration or mold growth can be indicators. • Settled insulation in walls: Uneven wall temperatures might suggest this issue.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) found that: using IRT for early water damage detection reduced average claim payouts by 25%. Another study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) showed that: IRT inspection in a multi-story building identified a hidden roof leak, preventing extensive water damage and saving $100,000 in repair costs. Examples of Detecting Water Damage with IRT: Hidden leaks in walls and ceilings: Water behind walls or above ceilings alters temperature patterns, allowing IRT to identify hidden leaks before structural damage occurs. Roof leaks Foundation leaks Plumbing leaks

Loose connections at terminal boxes can result in electrical faults such as flashovers and unnecessary downtime. Using thermography to demarcate high-temperature zones in the terminal boxes can facilitate preventive maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and improving operational reliability.

A study by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) found that: incorporating IRT into routine maintenance programs for power distribution systems reduced downtime costs by 15-20% for utilities Examples of Detecting Electrical Faults with IRT: Overheated electrical panels and breakers: These often show up as warmer areas on thermal images, indicating potential overload or loose connections. Faulty transformers and switchgears: Hot spots on transformers or switchgears can reveal internal overheating or component damage. Loose connections and corroded terminals: These can create resistance and heat buildup, visualized as warmer areas on thermal images. Damaged cables and wiring Bearing and motor failures

While most semi-critical and non-critical pumps and motors may not exhibit temperature indications, thermography can reveal trends in increasing temperatures. Implementing preventive maintenance based on thermography findings can help avoid unnecessary downtime of rotating equipment and enhance overall operational efficiency.

The global market for IRT in building applications is projected to reach USD 6.7 billion by 2025, reflecting its growing demand for defect detection and energy efficiency analysis.

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