Infrared thermography in energy audit of electrical installations

Subject review Energy Audit of Electrical Installations is an integral part of the overall energy audit of complex technical systems, and infrared thermography is one of the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for that type of analysis of power distribution subsystems. During the energy audit of the power subsystem by means of a thermal camera, it is necessary to carry out some additional measurements of electrical quantities which are often not performed easily. The paper provides an overview of the standards in the field of thermography and safety criteria of electrical installations based on a thermal image and measured electrical parameters. As a practical example, an analysis of an electric power distribution subsystem of large complex industrial consumers is presented.The procedure of the audit and decision making for future maintenance is described in detail. Recommendations of corrective actions in the maintenance procedure based on the absolute temperature criterion and the delta-T criterion under consideration of the measured load are given as well.