The fire at the Hyde North substation near Heathrow Airport on March 21,2025 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/europe/heathrow-airport-fire-infrastructure.html">forced Europe&rsquo;s busiest travel hub to close</a>&nbsp;for nearly a full day,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/22/world/europe/heathrow-airport-closure-flights.html">dashing the holiday plans</a>&nbsp;of travelers and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/business/heathrow-airport-closed-aviation-effects.html">scrambling flights across the world</a>.&nbsp; This was another in a series of wake-up calls to the worlds aging infrastructure and it prompted questions about Britain&rsquo;s infrastructure and how we can stop these occurrences from happening in the future.&nbsp;
<h5>A Lesson from Malaysia on how the UK can avert another &ldquo;Heathrow-Incident&rdquo;</h5>
It was almost three years prior to the Heathrow incident that a similar occurrence took place in Malaysia but this was barely noticed outside the ASEAN countries. &nbsp;It was the middle of a workday on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 12:39pm when the Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia 275KV substation suffered an arc blast that resulted in a fire that caused widespread havoc throughout many parts of the Malaysian Peninsula.&nbsp; ATMs, tollways, airports, trains, traffic lights, border crossings, hospitals, businesses and homes were affected throughout the nation. &nbsp;Between 300,000 and 450,000&nbsp;people cross the Malaysia-Singapore border daily, primarily through the Johor-Singapore Causeway.&nbsp;This makes it one of the busiest land border crossings globally. It would be almost 3 hours before the power was fully restored.&nbsp; In the meantime, much of the country was in a pause, and people were stranded on both sides of the border in a queue that would ultimately take many hours to diminish even after power was restored.
Fortunately for the people of Malaysia, national utility company&nbsp;Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) had already been looking for a way to protect themselves from such an event and had met with outside consultants who had suggested fixed infrared cameras as a way to move to a condition-based maintenance program and replace the outdated calendar-based maintenance program still in use throughout most of the world&rsquo;s grids.&nbsp; Advances in infrared cameras are revolutionizing the way substation maintenance is being managed.
The Yong Peng outage was the final straw that pushed them to finalize their designs.
<h5>The Hidden Risk: Gaps Between Inspections</h5>
Hand-held thermography cameras have been in use in substations for years to inspect electronic components for the anomalies that lead to shutdowns. &nbsp;Their use is codified in the US under NFPA 70B.&nbsp; These checks are typically carried out at three-to-six-month intervals.&nbsp; Unfortunately, it is the gap between these inspections where issues oftentimes arise.&nbsp; As the components in our grids age and the demand for energy increase, we will see the wear and tear appear more frequently.&nbsp; We often miss the critical moments where damaged insulation, loose or incorrectly wired control connections lead to arcing or heat, triggering an arc blast.&nbsp; Damaged enclosures, operating mechanisms and cable/bus supports also raise the risk of an arc event if not caught in a timely manner.
The best way to avoid these inspection gaps is to move to full-time thermal monitoring by employing bi-spectral mounted PTZ thermal cameras with specialized reporting software like those employed in the SYTIS GridSafe&trade; system.&nbsp; These cameras run day and night and, when paired with the proper software, send email alerts in real-time, at the earliest stage before issues become catastrophic.
<img src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-f8ph8pgqne/images/stencil/original/image-manager/192.168.0.111-1e1690-ch1-20230329135845.jpg?t=1733517487" alt="" />
<h5>How Southern California Edison and SYTIS Made It Happen</h5>
Southern California Edison has a simple, cost-effective way to protect their substations from arc events using a product they developed with camera/software manufacturer, SYTIS.&nbsp; The SYTIS and SCE teams worked hand in hand over several years to develop this ideal system that ultimately became known as the SYTIS GridSafe&trade;.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now deployed in many SCE substations, SYTIS has proven the competence and historical background to build the best, fine-tuned, condition-based IR camera monitoring system and put it in place quickly.&nbsp; The GridSafe&trade; has recently been chosen to protect a critical substation of the 2016 World Cup in Los Angeles and the 2028 LA Olympics.&nbsp; The SYTIS InfraSpec&trade; Software was developed to work alongside the camera system firmware to instantly email alerts and warnings to operators with actionable data.
<img src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-f8ph8pgqne/images/stencil/original/image-manager/-cropped-sce-gridsafe.jpg?t=1744919746" alt="" width="536" height="556" />
GridSafe&trade; Skid installation at a Southern CA Edison Substation
<h5>TNB and Calibr8 Join Forces with SYTIS</h5>
So, when TNB&rsquo;s partner and software company, Calibr8 Systems, Inc. out of Mannila, Philippines was asked to find an IR camera/software provider with a proven track record to fulfill this plan, they came to SYTIS.&nbsp; SYTIS is Calibr8&rsquo;s preferred partner globally.&nbsp;
Another important request from the TNB team was that the live stream of the cameras be integrated into TNB&rsquo;s existing AVEVA PI System. &nbsp;Since Calibr8 is the only PI integrator with the ability to do this live-stream integration, it was not a problem.
Over twenty days in January 2025, TNB, engineering company Simpro, Calibr8 and SYTIS installed the first Malaysian pilot program at the very substation responsible for the blackout in 2022.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-f8ph8pgqne/images/stencil/original/image-manager/camera-systems-malaysia.jpg?t=1744919918" alt="" />
Just a portion of the camera systems getting wired up ahead of installation at Yong Peng Substation, Johor, Malaysia.
The program is now up and running well and there are many eyes in SE Asia on this project as it is expected to provide the very security the world is looking for. &nbsp;As more stress is added daily to the world&rsquo;s grids, traditional ways of maintenance will no longer do the job.
<h5>Conclusion: The Future of Grid Maintenance</h5>
The advances in infrared camera technology and accompanying software are coming at the right time.&nbsp; The grid is aging and demands on it are being pushed to the limit by data centers, electric vehicles and other electricity-dependent technologies.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s time for utility companies to move away from traditional methods that can no longer support the needs of the future.&nbsp;
SYTIS is dedicated to supporting efforts to help both modernize and protect the global electrical grid with the motto:
SYTIS - We Gird the Grid
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
References:
Nierenberg, Amelia, and Michael D Shear. &ldquo;Heathrow Was Warned of Power Supply
Vulnerabilities, Airlines Advocate Says.&rdquo; Nytimes.com, The New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/world/europe/heathrow-airport-power-outage-substation.html.%20Accessed%2017%20Apr.%202025">www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/world/europe/heathrow-airport-power-outage-substation.html. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025</a>.
&ldquo;Power Fully Restored to All Regions of Malaysia Hit by Blackouts.&rdquo; The Straits Times, 27
July 2022, <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/blackouts-reported-in-malaysias-">www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/blackouts-reported-in-malaysias-</a>klang-valley-and-beyond. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

The fire at the Hyde North substation near Heathrow Airport on March 21,2025 forced Europe&rsquo;s busiest travel hub to close&nbsp;for nearly a full day,&nbsp;dashing the holiday plans&nbsp;of travelers and&nbsp;scrambling flights across the world.&nbsp; This was another in a series of wake-up calls to the worlds aging infrastructure and it prompted questions about Britain&rsquo;s infrastructure and [...]

Modernize. Why Malaysia is moving to condition-based monitoring to avoid another "Heathrow-event"

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 Throughout our interactions and partnership, Infrared Inspection Systems (now SYTIS) has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professionalism, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their expertise in infrared inspection technologies and their dedication to delivering high-quality services have made a significant positive impact on our operations.”
 <div class="quote-author">— Mark Christensen Manager of Substation Technical Services, Apparatus and Maintenance at Southern California Edison</div>
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In the energy sector, unplanned failures aren&rsquo;t just costly&mdash;they pose serious safety risks. Utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) manage vast infrastructures with mission-critical electrical assets, where even a minor issue can escalate into a major outage. Calendar-based maintenance and traditional methods rely on manual inspections, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming and often times hazardous.

That&rsquo;s why continuous thermal monitoring is transforming the industry standard, shifting maintenance from calendar-based to condition-based, enabling utilities to detect potential failures remotely and alerting to a potential problem before it occurs. SYTIS is at the forefront of this transformation, providing 24/7, AI-driven thermal monitoring solutions that enhance reliability, safety and operational efficiency.

But don&rsquo;t just take our word for it. Southern California Edison recently shared their experience working with us, detailing how SYTIS' expertise and technology have made a real difference in their operations.

Below, we&rsquo;re excited to share a letter of recommendation from Mark Christensen of SCE, highlighting the impact of our solutions in one of the most demanding energy environments. View the full letter below:&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-f8ph8pgqne/images/stencil/original/image-manager/sce-lor.jpg?t=1744238921" alt="sce-lor.jpg" />

<div class="container">Note: At the time this letter of recommendation was written, our company was known by our previous business name, Infrared Inspection Systems. We have since rebranded to SYTIS.</div>
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<div class="container">Learn why industry leaders trust Sytis&mdash;<a href="https://sytis.com/products/">explore our technology today</a>.</div>
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Recommended. Why Southern California Edison Trusts SYTIS with Safeguarding their Infrastructure. 

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The Fire Near Heathrow: A Preventable Accident?&nbsp;
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On May 20th, a blaze broke out at the substation in Hayes, London - near the Heathrow Airport - and disrupted one of Europe&rsquo;s busiest airports and left tens of thousands of neighboring homes without power.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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&ldquo;Officials said that 25,000 liters of cooling oil in a transformer with 250,000 volts running through sparked a fire and caused a large explosion, severing the airport and others from the power grid,&rdquo; according to <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://apnews.com/article/heathrow-closed-shut-down-flights-cancelled-19a2b7426526a9a5bbf6d0e31d28b2db" title="https://apnews.com/article/heathrow-closed-shut-down-flights-cancelled-19a2b7426526a9a5bbf6d0e31d28b2db" data-linkindex="14">AP News</a>.&nbsp;
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Could this have been prevented? &nbsp;

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The Problem: Thermal Stress and Electric Failures&nbsp;
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Over time, components like transformers, switchgear and cables develop thermal anomalies&mdash;hotspots invisible to the naked eye but early indicators of failure. Without proactive monitoring, these issues can escalate into catastrophic failures, leading to fires, outages and safety hazards. Switching to condition-based maintenance using continuous thermal monitoring is a proactive strategy to nearly mitigate the risks of these occurrences.&nbsp;

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The Solution: How SYTIS can make a difference&nbsp;
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Continuous, real-time thermal monitoring with AI-driven analytics detects subtle temperature changes before they become critical and cause failure. Unlike calendar-based maintenance scheduled inspections, which leave blind spots between checkups, 24/7 thermal surveillance ensures early detection of electrical stress, insulation breakdowns and component degradation of mission-critical assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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SYTIS provides advanced, automated thermal monitoring systems designed to safeguard mission-critical electrical assets. By integrating solutions such as our TC-90&trade;, industries can:&nbsp;
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<li class="x_MsoNormal">Detect anomalies remotely and in real-time and automate alarming&nbsp;</li>
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<li class="x_MsoNormal">Reduce reliance on a thermographer&rsquo;s manual inspections&nbsp;</li>
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As global infrastructure ages and energy demand grows, predictive maintenance is no longer optional&mdash;it&rsquo;s essential. The Hayes fire is a stark reminder that outdated inspection methods leave room for disaster. The future of reliability lies in proactive, AI-driven thermal monitoring and condition-based maintenance.&nbsp;

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Is your infrastructure protected? &nbsp;
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<a title="http://sytis.com/contact-us" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://sytis.com/contact-us" data-linkindex="15">Contact us</a> to learn how SYTIS can help you prevent failures before they happen.&nbsp;
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The Hayes substation fire left thousands without power—could it have been prevented? Learn how continuous thermal monitoring and condition-based monitoring with SYTIS detects electrical failures before they escalate into disasters. Read more.







The Fire Near Heathrow: A Preventable Accident?&nbsp;


On May 20th, a blaze broke out at the substation in Hayes, London - near the Heathrow Airport - and disrupted one of Europe&rsquo;s busiest airports and left tens of thousands of neighboring homes without power.&nbsp;&nbsp;


&ldquo;Officials said that 25,000 liters of cooling oil in a transformer with 250,000 volts [...]

Response. Substation Fire near Heathrow Airport 

We are thrilled to share that SYTIS has been published in the latest issue (March/April 2025) of <a href="https://www.windtech-international.com/previous-issues/march-april-2025">Windtech International</a>, highlighting how the TC-90&trade; thermal camera and InfraSpec&trade; software are upping the standard of wind turbine maintenance. Traditional inspection methods are costly and reactive, often leading to unexpected failures and downtime. Our continuous thermal monitoring solution enables predictive maintenance, improving safety, efficiency and asset longevity.
Download the full article <a href="https://sytis.com/content/Articles/SYTIS-WTI-March-April-2025.pdf">here</a>.
For further details, read through our <a href="https://sytis.com/blog/success-applying-continuous-infrared-camera-technology-and-software-at-puget-sound-energy/">case study</a> on how Sytis technology has successfully made an impact on Puget Sound Energy.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="sytis.com/contact">Get in touch</a> with a Sytis expert today if you're interested in leveling up your maintenance standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-f8ph8pgqne/images/stencil/original/image-manager/sytis-wti-march-april-2025-page-1.jpg?t=1744825714" alt="" width="386" height="541" />
&nbsp;
This article appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of <a href="http://www.windtech-international.com/">Windtech International</a> and is displayed with permission. Copyright 2025 by Siteur Publications.


We are thrilled to share that SYTIS has been published in the latest issue (March/April 2025) of Windtech International, highlighting how the TC-90&trade; thermal camera and InfraSpec&trade; software are upping the standard of wind turbine maintenance. Traditional inspection methods are costly and reactive, often leading to unexpected failures and downtime. Our continuous thermal monitoring solution [...]

Enhanced. Wind Turbine Maintenance With Continuous Thermal Monitoring

Sytis Project Manager, Troy Goss, contributed the following article to Factor This, an online, educational, global platform dedicated to the energy sector.&nbsp;
----
Arc flash incidents pose severe risks, yet traditional inspections leave gaps where undetected anomalies can cause failures. This discussion explores how continuous thermal monitoring with the <a href="https://sytis.com/tc90-bi-spectral-panel-camera/">Sytis&nbsp;TC-90&trade;</a>&nbsp;enhances safety by detecting anomalies in real time, enabling a shift to predictive maintenance. Dive in for insights on industry trends and real-world applications of thermal imaging in electrical safety, including a comparison between handheld preventative measures and continuous thermal monitoring.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/power-grid/grid-modernization/infrared-camera-technology-allows-for-continuous-thermal-monitoring-to-prevent-arc-flash/?related=headlines">New Infrared Camera Tech Allows for Continuous Thermal Monitoring to Prevent Arc Flash</a>
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<img class="__mce_add_custom__" title="tc-90-cabinet-clear.jpg" src="https://sytis.com/product_images/uploaded_images/tc-90-cabinet-clear.jpg" alt="tc-90-cabinet-clear.jpg" width="937" height="1249" />
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For more information about how Sytis can help you improve your electrical safety with continuous thermal monitoring systems, <a href="https://sytis.com/contact-us/">get in touch with us</a> today. We're happy to help!
&nbsp;
Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/">Factor This</a>

Sytis Project Manager, Troy Goss, contributed the following article to Factor This, an online, educational, global platform dedicated to the energy sector.&nbsp;
----
Arc flash incidents pose severe risks, yet traditional inspections leave gaps where undetected anomalies can cause failures. This discussion explores how continuous thermal monitoring with the Sytis&nbsp;TC-90&trade;&nbsp;enhances safety by detecting anomalies in real time, [...]

Emerging. New Infrared Camera Tech Allows for Continuous Thermal Monitoring to Prevent Arc Flash

In our <a href="https://sytis.com/blog/success-applying-continuous-infrared-camera-technology-and-software-at-pudget-sound-energy/">last post</a>, Ryan Severe, Senior Plant Engineer, detailed the longstanding challenges of safety and production and then successful application of the Sytis TC-90&trade; infrared camera system at Pudget Sound Energy wind farm. While this article discussed the over-all impact of transitioning to continuous thermal monitoring systems, it didn't dive into any technical details on how this system works.&nbsp;
For those more technically inclined - here is a quick how-to for setting up the network connections between the&nbsp;Sytis TC-90&trade; and the available ethernet.
&nbsp;
Step 1: At the base of the tower there is a&nbsp;Hirshmann switch (Fiber to Ethernet media converter).
Step 2:&nbsp;Install a 120V power outlet, which is fed from the breaker for the turbine outlets (This is only needed so that the existing outlet is still available for use).
&nbsp;
<img class="__mce_add_custom__" title="picture1.jpg" src="https://sytis.com/product_images/uploaded_images/picture1.jpg" alt="picture1.jpg" width="234" height="181" />
<address>Example of a 120V power outlet.</address><address>&nbsp;</address>
Step 3:&nbsp;Connect a powerline - network extender to the power outlet and to an ethernet port on the turbine fiber&nbsp;Hirshmann switch.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img class="__mce_add_custom__" title="picture2.jpg" src="https://sytis.com/product_images/uploaded_images/picture2.jpg" alt="picture2.jpg" width="258" height="176" />
<address>Powerline to ethernet connection.</address><address>&nbsp;</address><address>&nbsp;</address>
<img class="__mce_add_custom__" title="picture3.jpg" src="https://sytis.com/product_images/uploaded_images/picture3.jpg" alt="picture3.jpg" width="445" height="264" />
<address>Screenshot of where to purchase appropriate powerline ethernet adapter.</address><address>&nbsp;</address>
Step 4:&nbsp;In the nacelle, connect the second Powerline&ndash;network extender to one of the power outlets and then into a POE injector.
&nbsp;
<img class="__mce_add_custom__" title="picture4.jpg" src="https://sytis.com/product_images/uploaded_images/picture4.jpg" alt="picture4.jpg" width="541" height="303" />
<address>Screenshot of where to purchase appropriate POE Injector Adapter.</address><address>&nbsp;</address>
Step 5: Connect POE injector to the&nbsp;TC-90&trade;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Short and sweet - this configuration works for any wind turbine as long as it has a 120V circuit for power outlets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For more information about Sytis or our available complete solutions, call&nbsp;888-447-0651 or email info@sytis.com.

In our last post, Ryan Severe, Senior Plant Engineer, detailed the longstanding challenges of safety and production and then successful application of the Sytis TC-90&trade; infrared camera system at Pudget Sound Energy wind farm. While this article discussed the over-all impact of transitioning to continuous thermal monitoring systems, it didn't dive into any technical details [...]

 Instructions: Sytis TC-90™ Network Connection for Wind Turbines

Successfully Applying Recent Breakthroughs in Continuous Infrared Camera Technology and Software to Longstanding Challenges in Safety and Production at Puget Sound Energy
By Ryan Severe
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
1.&nbsp;Abstract:
This paper examines the successful implementation of stationary infrared camera technology in wind turbines at Puget Sound Energy, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing workforce safety, increasing operational efficiency, and preventing arc flash [...]

Success. Applying Continuous Infrared Camera Technology and Software at Puget Sound Energy

Early Detection and Reduced Downtime:
The Benefits of Fixed Continuous Thermal Imaging Cameras for Utilities
By Troy Goss
<h3 class="c9 c11">&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;" align="center">1. Introduction:</h3>
The utility industry plays a critical role in powering our daily lives, and as such, the industry must operate safely and efficiently. However, the industry faces numerous challenges, including aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and the need to minimize downtime. One way that utilities can address these challenges is through the use of thermal imaging cameras.
Thermal imaging cameras have become a valuable tool in the utility industry, allowing for improved safety and security, early detection of faults, faster response time, and reduced downtime. By identifying potential problems early, utilities can prevent equipment failure, minimize downtime, and ensure the safety of workers and the public.
This article aims to inform and educate utility managers on the benefits of using thermal imaging cameras in the industry. It will explore the key features and benefits of thermal imaging cameras, the appropriate camera specifications for the industry, case studies of utilities that have implemented thermal imaging camera programs, and the implementation of thermal imaging camera programs in the industry. By the end of this article, you will better understand the potential impact of thermal imaging cameras on their operations and the steps required to implement a thermal imaging camera program.
<h3>2. Current Thermal Imaging Camera Programs and Areas for Improvement:</h3>
Current practices in the utility industry often rely on periodic inspections and maintenance schedules to detect and address equipment issues. These inspections may occur on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis and are often based on historical data or industry standards rather than real-time data. While these practices have been effective in the past, they have limitations that can be addressed with continuous monitoring.
One limitation of periodic inspections is that they only provide a snapshot of the equipment's condition at a specific point in time. This means that potential issues that arise between inspections may go undetected until the next scheduled inspection. This can result in increased downtime, repair costs, and safety hazards.
Another limitation is that periodic inspections rely heavily on the inspector's expertise. The inspector may miss potential issues or misinterpret data, leading to inaccurate equipment condition assessments. Additionally, inspections may be difficult or dangerous to perform, such as in high-voltage environments or hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk to workers.
Continuous monitoring, on the other hand, provides real-time data that can be used to detect issues as they arise, allowing for prompt and proactive action. By continuously monitoring critical equipment, utilities can identify potential issues before they become a safety hazard or cause downtime. This can lead to increased safety, reliability, and cost savings.
Furthermore, continuous monitoring can provide more accurate and comprehensive data than periodic inspections. Continuous monitoring can collect data from multiple points in the equipment, providing a more detailed and nuanced view of the equipment's condition. This data can be analyzed using machine learning algorithms, allowing for more accurate and timely detection of potential issues.
While periodic inspections have been standard practice in the utility industry, continuous monitoring offers numerous advantages, including real-time data, proactive action, increased safety, reliability, and cost savings. Continuous monitoring can supplement and improve&nbsp;current practices, leading to a more efficient and effective industry.
<h3 align="left">3. Benefits of Using Thermal Imaging Cameras in the Utility Industry:</h3>
Thermal imaging cameras have become an essential tool for utilities, providing numerous benefits that improve safety and efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits of using thermal imaging cameras in the utility industry:
Improved Safety and Security:&nbsp;Thermal imaging cameras can detect potential hazards, such as hot spots on equipment or electrical faults before they become a safety issue. This allows utilities to take corrective action before an incident occurs, ensuring the safety of workers and the public.
Early Detection of Faults:&nbsp;Thermal imaging cameras can detect equipment faults before they cause downtime or failures. For example, thermal imaging can detect overheating components, loose connections, and insulation breakdowns. This allows utilities to schedule maintenance proactively, minimize downtime, and reduce repair costs.
Faster Response Time:&nbsp;Thermal imaging cameras can quickly detect problems and allow utilities to respond rapidly. This is especially important in emergencies, where fast response times can prevent accidents, equipment damage, and power outages.
Reduced Downtime:&nbsp;By detecting potential faults early, thermal imaging cameras can help utilities minimize downtime and reduce repair costs. This is particularly important in critical infrastructure such as power plants and transmission lines, where downtime can cause significant disruption and cost.
<h3>4. Camera Specifications for the Utility Industry:</h3>
Choosing the right thermal imaging camera for a utility application depends on several factors, including the size of the target and the distance from the camera to the target. Here are some key camera specifications that are relevant to the utility industry:
Resolution:&nbsp;Camera resolution is critical for accurately identifying small temperature differences. The higher the camera resolution, the more detail it can capture. For the utility industry, a resolution of at least 320 x 240 pixels is recommended for most applications.
Field of View:&nbsp;The camera's field of view (FOV) determines the area that the camera can capture. The FOV is typically measured in degrees and can vary depending on the camera's lens. In the utility industry, a wider FOV is often preferred to capture larger areas, such as power lines or transformers.
Temperature Range:&nbsp;Thermal imaging cameras have a temperature range within which they can accurately measure temperatures. The temperature range can vary depending on the camera model and manufacturer. For the utility industry, a camera with a temperature range of at least -20&deg;C to 150&deg;C is recommended.
Accuracy:&nbsp;Camera accuracy refers to how closely the camera measures temperature to the actual temperature of the target. The accuracy can vary depending on several factors, including camera quality, environmental conditions, and calibration. In the utility industry, a camera with an accuracy of &plusmn;2% is typically sufficient for most applications.
Durability:&nbsp;Thermal imaging cameras used in the utility industry must be durable enough to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.
Choosing the right thermal imaging camera for a utility application requires careful consideration of several key camera specifications. Our line of bi-spectral thermal imagers comes in a variety of specifications that can meet any need.
<h3 align="left">5. Use Cases for Continuous Thermal Monitoring in Utilities:</h3>
Continuous thermal monitoring offers numerous use cases in the utility industry. By leveraging real-time data and analytics, utilities can better manage their assets and prevent potential failures, leading to improved safety, reliability, and cost savings. Here are some examples of how continuous thermal monitoring can be used in different utility applications:
Substation Monitoring:
Substations are critical components of the electrical grid, and continuous thermal monitoring can provide early detection of any abnormalities in the equipment. By monitoring critical assets like transformers, breakers, and switchgear, utilities can quickly detect and diagnose potential faults, allowing them to schedule maintenance before a failure occurs. This reduces downtime, increases asset lifespan, and improves the overall reliability of the power grid. There are multiple ways to implement this including permanently mounted cameras or our GridSafe Skid System.
Transmission and Distribution Line Monitoring:
Continuous thermal monitoring can help identify potential issues like hotspots, insulator problems, and faulty connections, allowing utilities to take preventative action before a failure occurs. This helps to minimize outages and reduce repair costs. Our GPS-enabled Vehicle Mounted System enables a pair of operators efficiently inspect overhead lines from the cab of the truck. This allows utilities to leverage GIS systems and perform inspections even in less-than-optimal weather.
Solar PV Plant Monitoring:
Solar PV plants require continuous monitoring to ensure their efficient operation. Using thermal imaging cameras lets utilities identify hotspots in the panels, allowing them to perform maintenance and repair work to prevent further damage. This helps to maximize the plant's efficiency and lifespan while reducing the risk of system failures.
In summary, continuous thermal monitoring is a powerful tool for utilities to manage their assets and prevent potential failures. By leveraging real-time data and analytics, utilities can improve safety, reliability, and cost savings across their operations.
<h3 align="left">6. Implementation of Thermal Imaging Cameras in the Utility Industry:</h3>
Implementing a thermal imaging camera program in the utility industry requires careful planning and coordination. Here are some key steps to consider when implementing a thermal imaging program:
<ol>
<li>
Identify the target equipment:&nbsp;Determine the critical equipment that needs to be inspected using thermal imaging cameras, such as power lines, transformers, and switchgear.
</li>
<li>
Develop inspection procedures:&nbsp;Develop clear procedures for how to use thermal imaging cameras, including how to set up the camera, how to capture and analyze images, and how to interpret the results.
</li>
<li>
Select the right equipment:&nbsp;Select the appropriate thermal imaging camera based on the specifications required for the specific application. Consider factors such as resolution, field of view, temperature range, accuracy, and durability.
</li>
<li>
Train personnel:&nbsp;Provide adequate training to personnel using the cameras. Training should include proper camera operation, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
</li>
<li>
Analyze results:&nbsp;Analyze the results of the thermal imaging inspections to identify potential faults or issues. Develop a plan for addressing any identified issues.
</li>
<li>
Maintain equipment:&nbsp;Regularly maintain thermal imaging cameras to ensure they are functioning correctly and accurately.
</li>
</ol>
<h3>7. Conclusion:</h3>
While implementing a thermal imaging camera program requires careful planning and coordination, the benefits are well worth the investment. Ultimately, the use of thermal imaging cameras in the utility industry can help prevent accidents and outages, and minimize costs associated with equipment failure. As such, utilities should consider implementing a thermal imaging camera program as part of their overall maintenance and safety strategy.
If you're interested in implementing a thermal imaging program, don't hesitate to contact us at Infrared Inspection Systems. Our team can help you select the right cameras for your needs and assist you with implementing a continuous monitoring program that will improve your operations and reduce downtime. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep you running smoothly.
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<h6>About the Author</h6>
Troy Goss is a seasoned professional with eight years of experience in the technology and utility sectors and is a trained thermographer specializing in advanced imaging solutions. His expertise in thermal imaging and automated monitoring systems has contributed to safer, more efficient operations across various utility projects, reducing downtime and promoting sustainability. Dedicated to advancing industry practices, Troy continuously seeks to enhance operational resilience in utilities and renewable energy sectors through innovative, impactful solutions.

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