Hot Spot Sensing Using Infrared Camera Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-resolution infrared cameras used for hot spot monitoring in electrical equipment lack accuracy in determining the size and temperature of hot spots, as they have limited image quality and struggle to distinguish between hot spot and background temperatures, especially in high-temperature differences and with small hot spots near cold backgrounds.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a low-resolution infrared camera with a processing unit to determine the size and temperature of hot spots by calculating a correction factor based on pixel values and surrounding temperatures, applying interpolation methods to enhance image resolution, and using a thermocouple for calibration to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-resolution infrared cameras are used for hot spot monitoring, then cost is reduced and permanent installation becomes feasible, but measurement precision of hot spot temperature and size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing correction factors that modify the raw temperature measurements from low-resolution cameras. The correction factor is determined based on the ratio between hot spot temperature and surrounding temperature, effectively transforming the measurement parameters to compensate for resolution limitations and improve accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the measured hot spot temperature and surrounding temperature are continuously compared, and correction factors are applied based on their ratio. This feedback loop allows the system to self-correct measurement errors and maintain accurate temperature monitoring despite using low-resolution cameras
2Device complexity
If low-resolution infrared cameras are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish hot spot from background temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing analysis on specific regions - the hot spot area and its surrounding background. By separately analyzing these local regions and comparing their temperature ratios, the system enhances its ability to detect and measure hot spots even with limited overall image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thermal image into distinct regions: the hot spot region and the surrounding background region. This segmentation allows independent analysis of each region's temperature characteristics and enables accurate hot spot detection by comparing the segmented regions rather than analyzing the entire low-resolution image as a whole
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution infrared cameras are used, then hot spot measurement precision is improved, but cost increases and permanent installation becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by applying correction factors derived from temperature ratios rather than relying on high camera resolution. This parameter transformation allows low-resolution cameras to achieve measurement accuracy comparable to high-resolution systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of cheaper low-resolution infrared cameras instead of expensive high-resolution cameras. By implementing software-based correction algorithms, the system achieves accurate hot spot monitoring using cost-effective hardware that can be permanently installed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the accuracy of hot spot temperature monitoring using low-resolution cameras, enabling their effective and cost-effective permanent installation in electrical equipment, such as switchgears, by reducing temperature measurement errors and improving image resolution through interpolation and correction algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared (IR) thermography (IRT), thermal imaging, and thermal video are examples of IR imaging science. Thermographic cameras usually detect radiation in the long-IR range of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an image processing unit configured to perform interpolation on the plurality of pixels in the region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for hot spot sensing where the apparatus includes an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit is configured to provide the processing unit with an image of an object that includes a hot spot. The image data of the image includes image data of the hot spot where the image was acquired by a camera. The processing unit is configured to determine a number of pixels in the image corresponding to a size of the hot spot, an average temperature for the hot spot, the determination comprising utilization of pixel values of the pixels in the image corresponding to the size of the hot spot and the number of pixels in the image corresponding to the size of the hot spot, a surrounding temperature in the image, and a corrected temperature for the hot spot.