Drone-based thermography and handheld device thermography are two methods of using infrared cameras to measure the temperature and detect anomalies in various objects or systems. They have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the application and industry.
Drone-based thermography uses drones to carry thermal cameras and fly over large areas or hard-to-reach places, such as solar farms, buildings, forests, or crops. This method allows for faster, safer, and more comprehensive inspections than handheld device thermography, which requires manual operation of the thermal camera on the ground. Drone-based thermography can also provide geo-referenced data that helps locate the exact position of the detected anomalies. However, drone-based thermography may also have some limitations, such as regulatory restrictions, weather conditions, battery life, or image quality issues.
Handheld device thermography uses portable thermal cameras that can be held by a person or attached to a tripod or a vehicle. This method is more suitable for smaller or indoor areas, such as electrical systems, mechanical equipment, pipes, or walls. Handheld device thermography can offer higher resolution, accuracy, and flexibility than drone-based thermography, as well as lower cost and easier maintenance. However, handheld device thermography may also have some drawbacks, such as longer inspection time, higher safety risks, or human errors.
Some of the industries that use drone-based thermography are:
– Solar energy: Drone thermography can help inspect photovoltaic (PV) systems for faults, such as hot spots, cracks, or shading. It can also measure the current-voltage (I-V) curve of the PV modules to determine their performance and efficiency. Drone thermography can outperform handheld device thermography in terms of speed, coverage, and precision .
– Construction: Drone thermography can help evaluate the thermal performance of buildings, such as heat loss, insulation defects, air leakage, or moisture problems. It can also help detect structural issues, such as cracks, corrosion, or damage. Drone thermography can provide a better view of the roofs and facades than handheld device thermography .
– Agriculture: Drone thermography can help monitor crop health, water stress, irrigation efficiency, pest infestation, or soil quality. It can also help estimate crop yield and biomass. Drone thermography can be combined with other optical sensors, such as hyperspectral cameras, to provide more information than handheld device thermography .
Some of the industries that use handheld device thermography are:
– Electrical: Handheld device thermography can help inspect electrical systems, such as transformers, switchboards, cables, or circuits. It can help identify electrical faults, such as loose connections, overloads, or short circuits. Handheld device thermography can offer higher accuracy and resolution than drone-based thermography .
– Mechanical: Handheld device thermography can help inspect mechanical equipment, such as motors, pumps, bearings, or valves. It can help detect mechanical faults, such as friction, wear, misalignment, or lubrication issues. Handheld device thermography can offer more flexibility and adaptability than drone-based thermography .
– Medical: Handheld device thermography can help diagnose medical conditions, such as inflammation, infection, injury, or cancer. It can help measure the skin temperature and blood flow of the patients. Handheld device thermography can offer more convenience and comfort than drone-based thermography .
Sources:
: https://thedronelifenj.com/drone-thermography-vs-i-v-curve-tracing/
: https://cris.vtt.fi/en/publications/the-use-of-drones-thermography-and-other-optical-measuring-device
: https://60hertzenergy.com/drone-thermography/
: https://www.abovesurveying.com/pro-and-cons-of-drone-thermography-methodology-for-solar-pv-plants/
: https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/18/861/2021/
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