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Mission Critical System Monitoring

Traditionally switchgear is monitored using contact-based temperature sensors. They report the temperature at the point where the sensor is mounted. Thermography, or the use of our thermal imaging sensors, can detect phase imbalance in switchgear by detecting temperature differences between the phases. In a three-phase electrical system, the current flowing through each phase should be balanced, with equal amounts of current flowing through each phase. If there is a phase imbalance, it can cause one phase to carry more current than the others, leading to overheating and potentially damaging the switchgear. A thermal imaging sensor can detect temperature differences on the surface of the switchgear and automatically identify hot spots that could indicate a phase imbalance. By comparing the temperature of each phase, the sensor will generate a thermal imbalance sensor which computes the temperature difference.

With InfraSensing’s patented thermal image sensors, a user can monitor switchgear and electrical panels 24×7 in an automated way, without the need for individual temperature sensors. InfraSensing’s thermal imaging sensors can detect temperature differences on the surface of the switchgear, allowing maintenance staff to identify hot spots that could indicate a problem. This can help identify issues before they become serious problems, allowing maintenance staff to take corrective action and prevent equipment failure. Rather than relying on periodic inspections, with thermal imaging sensors issues can be detected 24×7.

The thermal image from the sensor can be divided into 4 different logical temperature sensors. This enables to report via Modbus TCP each bus bar, feeder cable or other equipment part as a discrete temperature sensor. For the Medium & Large versions, the sensor will report the MIN and MAX values in each zone. For the Small and Extra-Small versions, the sensor will report the MAX temperature value in each zone as a different sensor.

The thermal image sensor can be mounted with the optional small and compact magnetic 360° ball mount with an adhesive base (SPARE-BALLMOUNT). Made of a powerful neodymium magnet and silicon centre, it ensures a safe and secure grip of the sensor. The 360-Degree ball mount allows you to adjust the camera to any angles you want. It’s compact form factor allows you to mount your camera in tight spaces. The sensor connects to a base unit (Sensor Gateway) using a standard network cable. The network cable transmits data and power between the base unit and the sensor.

The maximum distance between a sensor and the base unit is 100m/330ft using a CAT6/7 cable (subject to cable quality and interference). Two thermal image sensors per Sensor Gateway are supported. For industrial applications, the optional Modbus RTU Add-on enables users to integrate the thermal imaging sensors with RS-485 control systems.