LOCALIZATION OF POWER DISTRIBUTION ANOMALIES USING IR THERMOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGY

A lecture on “Localization of Power Distribution Anomalies Using IR Thermography Technology” was arranged by the Research and Consultancy Committee of Engineering Department. Dr. Arthur Davis Nicholas has presented the outcomes of the Research Grant (RG) Project Titled “Identification and Evaluation of Energy Losses in Ibri College of Technology Power Distribution Using Infrared (IR) Thermography”, a TRC project for the year 2019, carried out by a team of engineering department staff. The presenter briefed an Introduction, principle of operation and standards pertaining to Energy Audit by Infra-Red Thermography. He has explained how the Infra-Red Thermography camera is useful in conducting an Energy Audit for any Electrical power distribution Facility. After detailing the standard operation procedures, the presenter briefed the results obtained in their Energy Audit carried out for the electrical power distribution panels of the Administration building of UTAS, Ibri.  The thermal imaging obtained by FLIR T 865 indicated lot of  Hot Spots, considered as anomalies in the power distribution panels. He described that, few of those Hot Spots were so critical in increasing power loss. Abnormal cases were also observed which would lead to even fire accidents, he added. While briefing the reporting part, the recommendations they have made were discussed for the safe operation of the Electrical power distribution system of the Administration building of UTAS, Ibri. The presenter confirmed that around 25% of power loss was estimated through those critical Hot Spots, costs around 2000 OMR monthly reflected in the Electricity bill. The session concluded with a healthy discussion with lots of queries, all answered by the presenter patiently.