Energy Auditing Home inspections & Weatherization withthermal Imagers Peter Hachey Fluke Electronics Canada LP
Agenda General Introduction Thermography Principles Inspecting with IR Thermal Imaging in the Building Envelope Other Applications How to choose a thermal imager IR analysis and reporting software Summary
Overview of Thermography Knowing a little about thermography helps!
What is Thermography? Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects The amount of radiation increases with temperature It is the science of seeing temperature by measuring the radiation emitted from an object and converting this data to a corresponding digital, or visual image called a thermogram We are only measuring the surface temperature!
What Does a Thermal Imager Do? Displays the thermal patterns on a given surface by converting temperature data to a digital image Provides visual verification and documentation of problems, before and after Reduces liability, improves efficiency, adds revenue stream
Why Thermal Imaging? Easier & more effective inspection Customers request it Be more competitive Build a business or Add to your business portfolio
Thermography Benefits Measurements are: Non-contact Obtained without disturbing structure Very sensitive to problem characteristics Detect problem before significant damage Can scan large areas quickly Identifies specific location
What Do We Look For? Air infiltration Energy use Comfort Insulation issues Moisture Construction problems
Where Do We Look? Indoor Walls Floors Ceilings Ducts Exterior Thermal bridging Windows & doors Construction joints Roofs HVAC/R Electrical and Mechanical Systems
Air Leaks Become Visible! Fast location of air leaks and missing insulation Non-destructive Easily document & report findings to property owner
Three Modes of Heat Transfer
Heat Transfer Heat transfer can be: Transient: temperature is constantly and significantly changing Steady state: heat flow is constant with time
Thermal Capacitance The amount of energy an object needs to absorb or release in order to change temperature Water heats and cools slowly because of its high heat capacity Air heats and cools rapidly because of its low heat capacity How quickly this change take place depends on thermal capacitance and thermal conductivity not time. Which has the highest thermal capacitance? Copper Steel Brick Wood Water
Successful IR Audit Air Leaks ASTM E-1186 T of 5 C for Air Leak Inspection Insulation ASTM C-1060 T of 10 C for Insulation Inspection
Inspecting with IR Stabilize home Turn HVAC off 10-15 min after arrive before scan Perform visual inspection of building envelope Work systematically follow route IR image appears hot or cold depending on climate Inspect from both inside and outside Validate findings with other tools
Range, Level & Span Range Span Level Saturation Colors Level =65 F Span = 30 F
Level and Span keep span narrow and adjust level as needed Auto Manual
Focus is CRITICAL Focusing an IR imager is different than a visible camera Infrared images are naturally less sharp 283.8 Best focus is critical for accurate temperature measurements Unfocused Image Anything but focus can be modified/optimized later with PC software 362.2 Focused Image
Air Leaks Image Courtesy of Structure Tech Home Inspections Common causes: Door & window gaps Exterior wall electrical outlets Recessed lights Attic penetrations Ducts / Vents
Air Leaks Locate exact leak point
Insulation Common causes: Missing Settled Wet Insufficient
Moisture or Air Infiltration?
Moisture Implications: Wet insulation does not perform Insulation settles Mold
IR Moisture Detection Evaporative Moisture Cooling (EMC) Wet materials evaporating water will reduce the surface temperature in a controlled environment until equilibrium is reached (dry) EMC causes thermal anomaly on surface, even when surface is dry Temperature difference can be >0.2 C MOISTURE
37 Master Thermography Presentation JWP-4
Moisture Intrusion
Moisture in ceiling
40 Master Thermography Presentation JWP-4 Detecting Water Leaks
Moisture Water entering building structure through: leaks in building envelop failed and poorly installed plumbing Condensation caused by: improper construction poor building management air leakage All of which can cause health, comfort, safety and financial issues
MOISTURE
Other application for thermography Electrical Mechanical Electro-mechanical HVAC Roofs (flat to low slope types only)
Roof Inspections Visually inspect roof before day of survey Plan inspection grid Make note of obstacles Know the roof type! Monitor the weather closely
47
Electrical Inspections Easily find electrical problems at the panel or on mechanical equipment
Steam Traps Normal When operating properly, the steam side is hotter and the condensate side is cooler. Faulty
Other! Alarm threshold set at 40 C Alpha Blending set at 50%
How to choose a thermal imager STEP 1: Analyse your needs STEP 2: Speak to an expert STEP 3: Talk with your peers STEP 4: Work with a local supplier STEP 5: Take a test drive! 10/24/2011 Fluke Confidential 53
What is Your Application? Building Diagnostics / Inspection Thermal imagers designed for this Measure smaller range of temperatures than industrial thermal imagers Require high thermal sensitivity
Look for the following Features Image fusion Technology Large crisp images Made for rough environments Documented and proven drop tests Easy-to-use Flexible data storage Voice annotation Simple and full-featured analysis and reporting software Ideally, should be included free of charge Maximum warranty included free 2 year warranty should be the minimum Look for The complete package
More detailed features Designed to help you work more efficiently in the field: Adjustable Emissivity PIP and image blending functions Level and Span adjustment Image Format (e.g. jpg, bmp, etc.) Voice Annotation Selectable Temp Scale (scales F and C) Date Format Time Format Camera screen back light Background Temp adjustment
Field replaceable lenses Must be easy to add at any time Easy to install (avoid fragile on-board electronics) Typical lens in Building Diagnostics: Wide angle Wide-angle Lens Telephoto Lens
Analysis and Reporting Software Create professional reports Look for software which is included at no additional charge, with no license agreement and no costly upgrades You can optimize everything besides focus, range and distance (FoRD) in the software afterwards Customizable templates makes your life easier!
Example of IR software: Modify: - Temperature range, color palette, emissivity, background temperature, IR/visual image blending, and add markers and text annotations Export Images & Temp Data to Word / Excel Create reports in off-the-shelf word processing software (MS Word)
Questions?
Thank You! Peter Hachey Level I Thermographer Fluke Electronics Canada LP 1-800-363-5853 x251 peter.hachey@fluke.com