Hot Spot Analysis in Asset Inspections in The Electricity Distribution Area

Abstract

This article shows how thermographic devices can facilitate the early detection of faults in the electricity distribution network before they can cause the interruption of operation and cause damages and incidents due to short circuits and fires. These devices are used in different areas, but the proposal of this study is to use a portable thermal camera coupled to a smartphone, which makes the set a low-cost technological solution, compared to other more expensive ones already available. Through this solution, it is possible to measure and analyze the temperature of components of the distribution grid: connectors, insulators, automatic switches, transformers, amongst other. Due to this fact, the utilities can enhance the field activities of their teams with new technologies, seeking to increase efficiency in the inspections and to switch from corrective maintenance to predictive maintenance of assets.