Energy Source & Distribution chats with Teledyne FLIR senior director TP Singh about the research and development behind the company’s cutting-edge technology.
How are Teledyne FLIR products being used to assist the energy transition in the APAC region?
FLIR’s products are significantly contributing to the energy transition in the APAC region through various innovative applications. Our technologies range from basic multimeters, clamp meters, and non-contact voltage detectors to insulation testers, as well as low-, mid-, and high-range thermal imaging cameras (both portable and fixed), and acoustic imaging cameras, including digital solutions.
This extensive range facilitates condition monitoring, allowing for the assessment of energy projects’ impacts and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations. Advanced sensing solutions for process gas detection play a crucial role in identifying emissions and leaks in energy production, enhancing operational safety and helping to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, which aligns with many governments’ environmental stewardship programs.
Also, FLIR supports renewable energy initiatives by providing thermal imaging and monitoring tools that optimise the performance of solar panels and wind turbines. Our products also enable effective monitoring of utility infrastructure, essential for reliable energy distribution and management, as well as for site inspections and assessments. FLIR collaborates with local governments and industries to implement customer-centric solutions that align with energy transition goals and sustainability initiatives.
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Can you tell us a bit about FLIR’s R&D?
FLIR has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the thermal imaging camera industry. FLIR was the first company to develop a camera that transforms a mobile phone into a thermal imaging device, showcasing our commitment to cutting-edge technology. With dedicated teams in Europe and the USA, we focus on developing new technologies and enhancing existing products to meet future industry demands.
FLIR invests approximately 5-7% of its revenue annually in R&D, reflecting our dedication to providing advanced, innovative solutions. This investment not only aims to strengthen public safety and well-being but also focuses on increasing energy and time efficiency, thereby contributing to the creation of healthy, intelligent communities.
What’s your unique offering to the utility market?
FLIR’s unique offering to the utility market centres around advanced thermal imaging, sensing technologies and software that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability. Our comprehensive monitoring solutions, including thermal imaging cameras and sensors, enable utilities to conduct real-time inspections of electrical systems, identifying hotspots and potential failures before they escalate into serious issues. This proactive approach minimises downtime and reduces maintenance costs.
Additionally, our products significantly improve worker safety by allowing non-contact inspections of high-voltage equipment, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, and enhancing compliance with safety regulations. We also provide integrated solutions that combine thermal imaging with data analytics, enabling utilities to analyse operational data, optimise performance and make informed asset management decisions. You can quickly perform inspection analysis with a streamlined review and documentation function, allowing the user to efficiently process their inspection results, update corrective actions needed and summarise findings in a templated report.
Also, our process gas sensing solutions help utilities monitor emissions and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, supporting sustainability initiatives and reducing their carbon footprint.
What are some of the unique applications FLIR’s products are used for?
FLIR Solutions offers a wide range of innovative applications across various sectors. Examples include:
- Industrial inspection: FLIR’s thermal imaging cameras are widely used for predictive maintenance and condition monitoring. They help detect electrical and mechanical issues before they lead to costly failures, leading to lower operational costs for our customers. Software solutions provide comprehensive data analysis, simplified reporting, and advanced measurement tools, enabling efficient collaboration and effective management of thermal imaging data for improved predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
- Public safety: FLIR products are used by law enforcement and first responders for search and rescue operations, suspect tracking, and situational awareness in low-visibility conditions.
- Building diagnostics: FLIR cameras are essential tools for building inspectors to identify moisture intrusion, insulation deficiencies, and other structural issues without invasive methods. This capability not only saves homeowners from costly repairs down the line but also enhances energy efficiency in buildings.
- Environmental monitoring: FLIR provides advanced thermal imaging and software solutions for perimeter security, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance, offering enhanced detection capabilities in all weather conditions. Software solutions provide customers with enhanced security and continuous monitoring by offering a centralised platform for managing multiple video feeds, enabling real-time alerts, and facilitating quick access to recorded footage.
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What are some impressive innovations in test and measurement that are in development?
In test and measurement arena, FLIR does have a various aspects in our R&D innovation pipeline:
- Advanced thermal imaging: We are developing next-generation thermal cameras with higher resolution and enhanced sensitivity, allowing for more precise temperature measurements and improved defect detection in industrial applications.
- AI-driven analytics: The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into our thermal imaging and measurement tools helps provide automated analysis and predictive maintenance insights. This capability will help users make informed decisions faster, optimising operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Wireless connectivity and IoT integration: Future FLIR products will increasingly leverage wireless connectivity and IoT technologies to facilitate real-time data sharing and remote monitoring, so our users can access critical information from anywhere.
- Enhanced user interfaces: We are focusing on developing more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for our software solutions.
- Expanded sensor technology: FLIR is exploring new sensor technologies, including multispectral imaging, which combines thermal and visible data.
- Environmental monitoring solutions: We are committed to advancing our environmental monitoring capabilities, including enhanced gas detection systems.
