In the world of modern technology, thermal cameras have become an integral part of many industries, from construction and energy to security and rescue operations. In recent years, the use of thermal cameras on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been revolutionary, opening up new opportunities for observation and analysis. In this article, we will share our experience in testing two models of thermal cameras and their applications on FPV drones and VTOL aircraft.
The FLIR Vue Pro thermal camera was tested at altitudes ranging from 50 to 150 meters. The most effective altitude for detecting small defects in pipelines and power lines was found to be 75-100 meters. This is due to the optimal viewing angle and the sensor's resolving power.
The DJI Zenmuse XT2, with its combination of thermal and optical cameras, showed the best results at an altitude of 100-120 meters when inspecting large areas, such as agricultural fields or forests. The dual-channel mode allowed for more accurate identification of problem areas through the synergy of thermal and visual data.
The use of thermal cameras on FPV drones and VTOL aircraft opens up many prospects for various industries. Let's look at some of them.
Tests have shown that at an altitude of 75-100 meters, a drone with a FLIR Vue Pro thermal camera can detect heat leaks in pipeline systems with an accuracy of up to 95%. In the case of power lines at the same altitude, insulation defects can be detected, allowing potential accidents to be promptly addressed.
The DJI Zenmuse XT2 was used to monitor crop conditions at altitudes of 100-120 meters. At this altitude, the accuracy of identifying areas with insufficient irrigation was 90%, and pest infestation was 85%. This allowed farmers to respond promptly to issues and optimize resource use.
In emergency situations, thermal cameras can be indispensable for finding people at night or in poor visibility conditions. The FLIR Vue Pro thermal camera mounted on a drone detected people at an altitude of up to 150 meters with 92% accuracy, significantly increasing the chances of successful rescue.
Using thermal cameras on drones and VTOL aircraft can significantly reduce the costs of inspections and monitoring. For example, inspecting a power line with a thermal camera-equipped drone costs on average 50% less compared to traditional methods.
It is also worth noting that the speed of operations increases several times, allowing for quick response to emerging issues and minimizing equipment downtime.
Example of Economic Efficiency Calculation:If a traditional inspection of a 100 km power line costs about $10,000 and takes 5 days, using a drone with a thermal camera reduces the cost to $5,000 and cuts the time to 2 days. This results in a savings of $5,000 and allows for timely elimination of detected defects.
Thermal cameras on UAVs are a powerful tool that opens new horizons for various industries. The experience of testing the FLIR Vue Pro and DJI Zenmuse XT2 models shows that these devices have high potential and can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations. Implementing thermal cameras on FPV drones and VTOL aircraft is a step into the future, allowing advanced technology to be used to solve current problems.
