Uses and Maintenance of Thermal Drones

A thermal camera is a lot like a standard digital camera where the lens captures images. The only difference between that and the latter is that thermal cameras use radiation instead of visible light for capturing images. The final output, therefore, is different from that of a regular digital camera because thermal drones are used for indicating heat zones that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These thermal cameras are seen installed on drones. There are many uses for thermal cameras on drones. These drones can be used for the inspection of tall buildings, radioactive locations, possible hideouts of terrorists, and more. UAV thermal cameras or thermal drone cameras are highly effective tools for carrying out difficult analyses. 

What Is Infrared Imaging?

Thermal imaging or infrared imaging is the production of images using radiation. Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects that are above absolute zero because all of them have temperatures of their own. Infrared radiation is a result of the vibration of atoms and molecules. The temperature and the movement of the atoms and molecules are directly proportional. This movement is represented in the form of infrared radiation which cannot be seen with the eye can be felt. The use of a special infrared camera for spotting objects using a spectrum of invisible light is called thermal imaging. Despite thermal imaging being invisible to the naked eye, it works in several ways. It can be emitted, absorbed, or reflected. Infrared cannot be used to see through objects but it can catch the changes in temperature of whatever comes into the camera’s line of vision. Law enforcement officials can benefit from thermal infrared cameras. 

What Are Drone Thermal Cameras Used For?

There are many uses for a drone thermal camera. They are:

• Inspection Of Solar Panel Fields: Drone thermal cameras can be used for carrying out inspections of fields containing solar panels and monitoring the same. Drones find widespread use in this regard because they can easily complete physical inspection. Drones can also be precise in their operations which means that they can catch trespassers or animals on the premises. These cameras can also be used for taking measurements of the fields. 
• Carrying Out Electrical Inspections: This is a lot like inspecting solar panel fields. Electrical inspections can be risky for humans to carry out because there is a likelihood of getting electrocuted. This way, we can conduct inspections of such sort without physically being there. In addition to that, the electric poles can be quite high, so apart from getting electrocuted, there is also the likelihood of falling and getting injured. So, thermal drone cameras do away with both, killing two birds with one stone. Drones are also cost-effective and make work easy with the help of remote controls and screens. A thermal camera is a lot like a UAV magnetometer, which detects differences in Earth’s magnetic field brought about by materials beneath the Earth’s surface.
• Inspecting Buildings & Roofs: Just like the previous two instances, thermal drones can be used for the inspection of the roofs of tall buildings and/or the upper floors. There may be problems in the exterior of the structure that can be difficult to see physically. Drones can detect or analyze these problems. One added benefit of infrared cameras is that there are issues in the structure that cannot be seen using the naked eye, the cameras can be used to see them quite easily. This is a cost-effective process as the drones are easy to navigate and there is no scare of injury.
• Inspecting Bridges: Bridges should be checked regularly for wear and tear and corrosion. Their general stability is also something that has to be monitored. Bridges are usually very high and it can be costly both in terms of money and in terms of life to send people up there to carry out inspections, because of fall risks that might lead to serious injury or worse. Drones equipped with UAV thermal cameras can do away with this issue thanks to the screens and remote which can be controlled. 

Maintenance of Thermal Drone Cameras

The lens of thermal drone cameras, like lenses of all cameras, get dirty with use. You have to follow proper methods to clean the lens, otherwise, they can get damaged. Microfiber cloths should be used for cleaning the lens using a liquid that is 96% ethanol alcohol. Keep in mind, however, that the lens must not face the sun or lasers of high intensity directly while being cleaned as they can destroy the pixels present in the lens. Uncooled detectors cannot absorb high energy. Additionally, keep them inside a hard case so that they are away from dust and harsh temperatures, thus keeping them safe from damage when they are not being used.

Conclusion

UAV thermal cameras have a range of benefits, and if you follow the maintenance guidelines, can be long-lasting and efficient. They can be used to inspect structures that are usually difficult for people to scale.