Laboratory setup for developing inteligent system in the electrical-equipment-related infra red inspection

Infrared thermography IRT itself is theoretically well understood in terms of quantum physics and hence widely used as practical non-invasive diagnostic tool. Obtained thermographs are digitalized and stored, supporting detailed statistical analyses and, if required, distance measurements. This paper reports development of the setup for image processing optimization using infrared camera. Our goal is to report the design and commissioning of the setup enabling reproducible conditions for testing the camera readings. Aiming towards researching advanced algorithms for the power system malfunction diagnostics, we presented precise laboratory setup for simulation of actual currents in power busbars and contactors. Equipment malfunctions are dominantly related to increase of the resistance and, consequently, heating due to current flowing. We have analyzed the busbar junction flowed by the permanent current. For laboratory analysis it is highly desirable to design system capable of generating and measuring test currents high enough to provoke hot spot visibility (up to 2 kA). Since busbars are connected via bolt and nut, knowledge of applied momentum is necessary in order to simulate changes in the contact resistance and consequently heat dissipation. In case sufficient moment is omitted, the junction will develop higher temperature no matter which type of busbar is used. The expected temperature can be well predicted, fine-tuned and compared to obtained IR camera readout.