An Empirical Performance Assessment of Infrared Thermography for Real-time Monitoring of Electrical Systems in the Coco Fibre Industry

Abstract

The quality of the electrical network, which includes MV panels, DBs, MCBs, sub-circuits with fuse units, and electrical motors for machine tools, determines production in any sector. Most drive systems employ induction
motors. System temperature indicates health. Excess temperature is rarely detected due to breakdown. This case study presents real-time data for a leading coir industry from each electrical circuit and motor in several machine tools. Every section is thermographed and compared to the allowed temperature range. Thermographic analysis is non-contact and uses fewer meters and instruments. A harmonic analyzer measures THD using data from the full testing period. Modern energy audits save 10–15% on energy. Suggestions include modest restructuring of electrical network load distribution, little investment in capacitor banks in each section of induction motors, and thorough analysis and corrective measures based on customer needs.