Thermography is one of the non-invasive inspection techniques that uses infrared cameras to determine the temperature of surfaces and detect thermal anomalies. This analysis can be performed using drones to cover extensive areas in a short time, or by using portable cameras to evaluate temperatures in string boxes, transformers, switchgear, and other critical equipment.

In photovoltaic applications, uneven cell heating is the most commonly detected anomaly by thermography. This failure results in performance and economic losses for each affected string [1]. This is particularly relevant given that low performance in the global solar industry results in losses of up to 2.5 trillion dollars [2].

• Electrical sector: Used in generation, distribution, and transmission to detect defective connections, overloaded circuits, and overheated components.
• Mechanical sector: Useful for identifying failures in bearings, misalignments, worn parts, and inadequate lubrication.
• Energy sector: Applied in pipelines and related systems to identify leaks, blockages, and temperature anomalies.
• Manufacturing: Used to inspect products during production processes, detecting cracks, delaminations, and porosity.
• Construction: Implemented in buildings, bridges, and pipes to detect heat loss, moisture infiltration, and insulation deficiencies.
• Automotive and aerospace: Used in thermal analysis and mapping of critical components such as engines, braking systems, and electrical connections.

The integration of the Internet of Things and convolutional neural networks —a key Deep Learning architecture— is emerging as a fundamental technology in Industry 4.0 for thermographic analyses. These networks enable early automated detection of defects and thermal anomalies in asset management [3]. For example, instance segmentation in images allows for real-time, remote monitoring of equipment or structures with up to 99% accuracy in some studies [4].

At ITIC GROUP, we have extensive experience in thermographic analysis projects, applying international standards to ensure accuracy and reliability. We have worked with several photovoltaic plants in the Americas, generating valuable insights to optimize both economic and operational performance through high-quality diagnostics.

ITIC GROUP offers specialized thermography services using both manual methods and drones equipped with the latest infrared cameras, ensuring precise and efficient inspections. We have experience with IEC 62446-3 thermography, providing detailed reports that help identify failures and issues in installations, as well as high-resolution orthophotos and thermographic imaging for technical analysis.

We are currently developing our own artificial vision models to help our technicians detect thermal anomalies and ensure more accurate evaluations of equipment and infrastructure.

[1] Å. F. Skomedal, B. L. Aarseth, H. Haug, J. Selj, and E. S. Marstein, “How much power is lost in a hot-spot? A case study quantifying the effect of thermal anomalies in two utility scale PV power plants,” Sol. Energy, vol. 211, pp. 1255–1262, Nov. 2020, doi: 10.1016/J.SOLENER.2020.10.065.

[2] B. Santos, “Raptor Maps indicates the growing problem of low performance in photovoltaic systems,” PV magazine, 2023. https://www.pv-magazine.es/2023/03/07/raptor-maps-senala-el-creciente-problema-del-bajo-rendimiento-de-los-sistemas-fotovoltaicos/ (accessed Feb. 18, 2025).

[3] A.-K. Engineering, J. Al-Khwarizmi, E. Journal, H. N. Al-Jubori, I. Al-Darraji, and H. Jerbi, “Defect Detection Using Thermography Camera Techniques: A review,” Al-Khwarizmi Eng. J., vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 70–88, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.22153/KEJ.2024.03.002.

[4] J. Liu, C. Xu, Q. Ye, L. Cao, X. Dai, and Q. Li, “Thermal Imaging-Based Abnormal Heating Detection for High-Voltage Power Equipment,” Energies 2024, Vol. 17, Page 4035, vol. 17, no. 16, p. 4035, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.3390/EN17164035.

• Aníbal Alviz Meza.
• ITIC-GROUP