Continuous thermal substation monitoring solution that helps to identify anomalies, alarm on critical issues, and provide trended data on the asset status.
Transformers | Circuit Breakers | Bushings | Arrestors | Disconnectors
Understanding the thermal profile of critical components in an electrical substation is crucial. Electrical resistance in these components can cause them to degrade over time – sometimes quickly. When current passes over these degraded areas, the energy is given off as heat. Thermal imaging allows you to “see” these issues, identifying potential faults.
Implementing Viper Imaging Substation Monitoring improves the reliability of power delivery systems while reducing maintenance costs. Avoid those expenses associated with unplanned maintenance and systems operation restoration.
Why continuous monitoring is so much better than spot checks
Thermal imaging camera systems are the ideal solution for identifying problems before failure occurs. Traditional monitoring of substation equipment utilizes handheld thermal imaging cameras to conduct spot checks. This method is ineffective due to the limitations of both time and the workforce to conduct such inspections – not to mention the safety risk to personnel. Manual inspection certainly has the potential to miss warning signs of impending failure.
With continuous monitoring, data is collected from your site over time and analyzed by ViperVision software to identify trends and anomalies. As opposed to a single snapshot, you get:
- more granular data
- more informed decision-making
- improved reliability
- reduced maintenance costs
CYA: Cover Your Assets
Cameras are mounted in a variety of locations to provide the best measurement characteristics possible. Options are Fixed, mounted on Pan/Tilt device, or a combination of the two (illustrated here).
See ViperVision screen recording showing pan/tilt route configuration to the customer’s substation monitoring application. At 3 tour stops, notice ROI (regions of interest) resets, adjustments to measurement parameters for alarms, and more.
These images and data are captured by FLIR thermal cameras and processed with ViperVision software. (Note: Video playback is at 2x speed.)
ViperVision Software
Central Hub of your Monitoring System
FLIR thermal cameras are integrated with ViperVision software to directly communicate with your industrial control platform, such as SCADA, PLC, OPC, DNP3, Modbus, Allen-Bradley, and Siemens.
- Create and control scan routes
- Monitor multiple assets in real-time
- Identify hot spots and changing rates of thermal heating
- Control camera function and data transfer
- Interpret the data
- Email reporting of data and images
Ready to learn more about this great solution?
The customizable display can be set to show only pertinent information and data critical to your process. Other options include a cloud-based interface and customized reporting.
Click here to visit the ViperVision software product page.
Hardware Options
Camera Considerations
How to select the right camera for the job
Spot size ratio is the calculation of how far the camera can be from a target of a given size and still obtain accurate temperature measurement. Viper engineers ensure data is obtained from an accurate measurement range. Click here to learn what you need to know about spot size ratio.
FLIR A50 | FLIR A70 | FLIR A400 | FLIR A500 | FLIR A700 | |
Thermal Resolution | 464 x 348 | 640 x 480 | 320 x 240 | 464 x 348 | 640x 480 |
Lens | Fixed (29°, 50°, 95°) | Interchangeable (6°, 14°, 24°, 42°) | |||
Focus | Manual | Motorized | |||
Temp. Range | up to 550°C (1022°F) | up to 2000°C (3632°F) | |||
Dual Streaming (data & VMS) | Yes | Yes | |||
Visible Camera | Optional | Optional | |||
Wireless | Optional | Optional | |||
These fixed-mount camera solutions can tackle the most complex remote monitoring objectives. Click here to visit product listing.
Provides consistent readings over time, eliminating any guesswork from data analysis. Click here to visit product listing.
Typical Installation: IM500
The IM500 Industrial IoT Module is a complete fixed system that monitors and collects asset health data from remote sites. Users appreciate the bi-directional data flow enabled by cellular wireless communications. Analytics detect anomalies and provide automatic warnings. Signals are transmitted securely from the device to a dashboard on a phone, laptop, or other platform. Remote updates ensure the firmware is current as well as enabling customization of the devices. No additional software is required.
Hardware Options
Environmental Considerations
A Viper Imaging substation monitoring system utilizes thermal imaging cameras integrated with ViperVision software – which directly communicates with most industrial platform controllers. The software analyzes and compares the camera data against predefined parameters and triggers an alarm if warranted. Note that these parameters can be adjusted based on your specific application needs. Viper Imaging provides solutions for Class I and Class II environments that are Division 1 or 2.
Additional System Options: Mobile – Quick Deploy System | Solar Power | Pole/Tower (fixed or extendable) | Trailer Mount
3 Levels of environmental protection
- IP hood and sunshade (IP66 rating)
- Medium-duty housing
- ViperVenom (IP67 rating)
Pan/Tilt Mount
- Minimize the number of cameras needed
- Gain ability to set an automated route
- PoE version available for ease of installation
Processing Options
- On-premise processor
- Cloud-based analytics and storage
Images of Viper's System Solution
Viper Imaging’s substation monitoring systems are designed to provide continuous monitoring using thermal imaging technology and integrated software. This allows for the monitoring of temperature variations in system components, which can trigger alarms to provide early warnings. With a monitoring system in place, customers benefit from improved reliability and reduced risk, resulting in more informed maintenance planning and less risk of catastrophic failure.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS) | Lease | Purchase | Rental | |
Upfront costs | $ | $ | $$$ | $$ |
Monthly fee | Yes | Yes | N/A | Varies |
Equipment ownership | Viper | Viper initially, then transitions to Customer | Customer | Viper |
Contract term | 3-year (renewable) | 2, 3, or 5 year | Paid with order | Weekly or Monthly |
Annual on-site routine maintenance & calibration checks | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Quarterly service plan | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
ViperVision software upgrades | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Critical spares in consignment | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Key Benefits
