Thermal Imaging Surveys for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Large battery storage solutions, especially those integrated with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, are pivotal to maintaining uninterrupted power across various critical applications, and that’s where thermal imaging surveys can help maintain your system. Whether in data centres, hospitals, banks, industrial settings, or renewable energy installations, these back up battery systems ensure reliability and operational continuity. However, like any high-performance technology, they are susceptible to issues such as overheating, degradation, or even early failure. Periodic thermal imaging is emerging as an essential practice for ensuring the longevity, safety, and efficiency of these systems and to maintain your critical infrastructure.
What is Thermal Imaging and will it help my UPS installation
Thermal imaging uses infrared cameras to detect and visualise heat distribution across surfaces. In battery storage solutions, these cameras can identify temperature anomalies that indicate underlying problems like electrical faults, insulation failures, or hotspots due to cell degradation. By providing a non-invasive diagnostic tool, thermal imaging enables technicians to assess the internal conditions of batteries and UPS installations without having to physically dismantle the equipment. This proactive approach allows for early intervention and targeted repairs before small issues evolve into costly breakdowns t your critical infrastructure.
The Critical Role of Thermal Imaging in Battery Storage Solutions
Battery storage systems, particularly those used in UPS installations, operate under variable loads and are increasingly prone to thermal stress. Over time, battery cells can develop hotspots due to inefficiencies and operational stress, which might be invisible during routine inspections. Periodic thermal imaging offers several key advantages:
- Early Problem Detection: Thermal imaging can reveal abnormal heat patterns that indicate degrading battery cells, loose connections, or failing components. Early detection enables needed maintenance to be performed before a malfunction escalates into a safety hazard or causes operational downtime.
- Enhanced Safety: Overheating batteries in a UPS system can lead to thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction that may result in fires or explosions. Regular thermal assessments help mitigate these risks by ensuring that any irregularities are quickly addressed.
- Efficiency and Longevity: By monitoring the thermal profile of your battery storage solutions, you can optimize cooling and ventilation systems, thereby preserving battery life and ensuring that UPS systems continue to function at peak efficiency.
Key Benefits of Periodic Thermal Imaging Inspections
1. Preemptive Maintenance
Regular thermal imaging inspections act as an early warning system for potential failures. By tracking temperature variations over time, facilities managers can schedule maintenance proactively, usually 6 monthly/annually. This pre-emptive approach not only minimises unexpected downtime but also reduces repair costs by addressing minor issues before they become major problems. Thermal imaging surveys also helps to improve health and safety in the workplace.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency
Identifying and rectifying thermal anomalies in batteries means that the UPS and storage solutions are running in optimal conditions. This results in reliable performance in emergencies and reduces the risk of system failure. When every component functions correctly, the operational efficiency of an entire facility is enhanced.
3. Cost Savings Over Time
While investing in thermal imaging technology might seem like an additional expense, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. Early repairs and preventive maintenance minimize the risk of catastrophic failure—saving money on expensive emergency repairs, system replacements, and potential liabilities associated with downtime or safety incidents.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Thermal imaging provides a clear, visual representation of the condition of batteries and connected electrical systems. The thermal maps generated during inspections offer valuable data that can inform decisions regarding equipment upgrades, load balancing, or improvements in cooling infrastructure. This data-driven approach is essential for facilities that rely on continuous power supply and want to maximise system performance.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
In industries with strict safety regulations, maintaining comprehensive records of thermal inspections can be crucial. Many insurance companies require an annual thermal imaging inspection to the main electrical system such as distribution boards, and batter storage. Regular reporting on the condition of battery storage systems demonstrates a commitment to safety and helps ensure compliance with local and international standards. This due diligence can be a key factor during audits and inspections, mitigating risks related to regulatory non-compliance.
Implementing a Thermal Imaging Program
To maximize the benefits of thermal imaging, organizations must implement a structured inspection program. Here are some steps to consider:
- Establish a Regular Inspection Schedule: Depending on the operational environment and usage patterns, schedule periodic thermal imaging inspections. High-use environments might require more frequent checks than low-load applications.
- Use High-Quality Thermal Cameras: We only use high resolution and high sensitivity thermal imaging cameras. This helps to identify the subtle thermal irregularities that could indicate potential problems.
- Document and Analyse Data: Maintain detailed records of each inspection. Historical thermal images create a baseline that can be used for longitudinal analysis, enabling better predictive maintenance strategies with our trend analysis software.
Conclusion
The importance of undertaking periodic thermal imaging for large battery storage solutions, including UPS installations, cannot be overstated. This proactive approach not only enhances safety and operational efficiency but also offers significant cost savings and extends the lifetime of critical assets. By detecting issues early through non-invasive thermal imaging, organisations can prevent minor faults from developing into major failures, ensuring uninterrupted power and peace of mind.
For facilities managers and operations teams, integrating regular thermal imaging into a broader predictive maintenance strategy is a smart investment. As battery storage systems continue to play a critical role in modern infrastructure, safeguarding them with reliable diagnostics is essential. Embracing this cutting-edge technology today will help ensure the robust performance of tomorrow’s energy solutions.
Expanding your knowledge even further, you may consider exploring case studies on thermal imaging implementation, advancements in infrared technology, and emerging trends in battery thermal management practices—all of which can provide additional insights and help drive continuous improvements in your facility’s operations.
Contact us now
If you require a thermal imaging survey to your Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) please contact our team now. All our premium thermal imaging inspections include the following:
- Level 3 thermographic certification
- Level 3 qualified electrical thermographers
- Large format FLIR cameras with 45-degree lenses
- A detailed and comprehensive thermal imaging survey using our trend analysis software
If you would like more information on our thermal imaging services, or would like to have a chat about your project. please contact APT Sound Testing on 07775 623464 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk. We just require your company name, address and phone number, as well as a set of floor plans and elevation drawings, and we will forward a quote and informative checklist to help you prepare for the thermal imaging survey.
