Drones with thermal imaging cameras search for heat loss from houses
In a pilot project using thermal imaging drones, the energy efficiency of houses is to be determined. An AI will then suggest suitable energy measures.
Aerial photographs of houses taken with a thermal imaging camera in a drone form the basis for an AI to suggest energy-efficient construction measures.
(Image: E.on (Screenshot))
The energy company E.on, the British city of Coventry and the start-up Kestrix have jointly launched a pilot project to use drones and thermal imaging cameras to map heat loss from houses and identify countermeasures. This was announced by E.on on Wednesday. The 3D heat loss models created from the thermal images are intended to help identify energy inefficiencies and make individual improvements.
The first flights of drones with thermal imaging cameras are set to begin in the coming weeks, according to E.on. The drones will circle over the city of Coventry and take thermal images from the air at a distance of 50 meters from the houses. According to E.on, this will only take a few minutes per house. The images can be used to create 3D heat loss models that provide precise information about where and how heat is escaping from individual houses.
Less effort, reduced costs
Previously, it was very time-consuming to carry out such analyses. This is because the heat efficiency analyses were carried out during house visits and could take several hours per unit – with correspondingly high costs. The use of drones can now save a lot of money, they say.
This also means that a precise analysis and any measures to improve heat efficiency are suggested by artificial intelligence (AI). The AI should be able to suggest improvements that are best and most cost-effective for the homeowner. The project community's plan is to reduce CO₂ emissions at low cost. However, it is unclear to what extent homeowners are willing to invest in thermal insulation measures.
Videos by heise
According to the companies involved, the aim is to approach homeowners with the data and results obtained and show them how they can make their homes more energy-efficient. Part of the consultation should then also include discussing possible financing options for energy-efficient conversion measures.
(olb)
