Kinetic Super-Resolution Long-Wave Infrared Thermography Diagnostic for Building Envelopes

EW-201241

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate rapid kinetic super resolution (KSR) long-wave infrared imaging and analysis as a diagnostic tool to enhance the capabilities of conventional thermographic imaging for assessing building energy loss. The KSR technology allows thermal imaging of multiple buildings in a way that is not currently possible with conventional thermography. Rapid assessment of the energy loss from hundreds of building envelopes is possible from scans taken in just a few hours, via drive-by along the street where the buildings are located.

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Technology Description

KSR thermography can help detect problems invisible to the naked eye, including missing, damaged, or improperly installed insulation within walls and roofs; thermal bridges; and poor seals. For example, most thermal bridges have a distinctive spatial signature, which yields a thermal image with relatively uniform hot areas surrounded by relatively uniform cooler areas, separated by a steep temperature gradient. KSR imaging enables an assessor to quickly identify energy loss problems in the envelope, estimate the extent of the problems, develop preliminary plans for remediation, and confirm that the problem has in fact been addressed.

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Benefits

KSR long-wave infrared thermography is expected to be a useful tool for decision making associated with energy upgrades and management, as it can rapidly identify and quantify energy losses in hundreds of buildings within just a few hours. This technology can be used in many locations to evaluate the energy intensity of thermal bridges and energy leaks so that better energy-upgrade decisions can be made. In particular, KSR can be used in combination with conventional thermography to provide a more rapid assessment of the building envelope energy efficiency to an extent not possible with conventional thermographic imaging alone. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2015)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Larry Stephenson

U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

Phone: 217-373-6758 xx 675

Program Manager

Energy and Water

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.