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Lockdown constraints amid second wave of Covid-19 a downside risk for electricity demand: ICRA

Lockdown constraints amid second wave of Covid-19 a downside risk for electricity demand: ICRA

Interview

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES – APAC INSTRUMENTATION

( TELEDYNE FLIR )

MR. T. P. SINGH

Q.Teledyne FLIR has been a pioneer in thermal imaging technologies. How would you describe the company’s mission and its impact on various industries? Can you share some of the most significant milestones in Teledyne FLIR’s journey?

 

Recently, the development of an ergonomically designed thermal camera for electrical utilities has marked a significant milestone, offering substantial improvements in usability and operational efficiency. This innovation allows users to operate the thermal camera for extended periods without strain, reducing fatigue and enhancing productivity. Additionally, it significantly decreases the operational time required for completing the tasks efficiently One of the standout features of this product is its ability to measure temperatures with an accuracy of ±2°C from a distance of up to 300 meters. This capability is particularly valuable in the context of transmission towers, which are typically spaced around 300 meters apart. With this feature, a single operator can cover three towers : one on the left, one on the right, and one directly in front of them, thereby tripling their efficiency by utilizing the right tool. Furthermore, the product’s ergonomic design incorporates a tiltable lens, allowing users to observe objects without straining their neck, shoulders, or eyes. This thoughtful addition has been highly beneficial to users, addressing comfort concerns during prolonged use. In response to user feedback, which highlighted the need to carry multiple lenses for different requirements, the team FLIR R&D developed an innovative dual-field-of-view (DFOV) lens. This lens integrates two fields of view—24 degrees and 14 degrees—into a single unit, allowing users to switch between the two settings with a simple toggle. This dual functionality eliminates the need to carry and change multiple lenses, offering significant convenience and efficiency. These advancements in thermal camera technology have provided considerable value, particularly to the electrical utilities sector, by enhancing operational efficiency, improving user comfort, and addressing practical challenges through innovative solutions

 

Q.Are there any upcoming products or technologies you’re particularly excited about in 2025?

It is currently challenging to disclose future developments, but recently launched innovation is already delivering significant value—Flir Routing. This feature is an enhancement to the Thermal Studio analysis software and addresses a critical issue faced in the field. The primary problem arises from the frequent changes in field personnel. For instance, today the field operator might be Mr. X, tomorrow it could be Ms. Y, and the next day, Mr. Z. Training each individual on the required processes can be both time-consuming and inconsistent, leading to operational challenges. To resolve this, the Flir Routing software allows supervisors to define specific routes for field operators directly in the camera. As a supervisor, you can outline the sequence of tasks, such as inspecting transformer number one, followed by bushing number two, wave trap number three, and concluding with surge arrester number four. The camera then acts as a guiding tool, prompting the operator to capture the images in the specified order. After capturing the first image, the camera automatically directs the user to the next assigned task, ensuring that all necessary inspections are completed in the correct sequence. Additionally, this software records and stores each image along with its geographical coordinates, including longitude and latitude, capturing the exact location where the image was captured. Once the operator returns, the supervisor can immediately review the images, verify the completed route, and confirm the inspection’s accuracy and thoroughness. The software offers further benefits by enabling users to revisit the same route after a specified period, such as a month, and compare current conditions with past records. This facilitates detailed analysis and monitoring of changes over time. The introduction of Flir Routing has provided immense value to users, streamlining field operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring consistency. This innovative feature represents the latest advancement in thermal imaging technology, offering practical solutions to address real-world challenges.

 

Q.FLIR’s products are used across industries like defense, public safety, and industrial applications. Which sector do you see as the fastest-growing, and why?

This question is indeed challenging to address, as all sectors are experiencing significant growth and hold equal importance. As a team specializing in instrumentation, our primary focus lies in serving the electrical utilities sector and the industrial domain. This essentially means that we concentrate on areas where temperature measurement plays a crucial role. Electrical utilities remain our key focus area, given the critical nature of their operations. Beyond this, our products are widely utilized across a diverse range of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and steel. Each of these sectors use on our solutions to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate temperature measurement in their processes. The rapid growth of these industries, particularly in India, has further accelerated the demand for our products and services. This momentum reflects the thriving industrial landscape and underscores the importance of advanced instrumentation across multiple sectors

 

Q.The market for sensing technologies is rapidly evolving. How does Teledyne FLIR envision the future of thermal imaging?

I believe we have only just begun to explore the potential of this field, and the best is yet to come. While the awareness surrounding the use and applications of these products has grown significantly compared to a decade ago, there is still considerable progress to be made. When comparing the current state of adoption in India to regions such as the United States, Europe, or even China, it is evident that we still have lot of ground to cover in terms of embracing this technology and utilizing it to its fullest potential. This gap highlights the untapped opportunities and the substantial scope for improvement in optimizing the use of these solutions. In response to your question, I firmly believe that the phase of green growth for India is yet to unfold. The potential for growth and development in this area is immense, and with continued focus and effort, India can achieve remarkable advancements in adopting and leveraging these technologies.

 

Q.Sustainability is one of the major components of the industry so how does Flir incorporate sustainability practices into its operations?

 

the corporate level, with a strong emphasis on adhering to global standards and minimizing the overall environmental footprint. This commitment aligns with internationally recognized benchmarks and underscores our dedication to environmental responsibility. Moreover, our products play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and reducing air pollution. For instance, some of our solutions are specifically designed to detect and visualize leaks of volatile organic compounds, including methane, ethane, propane, butane, and even sulfur hexafluoride. These compounds are among the primary contributors to air pollution. By identifying and addressing these leaks, our products significantly contribute to reducing harmful emissions and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment

 

Q.After celebrating its 15th glorious edition, Elecrama 2025 is coming up with a bang with its 16th edition so what kind of expectations are you looking for from this mega event?

ELECRAMA is undoubtedly one of the most significant exhibitions for us in India, and we are eagerly awaiting for this event. It serves as a prominent platform for engaging with the electrical utilities sector customers. This year, one of the highlights of our showcase will be our dual-field-of-view (DFOV) product, as previously mentioned. Additionally, we will introduce a new model—the Acoustic Imaging Camera. This innovative solution allows the visualization of partial discharges from a safe distance under live operating conditions, ensuring both safety and efficiency. This product will also be prominently displayed during the exhibition. To summarize, our focus at ELECRAMA will be on showcasing our key products, starting with our comprehensive range of thermal imaging cameras. Alongside this, we will present the Acoustic Imaging Camera for partial discharges and our extensive range of test and measurement products tailored to meet the needs of distribution companies. Of course, the DFOV technology is part of this portfolio. Lastly, we will highlight our digital solutions, including the Flir Routing software, which offers significant value to users