DEVELOPMENT OF THERMAL UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) SYSTEM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS

Abstract

In the scope of this study, a system was developed for performing essential thermal measurements with the aim of support energy efficiency in industrial places and public dwellings and determining heat energy losses. The system was established through using unmanned aerial vehicle, thermal cameras with wireless and RGB communication. Primarily calibration tests were carried out for flight time of unmanned aerial vehicle, landing after the flight, accuracy of lift-off, balance tests, images taken from colored and thermal camera. Radiometric, thermal and geometric calibrations were fulfilled at the calibration stage. After the calibration stage, thermal measurements were performed and heat losses were determined. It was selected two buildings and a parking lot, then essential measurements were done. According to heat loss calculation published by Turkish Plumbing and Engineers Association, heat losses were calculated, heat loss values taken from thermal cameras were compared and verifications and optimization processes were carried out for the system. Keywords: Colored camera, energy efficiency, heat loss, thermal camera, unmanned aerial vehicle.