Thermal monitoring used to help prevent blackout risk

A new thermal imaging system using FLIR technology has been installed at Moneypoint Power Station to reduce fire risks and provide continuous monitoring of key infrastructure.

According to FLIR, the system is designed to prevent cascading failures that could affect up to 25 percent of Ireland’s power supply.

The deployment was led by ESB Energy and Butler Technologies.

The system integrates FLIR A500f and A70 thermal cameras and monitors components such as transformers and cabling.

The power station is located on Ireland’s west coast and currently operates as an oil-fired facility while serving as a national test site for renewable energy development.

Shift from manual to real-time automated monitoring

FLIR reported that thermal inspections at the Moneypoint facility were previously carried out manually on a weekly basis.

The new automated system delivers alerts within seconds of abnormal temperature detection.

According to the company, this allows for quicker interventions that may help prevent larger failures.

Thermal monitoring now covers areas such as turbine halls and substations.

Butler Technologies has adapted the system to push alerts to shift managers via app, SMS or email.

John Free, Senior Account Manager at Butler Technologies, said: “This isn’t about replacing engineers. It’s about empowering them.

“With fewer hands on deck, this system becomes an extra set of eyes they can trust.”

Enhanced asset monitoring with FLIR data feeds

FLIR explained that its thermal imaging system allows engineers to detect early signs of stress or failure.

Each image contains over 16,000 reference points, enabling more precise analysis than traditional sensors.

FLIR stated that this data improves the speed and accuracy of decision-making during incidents.

According to the company, the improved insights help avoid visual guesswork and allow for targeted maintenance.

The site has ordered additional cameras and is using the system to monitor operational patterns.

Integrated system architecture simplifies response

FLIR said the Moneypoint deployment uses a fully integrated system architecture.

The system feeds into the station’s video management platform, where alerts are automatically displayed.

Alarms expand on screen to highlight thermal zones needing attention.

There is no requirement for third-party hardware, which FLIR stated helps reduce maintenance issues.

Plans are in place to scale the system to include new devices and support for AI-based monitoring.

Pilot scheme for wider grid adoption

The ESB Project Engineer said: “We chose FLIR technology because it provides the real-time precision and scalability needed to safeguard critical infrastructure.

“In an industry where uptime is everything, FLIR’s thermal imaging offers the level of early detection and monitoring we require to protect both our assets and the national grid.”

FLIR noted that this is the first deployment of its kind in Ireland and one of the first in Europe to support integration with future renewable operations.

ESB Energy is trialling use of the same technology at its substations to monitor connection points and detect faults.

FLIR said that if successful, the system could be deployed across over 500 substations nationwide.

The system is currently supporting preparatory work on wind energy projects.

FLIR thermal imaging system enhances grid reliability in Ireland: Summary

FLIR has reported that its thermal monitoring system has been installed at Moneypoint Power Station in Ireland.

The system uses FLIR A500f and A70 thermal cameras.

It is operated by ESB Energy in partnership with Butler Technologies.

Moneypoint Power Station supplies around a quarter of Ireland’s electricity.

The FLIR system provides automated fire detection and condition monitoring.

Previously, inspections at the site were done manually.

Automated alerts now trigger within seconds of detecting heat anomalies.

Each image contains more than 16,000 reference points for analysis.

The station is also testing the system for use in upcoming renewable energy projects.

Butler Technologies developed an app to push alerts across platforms.

The system integrates with the site’s existing video platform.

No third-party hardware is required for its operation.

A trial is under way to monitor similar substations across Ireland.

FLIR said the system helps prevent cascading failures during grid stress.

It is the first full integration of this type in Ireland’s national grid.

Plans are in place to scale the system to newer devices.