Progress in Active Infrared Imaging for Defect Detection in the Renewable and Electronic Industries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Thermal Imaging

Background:

• Infrared thermographic (IRT) technology has advanced significantly, enabling non-contact, high-resolution defect detection.
• Applications span diverse sectors including renewable energy, electronics, construction, aviation, and healthcare.
• IRT enhances product quality and reliability through efficient defect identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of active IRT principles and methodologies.
• To review IRT applications in the photovoltaic (PV) and electronics industries.
• To analyze the advantages, challenges, and future directions of IRT, particularly with AI integration.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of active IRT based on heat sources: pulsed thermography (PT), lock-in thermography (LT), ultrasonically stimulated vibration thermography (UVT), and eddy current thermography (ECT).
• Exploration of IRT imaging for defect detection in PV panels and electronic circuit boards.
• Discussion of algorithmic detection, excitation sources, and infrared wavelengths used in inspections.

Main Results:

• IRT, especially when combined with deep learning, offers efficient and accurate defect detection in PV panels for system monitoring.
• IRT is crucial for assessing thermal performance and identifying defects in electronic components during development and manufacturing.
• Analysis highlights the benefits and limitations of various excitation sources and IRT's role in AI-driven inspections.

Conclusions:

• IRT technology, particularly active methods and AI integration, is vital for quality control and maintenance in the PV and electronics sectors.
• Further research is needed to address challenges related to excitation sources, specific industry applications, and AI advancements.
• Optimizing IRT techniques and algorithms will enhance its utility in ensuring the reliability of critical infrastructure and products.