Working Principle of Thermal Imaging Camera and Its Application in Forest Fire Prevention

The operational mechanism of thermal imaging cameras  

Natural light consists of light waves with varying wavelengths, and the visible spectrum for human eyes spans approximately 390-780nm. Electromagnetic waves that are shorter than 390nm or longer than 780nm cannot be perceived by the human eye. Waves with wavelengths shorter than 390nm fall outside the visible range and are referred to as ultraviolet rays, while those longer than 780nm are classified as infrared rays, covering a range from 780nm to 1mm.
Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves positioned between microwaves and visible light and share characteristics with radio waves and visible light. In nature, all objects with temperatures above absolute zero continuously emit infrared rays, known as thermal radiation. The technology behind thermal imaging cameras employs a micro-thermal radiation detector, an optical imaging lens, and an optical scanning system to capture the infrared radiation signals from the target being measured. The concentrated infrared radiation energy distribution is directed onto the photosensitive element of the infrared detector, facilitated by spectral and spatial filtering. Consequently, the thermal image of the object being measured is scanned and focused onto a detector or unit. This detector transforms the infrared radiation energy into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and converted into a standard video signal for display on a television screen or monitor.

The utilization of thermal imaging cameras in forest fire prevention  

Forest fire surveillance. Thermal imaging cameras enable all-weather, long-distance, and extensive real-time monitoring, effectively detecting fire incidents and triggering alarms, offering prompt and efficient guidance for fire suppression efforts.

Smoke penetration scene rescue and firefighting aid to mitigate losses. When a fire occurs, especially in forested areas, the dense smoke can obscure the actual ignition point and the fire's progression. Thermal imaging cameras possess significant smoke penetration capabilities, allowing them to accurately locate the true ignition point and swiftly search for trapped individuals and animals.

Monitoring residual fires. After a large fire has been extinguished, there may still be lingering fire sources or even hidden underground fires. These concealed fires are challenging to detect with the naked eye or visible light cameras, but thermal imaging cameras can quickly and precisely identify potential hazards.

Monitoring scenic forest areas. Thermal imaging cameras are utilized for fire prevention monitoring of cultural heritage sites and buildings, and for ensuring environmental protection in scenic locations, which includes overseeing the smoking or other ignition-related actions of visitors and staff in these areas.

Law enforcement patrols. The thermal imaging camera can be employed to monitor human-induced fires, theft, illegal hunting, illegal logging, unauthorized land reclamation, and illegal mining of sand, soil, and rocks, enabling rapid detection of distant targets in darkness.