SUAS-Based Infrared Thermography for Rapid Temperature Measurement in Building and Solar Photovoltaic Panels for Thermal Distribution Analysis

This research investigates the rapid measurement of surface temperature distribution and the factors that affect it on buildings and photovoltaic panels at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka Main Campus in Durian Tunggal, Melaka. The study utilizes a small unmanned aerial system (SUAS)-based infrared thermography system to move and position the thermal camera to measure temperature in three selected locations: the Chancellery building, the Faculty of Technology and Electrical Engineering building, and the Solar Photovoltaic Panel Site. The research findings are presented through a detailed thermographic documentation. Reflection, transmission, and emittance are identified as the main factors that can alter apparent temperature measurements. Thermal distribution analysis concludes that the measured temperatures are impacted by the sky background, the wall color, the roofing materials, and the shading of the sun, with minimum and maximum temperature detected at 16.9 °C and 63.8 °C, respectively.