A research project at Strathclyde University is testing the use of drones in measuring the energy efficiency of buildings.
The Drone Wrangler uses thermal imaging and simultaneous links to 17 different satellites to perform comprehensive assessments of energy use.
The team of three students behind the project are working out of the university’s department of civil & environmental engineering to commercialise the concept and create environmental value across industries such as energy, agriculture and construction.
Americo Pino, one of the students working on the start-up project, said: “Energy efficiency is important in buildings for environmental and economic reasons but some equipment used to measure it is expensive and doesn’t always give a full reading.
“Drones can make these types of inspections more comprehensive and thermal imaging technology takes this a step further.”
On a recent test flight, the drone surveyed four buildings on Strathclyde’s campus – the Wolfson, Architecture, John Anderson and Sir William Duncan buildings – and a fifth building at the University’s playing fields at Stepps.
Each assessment took around 30 minutes to conduct and the students are currently analysing the data.
