UAVs for Building Envelope Inspection and Energy Audits

Space Heating and Cooling in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings accounted for roughly 20% of Canada’s overall energy. Early detection and repair of building envelope defects ensures continued energy performance and building longevity, thus energy audits are a necessary, but time-intensive process using today’s methods. Utilizing the emergent technology of small unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, or drones, a complete exterior survey of a building can be captured quickly. Equipped with an infrared camera, and the application of recent leaps in quantitative thermography and building energy simulation, these aerial survey platforms provide a unique opportunity for the development of a more cost-effective and automated energy auditing technique, as well as an advantageous business opportunity for UAV services companies and civil/municipal engineers responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of built environment infrastructure.

Faculty Supervisor:

Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya

Student:

Partner:

High Angle Imaging Systems;Morrison Hershfield Limited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: