Greener Gadgets | Thermal Torch

Thermal Torch Gunnar Kramp (Denmark) 7 Comments

57Votes

Description 57Votes

Poor thermal insulation in buildings causes a massive waste of energy every day. In some cases the locations of poorly insulated areas and thermal bridges are quite obvious, but in most cases they are invisible to the human eye. Thermal cameras, sensitive to the thermal energy emitted from our surroundings, are capable of visualizing the differences in temperature, thus revealing building parts which are poorly insulated.

The Thermal Torch combines the features of a thermal camera with the features of small handsized projectors. By panning over a wall or a window frame, the thermal image is projected on the surface directly at the spot of detection. The Thermal Torch is a concept for augmenting the benefits of the digital world with the physical. The Thermal Torch can be used by non-professionals to identify specific problematic thermal bridges in homes and offices, providing the first step for better insulation and a following reduction in CO2 emissions.

7 Comments

1.Feb 5th, 2009Tom34

That's smart!

2.Feb 5th, 2009Beth

That's a very useful tool! I was hoping that someone who did an energy audit would use something like that. Rock on!

3.Feb 5th, 2009John Q.

Good idea, but the projection distance is a concern. It may also cause consumers to stick with standard thermal imaging camera's plugged into small monitors. There is also the issue with power consumption to actively use this during work.

4.Feb 10th, 2009Samir

This is definitely the tool to help people save money and contribute a great deal with small efforts. This is how we manage all the negative cost emissions réductions... Hope it really works

5.Feb 10th, 2009Chris

@ John Q. The power this device may consume could not even begin to compare with a problem in insulation in a house that would leak (hot or cold depending on the season) 24 / 7 / 365. Great Idea.

6.Feb 17th, 2009Dave

It looks like your on the right track. here is a similar product developed by Black and Decker and Bressler Group. Check out the "See Products in Action" section on this page. http://www.blackanddecker.com/Energy/products.aspx?WT.mc_id=BD00039#

7.Feb 17th, 2009CF

It's certainly a good idea for a green gadget. But as designers we should not forget that we are judging form and esthetics too. How can green gadgets become cool objects that people crave if they look awful.