Case Study
Energy Efficiency Study
Energy Efficiency Study
01.
Overview.
Blackbird Engineering was tasked with collecting 3D and thermal data on more than 80 locations in the heart of New York. The buildings being scanned were older construction that needed to be assessed and analyzed for their energy efficiency prior to renovations.
The data collected will be used in the analysis and assessment phase of the development, as well as laying the foundation for the final report delivered by our client. A combination of drones and infrared scanners were utilized in the completion of this project.
02.
Challenges and Solutions.
We needed to scan more than 80 sites in less than seven days to complete the project before an incoming snow storm. Logistically, the project was tricky due to all of the locations being spread across a wide, congested area. The project required navigating traffic, weather, and obtaining airspace approval for most of the sites. In addition, the 3D data and imagery had to be collected during the day, while the thermal data needed to be collected at night.
We visited each building twice daily - collecting 3D data and imagery during the day and returning to collect thermal data after sundown. Ultimately, our client will combine the two datasets to deliver a final report in the form of a 3D model that specifically annotates areas of energy inefficiency.
03.
Results.
Despite losing nearly 36 hours to heavy rainfall, our team was able to collect, organize, and deliver hundreds of gigabytes of RGB and thermal data to our client ahead of schedule! Our team's willingness to push through adverse conditions ultimately kept the project on schedule and on budget. Had we not been able to complete the data collection when we did, the project would have been halted due to heavy snowfall that began shortly after our departure.
