Introduction  To overcome some shortcoming such as labor-intensity and inefficient-inspection in manual inspection, which is commonly adopted in the maintenance of the equipment in a HVDC valve hall, a intelligent monitoring system could be established. For omni-direction supervising as well as no effection on the equipment, layout-principles of infrared thermal imagers are proposed in this paper, based on current application of the infrared intelligent monitoring system in convertor stations.

  Method  With analysis of the characteristics of the equipment in valve hall, the type and location of the camera probes was determinated. Then, a final scheme was shaped after the check of electrical distance, block and percision.

  Result  An example of the infrared intelligent monitoring system is designed and checked in Dongfang convertor station, and some adjustment in the location and number of the camera probes is made. It is illustrated that an omni-directional monitoring system could be built.

  Conclusion  This work provide some guidance for similar projects.