Energy technology: wind power, generators, large motors

The measured value is transmitted to a PLC via the analogue interface (4 ... 20 mA). This allows both computer-controlled process monitoring and complete documentation of the measurement values. If the setpoint is exceeded, an alarm signal is…

Aligning solar panels in relation to the course of the sun increases the energy yield, and therefore the effectiveness of a solar panel. Only if the solar panels are always at an optimum angle to the sun, can they achieve their maximum output.…

Test rigs have been developed for load tests on wind turbine rotor blades and simulate the real loads caused by high winds and weather. The tip of the rotor blade can be distorted by up to 10m due to mechanical loads. Draw-wire sensors are used…

The production of solar wafers starts with the raw wafers that are sawn from the so-called ingots. These must comply with a specified thickness of about 180 µm to be processed further as a good part. Six capacitive sensors therefore measure the…

Wind turbines generate environmentally friendly power, but are often rather unpopular with their residents in the neighborhood, as they also generate noise. One of the noise sources in wind turbines is the drive train. In particular, gears and…

In order to monitor rotor behaviour in the generator, capacitive displacement sensors measure the gap between stator and rotor. Despite high temperatures and electromagnetic fields, capacitive sensors from Micro-Epsilon provide unmatched…

To date, bearing gaps were measured during standstill based on a tactile principle. Therefore, long inspection intervals were required, which in turn, may increase the risk of a complete plant failure. Moreover, these deliberate stoppages…

In order to control air supply, the air flaps automatically open and close depending on the temperature. Draw-wire displacement sensors monitor the position of the open air flap.

Eddy current displacement sensors measure the axial, radial or tangential deflection of the clutch disc. These robust sensors are designed for harsh ambient conditions and, due to their extremely compact size, can also be integrated in restricted…

Laser triangulation sensors measure the distance from the foundation in order to detect the tower movements. High measuring rates enable to detect vibrations directly. Depending on the number of sensors installed, detailed evaluations about the…

With regard to predictive maintenance, the oil gap should be measured, i.e. the distance between the bearing surface and the shaft filled with lubricants. Despite pressure, high temperatures and lubricants, robust eddy current sensors from…

Oscillation of the drive train (rotor imbalance, overloading) exceeding the limit values may lead to a failure of components and plant parts. Prerequisite for early recognition of damage and for predictive maintenance is the safe and accurate…

The gearbox temperature in wind turbines is measured continuously during operation. Heating up of components may indicate a potential problem with a component. If a certain threshold is exceeded, subsequent remedial action can be started or…

Wind turbines are exposed to oscillations and shock loads. In order to avoid damage and expensive downtime, these tower oscillations are monitored. When exceeding limit values, the plant is reliably shut down. From load history, lifetime…

To detect tower movements of wind turbines, several laser triangulation sensors measure the distance from the base ring to the foundation. Due to the high measuring rate and accuracy, changes are reliably detected. If the permissible limit values…

The changes in distance between the nacelle and the ground are used to monitor tower swayings. For this purpose, optoNCDT ILR2250 laser distance sensors are mounted in the nacelle and measure down to the ground. Their high signal stability even…