sensors supplement


Keeping turbines turning


energy use being supplied from turbines sited offshore. This success relies upon the performance and reliability of the wind turbines being able to operate in remote and highly demanding environments. Turbine rotation velocity is a key


W


operating parameter that requires robust sensor systems to provide accurate real- time measurement. Contrinex’s uniquely rugged stainless-steel inductive sensors offer the reliability required for installation in wind turbines, which because of their remote locations and height have limited opportunities for maintenance.


ApplicAtion


A wind turbine manufacturer provides engineering support for its systems installed around the world, utilising 24-hour remote data monitoring to provide early detection of potential problems. Exceptionally reliable monitoring systems are required because site access is difficult. After all, most turbines are located in remote locations and the turbine housing itself is a considerable height. Traditional rotary-encoder technology can


struggle to withstand prolonged exposure to outdoor, often salt-laden, environments. The slow rotational speeds typically require more complex and costly mechanical encoders, making inductive proximity sensors an even more attractive a solution. The company required a simple,


contactless system that provides fit-and- forget operation with extended maintenance intervals. Sensors must be mechanically robust and must withstand prolonged exposure to harsh outdoor conditions including seawater. An industry-


Instrumentation Monthly August 2021


ind turbines contributed 24 per cent of the UK’s energy in 2020, with 13 per cent of the UK’s


standard interface is desirable to avoid the need for specialised control systems.


Solution


Rugged Full Inox inductive sensors from the Contrinex Extreme range, available from PLUS Automation, are ideal for this application. Highly reliable and rated to IP68/ IP69K, these units provide a cost-effective alternative to rotary-encoder technology. These surprisingly affordable sensors have a


one-piece body that is machined from a solid piece of AISI 304 (V2A) or 316 (V4A) stainless- steel body. Their vacuum-encapsulated electronics make this device particularly suitable for the hostile environment, and the sensing distance of 10mm in the M18 sensor selected allows fully contactless operation. A single sensor is mounted in each turbine


head, immediately adjacent to the main mounting ring for the blade assembly. The blade’s rotation includes the mounting ring, and so the inductive sensor detects the presence of the mounting bolts as they pass the sensing face. The angular spacing of the bolts is consistent and so by measuring the time that elapses between successive signals the rotation velocity of the blades can be calculated. The sensor is configured with an industry-


standard PNP normally-open interface and includes the IO-Link serial-connection protocol included at no additional cost. The version of the sensor with an integrated M12 connector is selected to enable easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance if required. The sensor’s high corrosion resistance


has contributed to excellent reliability providing the customer with a cost-effective solution for a simple, ‘fit-and-forget’ system.


PLUS Automation www.700.PLUSAx.co.uk


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