Wind power is the fastest growing energy sector worldwide, showing market growth of 39,5% over the last five years. Industry aims are to take a 10% share of the global electricity generating market by 2020. In Scandinavia, for example, wind power provides almost 10% of the country's electricity and the target is to reach 50% by 2030.
To keep up with these targets wind turbine technology is developing fast and average outputs are getting better year on year. Currently in the UK, the wind energy production costs are only slightly higher than natural gas. This is not only due to improved design, but also to a growing trend to deploy condition monitoring systems in their latest wind turbine designs.
Monitran have supplied many thousands of sensors for this deployment. They have been partially successful in both designing and producing a whole range of bespoke vibration sensors for use in the monitoring systems in many systems around the world, with particular achievement around many parts of Europe. These systems typically monitor the condition of drive shaft, gearbox and the drive bearings during operation. This is starting to reduce the cost of turbine ownership, coupled with the improved technology, as it reduces operational downtime and allows dynamic maintenance scheduling.
Technology and education are critical to advancing safety in the mining sector
Sensors & Transducers
As mining operations across Africa continue to evolve in scale, complexity and automation, the role of advanced safety technologies has become increasingly important in protecting people, equipment and productivity.
Read more...Image processing cameras Vepac Electronics
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The intelligent camera series from Vepac is an integrated camera module consisting of a camera and high speed processor. It offers a high-performance image sensing function at the edge device by embedding standard image processing software or the customer’s developed software.
Read more...OMRON launches non-contact safety door switch Omron Electronics
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OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
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South Africa’s engineers operate at the intersection of resource constraint and industrial ambition. Few parameters illustrate this balancing act as clearly as water quality. Whether in municipal treatment works, food and beverage plants or mining operations, the ability to measure water quality accurately and continuously has become non-negotiable.
Read more...Futureproofing pharma, one pixel at a time Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s no room for error. Omron’s FH-AI and FHV7-AI vision systems introduce AI-powered inspection that adapts to real-world variability, something conventional rule-based vision systems cannot easily achieve.
Read more...Distance sensor for confined spaces ifm - South Africa
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The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...Long-range laser distance measuring sensor Vepac Electronics
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The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.
Read more...Listening for damage to wind turbines
Sensors & Transducers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, working in concert with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, has developed a solution that can be used to identify cracks and breakage inside wind turbine blades remotely at an early stage.
Read more...Verification using Heartbeat Technology is a breeze Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Heartbeat Technology reflects Endress+Hauser’s long-term commitment to enhancing measurement reliability and efficiency across a growing product portfolio.
Read more...Enhancing efficiency and reliability in the energy sector VEGA Controls SA
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VEGA offers practical, reliable solutions through specialised measuring instruments and deep industry know-how, all tailored to help energy companies keep costs under control while meeting strict regulatory standards.
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