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.
Telco sensors for harsh environments
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors are designed to operate where moisture, particulate contamination and surface fouling would disable conventional sensors, with a range including an adjustable five-metre infrared proximity sensor for harsh industrial environments.
Read more...The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.
Read more...Expanding visibility in mining operations Emerson Automation Solutions
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Advances in wireless communications, condition monitoring and sensing technologies are helping mining operators extend measurement into previously under-monitored areas, improving equipment reliability, process performance and water stewardship.
Read more...Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.
Read more...Distance sensor for confined spaces ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission.
Read more...Inclination sensors for motion control ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...Fully integrated standalone thunderstorm warning system Senseca
Sensors & Transducers Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca South Africa has introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which detects lightning by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field. The system can generate alerts before the first lightning strike, with a detection raterange of up to 83 km.
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