The ability to detect vehicles reliably offers significant advantages for asset management, resource allocation, site safety and traffic control. Radar sensors use frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar to detect moving or stationary targets reliably. These include cars, trains, trucks and cargo in extreme weather conditions. They have a number of advantages for vehicle detection:
Long range detection: Radar sensors are ideal for long-range outdoor applications up to 40 metres. Many radar sensors can also be configured to detect objects up to a specified distance, ignoring objects beyond the set point and resulting in higher accuracy.
Immunity to ambient weather conditions: Unlike photoelectric or ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors are not affected by conditions such as wind, rain, fog, light, humidity and air temperature. This results in accurate detection in outdoor environments. For example, trains create difficult environments for mechanical and technical equipment to operate properly. Passing trains create excess wind, dirt, debris, and potential for impact. A radar sensor can reliably detect the presence of trains even in harsh conditions. Similarly, a radar sensor can also be used to detect the presence of large trucks reliably at an outdoor loading dock even in extreme weather conditions.
Flexible mounting: For train detection applications, a radar sensor offers many advantages including flexible mounting. Because a radar sensor does not need to be mounted on the train track, installation and maintenance are safer and easier compared to other sensing technologies. In addition, since radar sensors are not mounted on the tracks, the devices are at a lower risk of damage due to high impact.
It can be challenging for radar sensors to detect smaller targets as well as vehicles with little separation between them (such as in bumper-to-bumper traffic). For this reason, a common application of radar sensors is to detect train cars, which are both large and predictable.
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...Long-range laser distance measuring sensor Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
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
Sensors & Transducers
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.
Read more...Condition monitoring for hydroelectric plants ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The energy company Compagnia Valdostana delle Acque generates electricity in the region’s 32 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of over 900 MW. Vibration sensors from ifm monitor the maintenance requirements of the turbines and power generators at all times.
Read more...Precision sensing for water treatment ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm electronic has introduced two next-generation sensors designed for South Africa’s bulk and wastewater sector, engineered to withstand harsh environments and deliver long-term reliability.
Read more...The next generation of inductive scanning encoder solutions ATI Systems
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
With the launch of the ECI 1122 and EQI 1134 rotary encoders, positioning specialist, HEIDENHAIN has introduced a new benchmark in inductive scanning technology that raises the bar for motion control and precision automation.
Read more...Telco sensors for blocked/empty chute detection
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors overcome the problems of contaminated environments through powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution and guarantee reliable detectio
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.