Robust sensors for generators
Energy generation from wave power offers enormous potential worldwide and will increasingly help to compensate for demand peaks or reduced energy generation due to fluctuating solar and wind conditions. The components used in offshore generators must not only withstand the immense forces of the waves, but also resist the corrosive effects of saltwater.
Our weatherproof, fully encapsulated bearingless rotary encoders are designed precisely for this purpose. They are reliably protected against extreme climatic conditions, humidity, shock, impact and vibration, making them perfectly suited for use in demanding offshore environments.
The EU and the United Kingdom are collaborating on the WEDUSEA project, currently the world's largest wave energy converter. On an offshore platform, waves generate excess pressure inside a container, which drives a fan wheel. This in turn drives a generator that feeds the generated energy into the grid.
Since maintenance operations at sea are complex, weather-dependent and associated with high costs, redundant systems ensure that critical functions continue to operate reliably even in the event of individual component failures. This increases plant availability, reduces unplanned downtime and ensures safe operation on a permanent basis.
For precise and redundant speed measurement at the generator, two MiniCODER GEL 2444 units are deployed – compact, robust and ideal for reliable operation under demanding offshore conditions.
