Posital Encoders for Wind Farming Turbines
Wind farm turbines feature many aspects that need to be controlled and monitored during operation to ensure greater efficiency and maximise energy capture, while also safeguarding against potential violent wind events.
In this article, we've outlined a range of aspects of the wind turbine anatomy for which the Posital IXARC encoder range can provide highly accurate measurements for monitoring everyday operations.
Learn more about Posital Encoders here.
The Posital IXARC encoder range is suited for rugged applications with a robust stainless-steel housing. These systems can be rated up to IP69K, ensuring these encoders are well-equipped to withstand the everyday elements of rain, dust, and the sheer force of wind and mechanical movement. These systems are so robust that they can tolerate shaft loads producing up to 300N of force.
The IXARC range offers a wide range of programmable resolutions, available for both incremental and absolute options. The absolute range can provide a standard 30-bit resolution, with 16-bit single turns or 14-bit multi-turn ranges. Alternatively, the incremental encoders can provide up to 16,384 pulses per rotation.
The IXARC incremental encoder systems offer communication protocol options, including Push-Pull HTL and RS-422 TTL.
IXARC Absolute encoders feature output circuits that support various protocols, including SSI, CANopen, Profibus, Modbus RTU, J1939, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and Modbus/TCP.
The IXARC range offers both absolute and incremental options, suiting a range of applications listed below.
Turbine Blade Pitch Control
Determining the blade angle increases the efficiency of lift and reduces drag from the airfoil design of the turbine blade. Alternatively, if the wind force is too great, adjusting the pitch to prevent wind capture can be just as important. This aspect of the wind turbine is exposed to the elements, requiring it to withstand a high degree of wind force and moisture, given its outdoor setting.
Encoders can be used in this instance to determine the positioning of the blade relative to the direction of the wind, thereby maximising energy capture or reducing energy capture during turbulent events.
Recommend Encoder: The Heavy Duty Posital IXARC Absolute Magnetic Rotary Encoders.
Speed Control System
Monitoring the speed of the wind turbine is also a crucial feature for ensuring the safe operation of the system. Monitoring speed can be achieved by applying an encoder to the main bearing, enabling crucial speed feedback to adjust the turbine blades' angle of attack and promote energy generation, or mitigate the impacts of violent wind forces on the system.
Encoders can be used in this instance to monitor the overall speed of the turbine system. If the speed is too high, users can use encoder rotation data from the main bearing to determine the changing angle of the turbine blades, thereby increasing drag and preventing damage during turbulent events.
Recommended Encoder: The Posital IXARC Incremental Magnetic Hollow Rotary Encoders.
Azimuth Feedback
The catalyst of the azimuth control system is monitoring the yaw positioning of the nacelle. Wind turbines can offer 360° of turning but are limited to the amount of rotation before negatively impacting cables as power is transferred down the tower. In turn, it is essential to monitor the speed, movement, and rotations to prevent damage to the system.
Using an optical encoder in this application can guide the operations management team when the nacelle has completed too many rotations. It can help them reverse positioning, preventing damage to the power cables as they descend the tower.
Recommended Encoder: The Posital IXARC Optical Rotary Encoders.
The Posital IXARC range is well-suited for applications that require a robust solution in highly demanding environments. If you'd like to learn more, the PCA team is here to help! Please send any questions to the PCA team or call the team directly on 1300 236 467.
