Alternative Energy

Sensors for Efficient and Reliable Wind Turbine Operation

Hydraulic systems play a crucial role in wind turbines by controlling blade pitch and yaw to maximize the amount of power generated under any wind condition while protecting the wind turbine from damage. Monitoring these and other hydraulic systems is critical to the performance and durability of wind turbines. Leading edge pressure switches and transducers from Gems™ Sensors & Controls deliver the accuracy and reliability needed to help meet the rapidly growing demand for economical and reliable wind energy. Gems has provided sensor packages for thousands of wind turbines currently in the field with on time delivery and competitive pricing.

Importance of hydraulic systems

In most turbines, the angle of a wind turbine blade is pitched at a specific angle in order to optimize its power output at any given wind speed. Leading wind turbine manufacturers use hydraulic pitch control because a hydraulic system uses fewer components than a mechanical system making it easier to maintain.

Applications

Hydraulic pitch control system
Yaw control
Hydraulic blade parking brake

Critical role for sensors

Pressure transducers or pressure switches are used to monitor the hydraulic pressure in accumulators and other areas.

Switches provide simple setpoint on-off safety
Pressure Tranducers enable sophisticated predictive control

Level switches also play an important role in most wind turbines by monitoring the level of the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The aggressive nature of hydraulic fluid makes it essential to use a corrosion-resistant level switch. Gems manufactures many level switches made of stainless steel and other materials that provide reliable operation in hydraulic fluids.

Sensor features

Superb Overpressure Capabilities
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection
Temperature Compensation
Broad Range Temperature Operation

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