Wind energy sensors for asset effectiveness
Wind energy sensors for asset effectiveness
Gill provides diverse sensor solutions for the wind energy market, ranging from continuous turbine gearbox condition monitoring through to wind measurement for wind profiling and wind turbine control as well as level sensing for oil levels and other liquids.
Gill products are very suited to the difficult access and exposed conditions common in wind energy generation. They offer total reliability combined with high accuracy and, crucially, require no regular maintenance. This is due to Gill’s use of highly effective solid-state technology (no moving parts). Gill ranges are renowned for their robust, fit-and-forget reliability!
Gearbox condition
Continuous condition monitoring detecting wear at the earliest stage. Increases reliability, reduces downtime & supports predictive maintenance
Wind measurement
Ultrasonic wind speed & direction data optimises turbine efficiency for wind conditions. Wind profiling allows calculation of predicted maximum power outputs
Oil / liquid levels
Capacitive liquid level sensors indicate low oil levels, oil loss and leaks. Poor lubrication can result in bearing wear, contamination and spalling – all causes of catastrophic failure
Gearbox condition
Continuous condition monitoring detecting wear at the earliest stage. Increases reliability, reduces downtime & supports predictive maintenance
Wind measurement
Ultrasonic wind speed & direction data optimises turbine efficiency for wind conditions. Wind profiling allows calculation of predicted maximum power outputs
Oil / liquid levels
Capacitive liquid level sensors indicate low oil levels, oil loss and leaks. Poor lubrication can result in bearing wear, contamination and spalling – all causes of catastrophic failure
Condition monitoring right at the heart of the wind turbine gearbox, or within the electrical generator:
- Receive alerts at the earliest stages of equipment fatigue with continuous wear debris monitoring
- Optimise operating costs based on direct wear measurement
- Data supports predictive maintenance to eliminate unplanned downtime
- Extend working life
Liquid level monitoring - robust and totally reliable:
- Reliable, continuous oil level measurement
- Robust contruction suitable for hostile and remote environments
- Output options to integrate with industry standard systems
Gill is also well known as a leader in the design and manufacture of ultrasonic anemometers and weather stations.Ultrasonic wind sensors are used for accurate feedback and control of wind turbines:
- Maximise turbine efficiency - robust, solid-state wind sensors provide the precision wind speed & direction information used to automatically steer the turbine and control the blades for maximum efficiency
- Turbine safety - accurate and reliable wind speed data in storm conditions provides the data to shut down and ensure system safety
- Wind profiling using highly accurate ultrasonic wind sensors provides the reliable data needed to calculate power output
For more information on Gill wind sensors visit gillinstruments.com
Typical wind energy applications
Gearbox wear sensor
Wind turbine gearbox monitoring supports proactive, data-informed, maintenance scheduling.
Wear monitoring in electrical generator
Early detection of wind turbine electrical generator damage reduces downtime.
Liquid level monitoring
Robust capacitive liquid level sensors provide continuous oil level data ensuring equipment runs optimally. They are also used on more extreme turbine applications – see below.
Nacelle anemometer
Ultrasonic wind sensors on turbines measure wind speed and direction to optimise energy capture.
Want to find out more?
With the number of wind turbines rapidly increasing worldwide, the latest models often come equipped with condition monitoring systems as standard, ensuring constant availability. Oil debris monitoring complements these systems, further enhancing the reliability and longevity of the turbines.
Existing turbines, particularly those no longer under OEM warranties, can be easily retrofitted with oil debris monitoring and oil level sensors, significantly improving their reliability and extending their operational life.