Wind Power 

Variable-speed, pitch-controlled systems are the current state-of-the-art in wind energy system construction and are best suited to the harsh conditions in onshore and offshore operations.

SICK has more than ten years of experience in the wind power industry. Our line of encoders for wind power systems are proven in the field - we have installed more than 20,000 encoders in pitch-controlled systems.

In contrast to encoders with battery-buffered counters, SICK's multi-turn encoders operate reliably in electrically noisy environments.

 

With SSI, Profibus, CANopen and DeviceNet, all common interfaces are available for data transmission to the respective control system.

Measuring the rotor speed with incremental encoders

Incremental encoders generate data related to position, angle and speed using a number of lines on a code disc.

The number of lines per revolution determines the resolution capability. The respective position is determined by counting the pulses produced by scanning the lines from a defined reference point. Following power down, a reference run is required in order to determine the absolute position.

The ATM60 absolute multi-turn encoder from SICK reliably provides the speed data required, even under harsh environmental conditions. In this rotary system for measuring distances, angles and positions, a sensor scans permanent magnet elements arranged to provide angular position information. The encoder’s multi-turn feature is achieved by several reduction gear units with additional magnets and sensors.

Using the zero set button the encoder can be comfortably set, in situ, to zero or a user-programmed value.

Magnetic scanning, a robust housing (IP 67 rating) and high shock and vibration resistance make the ATM60 ideal for use in wind energy systems in onshore and offshore operations.

Whether for wind direction adaptation via azimuth adjustment or for pitch adjustment, thousands of ATM60 encoders from SICK have been successfully operating in wind energy systems for many years.