Decarbonization in the energy sector

The decarbonization megatrend is causing evolutionary changes in the energy sector. Energy sources and the rate of used energy supplies are changing rapidly. We observe that existing power plants are modifying their combustion processes accordingly. Some energy companies are closing inefficient fossil fuel power plants and opening new plants based on cleaner energy sources. Alternatively, they invest directly in renewables.

Sensor solutions for energy supply by photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants

Giant solar power plants located along the Earth’s sunbelt can supply whole regions with environmentally friendly energy throughout the day. These plants with tens of thousands of reflectors often stand in desert areas with harsh climatic conditions. That makes it all the more important to ensure that the plants are operating properly and at optimal efficiency. The TMS/TMM22 inclination sensors from SICK measure without contact the inclination or rotational movement of the reflectors to ensure they track the sun at all times. Their electronics are designed for harsh, outdoor applications, thereby making them virtually fail-safe. The data transmission to the customer’s server or cloud is taken care of by a suitably developed gateway system.

In desert areas, large dust clouds pose great challenges to plant operators. The solar modules and parabolic mirrors need to be constantly cleaned. A multiScan100 3D LiDAR sensor mounted on the cleaning vehicle measures the distance between the cleaning unit and the parabolic mirror. A UM30 ultrasonic sensor is responsible for the fine positioning of the brushes.

“Using technology for good: Committed to meeting the challenge of integrated sustainability in the company.”

Niels Syassen, Member of the Executive Board at SICK AG

Sensor solutions for wind power plants for optimal power generation

Monitoring the hydraulic systems for efficient adjustment of the rotor blades to the wind speed and during maintenance work

To increase the efficiency of wind power plants, a hydraulic system adjusts the angle of the rotor blades of each plant to the wind speed. During this adjustment, DAX® magnetostrictive linear encoders monitor the piston position of the cylinders in the hydraulic system. When the wind speed changes, the system readjusts the rotor blades accordingly.

For maintenance work, the rotor blades are mechanically locked by a hydraulic system. DAX® magnetostrictive linear encoders determine the absolute position of the piston rods in the hydraulic cylinders and thereby protect the plant and the maintenance personnel.

Vibration, shock, and temperature monitoring

Gear wear, broken pins and the like trigger different types of vibrations and anomalies. The Multi Physics Box Condition Monitoring sensor monitors any deviations from the original set values of a wind power plant over time.

When the Multi Physics Box is connected to a cloud-based remote control and data monitoring system, the operator of the plant is notified immediately about the specific problem. Mechanical services can then be scheduled, if required. Examples of these kind of challenges include broken pins, or the need to assess the long-term wear of gears.