BEI Ideacod Absolute Encoder Ideal for Wind Power Control Applications

July 3, 2008

Strasbourg, France – BEI Ideacod, a global business unit of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), is pleased to announce that their range of compact, multi-turn absolute encoders “Posi+” are an ideal fit for wind power control applications.

With the growing concern from ever increasing oil prices and the growing impact of greenhouse gases, renewable energy solutions such as wind power are on the rise. Because of this trend toward “green” energy solutions, BEI Ideacod’s absolute encoder products now play an instrumental role in exploiting this renewable energy source.

The Posi+ is used to monitor blade position as well as measure the speed and consequently the power output while also aiding in the orientation of the wind turbine.

Orientation of the wind turbine: The absolute encoder Posi+ supplies the head position with an accuracy of 0.01°. The turbine is oriented so that it faces the wind direction for optimum efficiency.
Monitoring of blade position: The Posi+ accurately determines blade angle. A high resolution is utilized to swivel the blades to one hundredth of a degree in order to position the blades at an optimum angle with respect to the wind, once again, making operation as efficient as possible.
Monitoring the speed and the power: The Posi+ is mounted behind the generator and delivers speed information for power regulation. Accuracy of pulse generator signals allows for fully reliable regulation thereby stepping up control and overload/over-speed detection.

Key Features Include:

• Compact, robust design
• Excellent resistance to shock & vibration
• Short circuit & reverse polarity protected
• IP65 & IP67 rated options with a sealing flange
• Additional Incremental channels for redundant monitoring of speed and position
• Programmable information for direction, high and low markers, direction
• Isolated SSI or CAN interface, clock from 100 to 500 kHz
• Universal electronic circuits from 5 to 30Vdc, reset button option
• Resolution up to 65,536 (16 bits)
• Solid or hollow shaft

This CE rated encoder stands up to BEI Ideacod’s undisputed quality level and allows for OEM customers worldwide to go “green” with confidence.

About BEI Ideacod

Founded in 1979, BEI Ideacod is a specialist in industrial rotary encoders and is a global business unit of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST),. BEI Ideacod takes pride in its focus as a rotary encoder specialist and products quality. Prominent is the company’s experience in a combination of five fields of rotary encoders: mechanics, optics and magnetics, electronics, software and associated accessories. BEI Ideacod invests projects with specific solutions for OEMs as well as smaller maintenance oriented needs with short lead-time and strong reactivity. The company also offers its entire ATEX-certified range of single-turn/multi-turn absolute, incremental and analog encoders and cable sensors. http://www.bei-ideacod.com

About Custom Sensors & Technologies

Headquartered in Moorpark, Calif., Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) is a business unit of Schneider Electric. CST was formed from the combination of Kavlico, Crouzet, Crydom and former divisions of BEI Technologies. CST provides sensors, controls and actuation products to the industrial, transportation, and military and aerospace markets. http://www.cstsensors.com

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