Sensors and switches used in alternative energy for power generation must be extremely rugged in order to withstand the environmental elements endured on a daily basis. They must also exhibit enhanced reliability and accuracy to monitor and control the devices.

Solar Energy

• Current sensors measure current for the solar panel, combiner box, charge controller, battery inverter, grid-tie inverter, and power meter.
• MICRO SWITCH 914CE Series limit switches provide movement control on the solar panel tracker.
• MICRO SWITCH BZ, V7, and V15 Series basic switches switch the inverter power/mode.
• Hour meters and indicators read and measure the battery charge.
• SMART Position Sensors (Arc) position the solar panel to maximize sun radiation.
• RTP and RPN Series Hall-effect rotary position sensors measure the tracking angle of the solar panel.
• 500 Series packaged probes measure the temperature of the solar panel array.

Wind Energy

• Current sensors measure current at the generators and inverters.
• MICRO SWITCH GLS limit switches limit the blade range and motion, detect that the rotor is locked, detect extreme vibration and tower sway, detect position (level, floor, door closed) of lifts or elevators installed in towers, and determine open position of the nacelle roof doors.
• MICRO SWITCH GSS safety switches detect position (level, floor, door closed) of lifts or elevators installed in towers and determine open position of the nacelle roof doors.
• MICRO SWITCH CLSX limit switches with rope pulls help ensure high voltage generator cables that extend from the nacelle to the ground do not get twisted.
• SMART Position Sensors (linear, rotary, arc) monitor and precisely control blade pitch, sense shaft torque during high stress braking situations, and accurately monitor and detect the position and direction of the nacelle.
• RTP, RTY, and RPN Series Hall-effect rotary position sensors position the rotors at the correct angle for maintenance.
• 500 Series packaged probes sense oil temperature and monitor generator temperature.
• Bipolar Hall-effect position sensor ICs determine if the brake is actuated.
• Honeywell HumidIcon™ temperature/humidity sensors monitor moisture and condensation levels inside the nacelle hood.
• LCZ and VRS speed sensors monitor and control RPM and measure and monitor the rotating speed.
• Torque transducers sense shaft torque which can detect high stress during braking conditions.