Encoders are devices that help with speed/direction measurement & control, for different applications in wind turbines. Encoders are required to maximize the electricity generated from wind turbines.
Different encoders are used in wind turbines. Encoders are used in generators for speed measurement, used in pitch controllers & yaw controllers for measuring their direction and enabling the PLC's to control their direction. These encoders maximize the power output of wind turbines. Encoders are generally used on generator, pitch controller box, pitch drive motor & yaw controller.
A pitch controller basically controls the direction of the wind mill blades and the yaw controller controls the direction of the nacelle, in order to maximize the efficiency of wind turbines even in changing wind direction/speeds.
There are three types of rotary encoders used in wind turbines - incremental encoders, absolute encoders and hybrid encoders. You can read more about these three types of encoders from here.
SCANCON is a company based out of Denmark and has been manufacturing encoders since 1973. They offer various encoders for wind turbines including,
- Encoder for gear drive generator (incremental type): SCH94 for up to 4 MW generator; SCH108 for up to 1 MW generator.
- Encoder for direct drive (semi-absolute encoders and eCode encoders): SCA94DD
- Encoder for pitch (absolute, eCode): SAG (optical), SCM (magnetic)
- Encoder for yaw: Type 2RM
- Pitch drive motor: SCH58FM
There is a special type of encoder (SCH94FO) supplied by SCANCON that transmits incremental encoder signals for up to 2000 meters using fiber optics and light. You can see the below embedded video, to learn more about this type of encoder.
Further information/Manufacturer's Website: SCANCON.
