Encoders and sensors for wind energy applications

High-resolution speed feedback in the wind turbine generator system can ensure a stable operation by enabling efficient control of power and torque. Generator shaft encoders have a key role in the wind turbine control loop system, and they have to be robust, durable and reliable. Be it doubly-fed asynchronous or synchronous equipment, the requirements that need to be met by the communications unit in the generator system are constantly increasing. Permanent magnet generators also require new feedback systems to measure the speed of rotation. Leine Linde supplies custom encoder solutions to meet all these challenging requirements.

The Leine Linde generator encoders are easy to install. Their product design and mounting solutions are well thought-through. For example, the Bearingless 2000 series, which are robust magnetic ring encoders with a diameter up to two meters, were developed especially for the gearless direct drives and hybrid drives of wind turbines. The encoders can be equipped with additional scanning units to enable redundancy or extra output signals if this is of use in the system. And the classic encoder model 862 is also available in the form of a dual output solution, called model 865, providing two electrically isolated output signals from one single casing.

Typical products

Read more about some typical product series and solutions from Leine Linde. For many products, a datasheet and 3D model can be downloaded after defining the exact model in the product finder. But we also make customized solutions, so please tell us about your specific need!

Are you searching for electrical system equipment solutions for wiring in the wind turbine nacelle, hub or tower? Your nearest Leine Linde sales office will help you to find what you need.

Fieldbus gateways, speed monitoring devices, encoder switches, signal splitters and converters are some of the electrical system equipment developed and manufactured by Leine Linde. All products and accessories sold by Leine Linde offices live up to high levels of protection. This is true also for cables, connectors and pre-assembled cabling systems.

In wind turbines, offshore as well as onshore, temperatures are fluctuating and sometimes extreme. Vibrations and oscillations may be strong. Condensation and humidity, and in some installations also salt water, add to the severity. Electrical systems in wind turbines are required to function reliably, while still achieving a very long life cycle. This we have made sure, by the quality built into every product or cable we offer. We will help you to find your solution for the electrical system and control cabinet equipment, so please tell us more about your specific need.

Typical products

Read more about some typical products and accessories from Leine Linde. You can also follow the links and read more about what our sales offices can provide from our sister companies.

No matter if the shaft is large or small, slow or fast, we have the suitable robust encoder!

For wind turbines with gearless drives or medium-speed hybrid drives, the simplest and most reliable solution is often to measure the rotational speed by an encoder directly on the main shaft. The Bearingless 2000 series are ring encoders made to match the diameter of your shaft, up to very large sizes. To allow easy installation and maintenance, the robust ring is divided into segments that are mounted onto the shaft or a flange from two sides. Made of anodized aluminium, the encoder and its scanning heads are protected from the weather and from salt water.

For slip ring-mounted encoders there are a wide range of models, sizes, and mounting accessory options available. The Leine Linde 600 series comprises both absolute single-turn and multiturn encoder models, using inductive scanning for high-resolution position readout. And the versatile 500 series contains both absolute and incremental 58 mm encoders with a multiplicity of different output signals and resolutions. All Leine Linde encoders are robust and withstand the harsh conditions to provide problem-free service-life. 

For wind turbine rotor shaft drive trains or pitch systems, the Leine Linde sales offices can work as your central point of contact. Ask us about everything from rotary encoders, slip rings, resolvers and prefabricated cables all the way through to pitch motors and sensors.

Typical products

Read more about some typical product series and solutions from Leine Linde. For many products, a datasheet and 3D model can be downloaded after defining the exact model in the product finder. But we also make customized solutions, so please tell us about your specific need!

Do you need to know the exact position of the nacelle or only the number of revolutions? A position sensor based on an inductive encoder will ensure the robustness and precision needed. The encoder technology provides reliable performance and resistance to all types of detrimental conditions.

Leine Linde’s 600 YAWMO® and FSI 900 YAWMO® are customized encoder solutions including gears and mounting brackets. In both the 600 series and the 900 series, we focus on a specific technology for even greater resistance, working even in the most difficult conditions, such as the inductive scanning method and optimized ball bearings to increase the service lives of the encoders.

The FSI 900 YAWMO®, with limit switches, has certified safety functions in accordance with the machinery directive (2006/42/EG) and IEC 61400. For functional safety needs, we can help you find a product designed for the exact application.

Leine Linde’s broad range of encoder models allows full integration into existing electrical systems: they are using serial interfaces like SSI and EnDat as well as common fieldbus communication systems such as PROFIBUS and PROFINET. We supply the encoders together with matching mounting brackets, torque arms or bearing blocks to suit your specifications.

Typical products

Read more about some typical product series and solutions from Leine Linde. For many products, a datasheet and 3D model can be downloaded after defining the exact model in the product finder. But we also make customized solutions, so please tell us about your specific need!

The purpose of the pitch system control is to maximize energy yield while minimizing the structural and mechanical load on the rotor blades. In this regard, reliable and accurate knowledge about the current pitch position is critical for efficient turbine control.

Sensors are needed for providing the exact blade angle position into the system, and also to provide feedback about the motor speed and rotation. The electronic position sensors and limit switches for the pitch system from Leine Linde are based on robust encoders with reliable scanning and long service-life. They are also customized and come with mounting accessories to fit right in with the application and live up to the demanding conditions that affect wind turbines and wind parks.

Where certified safety functions in accordance with the machinery directive (2006/42/EG) and IEC 61400 are needed, the solution can be found in a product designed for the exact application.

Typical products

Read more about some typical product series and solutions from Leine Linde. For many products, a datasheet and 3D model can be downloaded after defining the exact model in the product finder. But we also make customized solutions, so please tell us about your specific need!

The trend towards larger rotor diameters and higher hub heights also cause an increase of the load on machine frame, the tower, and foundation of wind turbines. At the same time, these components are major cost factors and represent an ever growing logistical challenge. A sensor-based, optimized wind turbine control system can significantly reduce the loads in a wind turbine. This results in a noticeable reduction in component size and material cost.

Typical products

Leine Linde provides strain sensors for different needs and with different levels of system integration, for tower and wind turbine strain monitoring. Read more, and please tell us about your specific need!

Rotor blades are the point of origin for generating the power and major system loads in a wind turbine. Special sensors in the rotor blades, particularly those located in the root position of each blade, are used for measuring the individual loads online in every moment. The data collected by these sensors can be used for additional condition monitoring, for validation purposes between calculated and precise measurement data, and for implementing new control concepts in the wind turbine or wind park. Strain measurement and monitoring of the rotor blades results in longer service-life, more efficiency and better yield.

Typical products

Leine Linde provides strain sensors for different needs and with different levels of system integration, for strain monitoring of the rotor blades. We can help you dimension the hardware and find a solution that fits.