Mobile diagnostics monitor rotating machines as needed

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Excerpt: CBMvisionMD is a mobile diagnostic system that lets users monitor rotating machinery on an on-going basis. The system can collect data for hours, days, or months, as necessary to collect the required data and can be easily moved to another machine or site when the task is complete. Cloud-based t …

A better way to let a turbine “talk”

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Excerpt: Ethernet interfaces to wind turbines were previously operated mostly by Scada and control stations. A connection to a controller is implemented mainly using discrete data signals. Bachmann’s Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) Client now accesses the Ethernet interface and acts in a similar way …

Hardened computer ready for harsh-condition substations

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Excerpt: The Magnum 10C substation-hardened computer is said to provide mission-critical applications in harsh environments. The computer lets applications withstand extreme temperatures, power surges, and fast transients, as well as other issues present in harsh environments. Options include a sealed ch …

Monitoring transformers key to predictive maintenance

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Excerpt: Mike Dickinson, Pacific Coast Transformers, www.pacificcresttransformers.com Transformers serve as a hub for collection and distribution of energy changing the voltage level at different locations of the grid. They are a key component of the Smart Grid, loosely defined as an automated, widely dis …

Condition Monitoring 101

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Excerpt: Condition monitoring is one way to keep tabs on all the equipment in a nacelle without a daily visit. SCADA systems provide some of this information, but a properly applied condition monitoring system provides more detail. The idea is to mount sensors on bearings, gearboxes, and generators. Press …

Software drives research on efficient wind energy production

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Excerpt: GE says it is working with Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to investigate ways to improve wind-farm productivity and efficiency. Results of the study will directly contribute to future product and service designs. The project is part of a larger Department of Energy (DOE) investment of $9 …

Wireless cellular networks help monitor remote wind projects

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Excerpt:   Xenon announces the T925 Wireless Cellular Controller for connecting remote wind-project sites with central control and monitoring stations through cellular networks. A T925 remote communications network eliminates need to make hardwired Ethernet connections to the Internet or to an in …

Free software available for alarm management and notification

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Excerpt:   Exele Information Systems, a developer of manufacturing and process control software, has made availabile a free version of its TopView Alarm Management and Notification software. TopView Free is a non-expiring version of TopView intended for applications with at most five monitored po …

Alarm software texts you when things go awry

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Excerpt: TopView software lets users configure alarms, monitor remote processes, signal notifications, and more. The software is a comprehensive, cost-effective alarm management and notification program that’s useful when data must be monitored, such as in wind turbines and other non-manned facilities. The …

Uniform interface helps better manage farms with different turbines

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Excerpt: The REguard Interface B IEC 61400-25 is available for any wind farm that uses REpower turbines. The system means the variety of interfaces that might be used in a wind farm can be replaced by a standardized, international version. Even wind farms with turbines from other manufacturers can be con …