Functionally safe sensor technology with SIL 2 and/or PLd certification is a key product for the wind industry. It reduces operating costs by minimizing the need for equipment redundancy. Through early and intelligent fault detection, it increases the efficiency of wind turbines by reducing downtime. At WindEnergy 2026 in Hamburg, we will be showcasing new and advanced sensor technology at our booth B6.301, once again demonstrating that innovative technology provides a significant competitive edge.
However, it is not only reduced downtime that increases the operational efficiency of wind turbines, but also the ability to tailor our sensors specifically to the operating conditions of each individual turbine. This optimizes control processes and thus maximizes energy yield at all times.
The proven SIL2/PLd-certified devices, which are based on MEMS sensor technology, are now equipped with a new platform featuring more powerful controllers and state-of-the-art 6-axis sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope). Specifically, these include the NIT dynamic tilt sensor, the NBT-D rotor hub sensor, and the NVT vibration sensor. The increased computing and memory capacity is what makes this high level of application customization possible. Additionally, they meet the latest cybersecurity standards. This topic is becoming increasingly important, which is why we design the new sensors in accordance with the standard for IT security in automation and control technology, IEC 62443. They are equipped with the PROFIsafe interface and can output not only the scaled and filtered final value but also the raw data from the MEMS sensors used in a functionally safe manner.
We offer the option of commissioning a measurement unit in a wind turbine and logging MEMS sensor data over an extended period. Using this data set, we then work with the customer to optimize the sensor for real-world operating conditions. For example, the Kalman filter and other parameters used in the dynamic tilt sensor are optimized in this way. Low-frequency interference vibrations caused by the oscillation of offshore turbines in all three dimensions, as well as gearbox and nacelle vibrations, are filtered out of the required pitch value in this way, even during prolonged disturbances. For the first time, this dynamically corrected pitch value is available to the user as a certified, functionally safe output signal.
The rotor hub sensor has already established itself as a sensor for reliably measuring rotor speed. It can be easily placed in the rotor hub without a fixed shaft connection. The 6-axis sensors now in use have significantly lower noise and lower long-term drift. They noticeably improve the quality and accuracy of the measured rotor speed. Advanced filter technologies make the rotor hub sensor more robust against disruptive oscillations and vibrations, regardless of the axis direction in which they occur.
Last but not least, the vibration sensor—thanks to the expanded and customizable filter technologies—can reliably detect and transmit to the control system precisely those vibrations that are important for assessing the operational status of a wind turbine, enabling it to shut down in the event of a malfunction and locate the fault more quickly. Several frequency bands and signal processing options, such as RMS and PEAK, are available for this purpose. Safety relays can be optionally implemented to trip when acceleration thresholds are exceeded. In addition, there is a standard vibration sensor with a wireless LoRaWAN interface and battery operation that can be used during the installation phase of a turbine.
Encoders are another key component used in the wind industry. We offer a wide range of devices for nearly every application—including stainless steel models for offshore use. Our interface portfolio is extensive, particularly when it comes to safety interfaces—especially CANopen Safety, EtherCAT FSoE, and PROFIsafe. In addition to PROFIsafe, the TRT encoder also features an incremental output (ABZ) via the PROFINET interface. It can also be addressed via the standard PROFINET module. For slewing ring applications—such as on the nacelle or rotor—the certified slewing ring functionality always provides the correct position on the 360° scale, regardless of how many revolutions have already occurred. The mechanical connection is best achieved using the backlash-free ZRS measuring gear.
We also have news regarding encoders: The L and H Series ring encoders, which are divided into rotor and stator sections, operate inductively or using a magnetic ring and have inner diameters of up to 200 mm for cables, slip rings, or mounting purposes. They can support up to four different interfaces—simultaneously: one functionally safe interface for the safety control system and up to three high-speed interfaces for fast motor feedback (BiSS/SSI, incremental ABZ, commutative UVW). Resolutions go up to 21 bits and can be set differently for each interface.
There’s plenty to discover at WindEnergy 2026.
