In addition to new generations of TRK/TRN/TRT encoders and the new model of a non-shaft-mounted speed sensor NBT-D - there is another way to reliably detect and monitor the speeds of machines or systems in a functional way: The newly developed electronic cam controller NOCIO/S3 with IO-Link interface. It also offers two independently operating switching contacts with SIL2/PLd level, which switch in the event of overspeed or underspeed and can thus initiate safety functions in the system.
Not only standard, but also product optimisation according to customer requirements. This is an important basic orientation of TWK, and in doing so, it brings innovative products to the market time again. The development team works closely with sales and product management to come up with new ideas that result in even more efficient products adapted to the application - not infrequently to positive surprise, but always to the satisfaction of our customers, with whom we maintain a lively exchange. TWK is committed to making a relevant contribution to the improvement of sensor technology in order to reduce system costs on the part of the customer and thus have a positive effect on the conservation of resources.
More than 10 years ago, TWK launched the first electronic cam switch units as a stand-alone device. This is an extension of the universal functions of encoders - namely the implementation of switching relays that react to the position signal of the encoder shaft or its time derivatives, i.e. speed / acceleration. In addition to the already existing interface - for example CANopen, SSI or analogue - the switch property is now added. In addition, the new IO-Link interface has been added to the NOCIO/S3 portfolio. The advantage of electronic cam switches over the common mechanical version with a downstream rotary encoder is that the electronic version has no backlash. This makes it possible to switch with bit precision at precisely specified positions and, of course, to establish the speed as a further switching initiator in the first place. The switching behaviour, keyword limit values, can be parameterised via the bus system. The required functional safety of the unit including the switching relays is ensured by the SIL2/PLd design according to IEC 61508 and ISO 13849. A position resolution of 16 bits/360° and a speed calculation in the exact 1 ms cycle ensure corresponding precision. The built-in LEDs indicate the operating status.
Wind turbines are an important field of application for this new sensor. For example, to prevent the rotor from turning too fast and thus damaging the rotor blades. The switching relays interrupt the safety chain in the plant in the event of overspeed and initiate an emergency stop. The alignment and speed of the rotor can be queried at any time via the IO-Link signal. The universal NOCIO/S3 can also be used to monitor the azimuth angle of the nacelle to prevent cable breakage or to adjust the blade angle. In doing so, its connection can be made in a simple manner using the TWK gear wheels ZRS / ZRM. The robust construction due to the aluminium or stainless steel housing with IP67 also defies adverse weather conditions - whether onshore or offshore.
