Renewable energies

KRIWAN wind sensors for wind turbines and photovoltaic systems

The use of renewable energies is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to energy generation. To make the best use of these energy sources, wind sensors are indispensable. Anemometers and wind direction sensors enable precise measurement of wind speed and direction to ensure the safe and efficient operation of wind power and photovoltaic systems.

With KRIWAN, you have a powerful partner for wind sensors at your side. Our anemometers and wind direction sensors are ideally suited for industrial applications due to their functionality and design. KRIWAN focuses on the highest quality in the manufacture and development of products. KRIWAN wind sensors are manufactured in Germany and are certified to the highest quality standards. KRIWAN is therefore the perfect partner when it comes to supplying innovative and reliable sensors that meet the requirements of the market.

Success criteria for wind sensors

In the wind energy market, wind sensors are indispensable, for example, to optimize and ensure the performance of wind turbines. But what are the success criteria to be considered when selecting wind sensors?

Performance

Precise and reliable measurement data even under extreme weather conditions such as hail, fog, freezing rain, etc.

Robustness

Suitable for use in rough environments such as at sea or in mountainous regions, combined with a long service life to avoid costly replacements and repairs.

Price-performance

High quality, durability, precise measurement data combined with a reasonable price.

Reliability

Operational reliability is ensured even under extreme weather conditions, and both climatic and mechanical influences can be withstood. Long-lasting usability is also of particular importance.

Different wind measurement methods in the wind energy industry

There are various measurement methods in the wind energy sector for determining wind direction and wind speed. These can be assigned to the moving and non-moving wind sensors in terms of their modes of operation.

Mechanical wind sensors

The measuring principle of mechanical wind sensors is a non-contact, magnetic scanning system based on a Hall sensor. This sensor is installed in the hull of the wind sensor and detects the magnetic field change caused by the moving magnet in the wind vane or in the cup star. As soon as this part of the sensor starts to move, the magnet placed inside it rotates with it and changes the magnetic field. The Hall sensor registers this change and can derive the wind speed or wind direction from it.

Advantages:

  • precise measurement data even in weather conditions such as snowfall, hail, heavy rain and dense fog
  • longer service life due to robust construction
  • cost-effective compared to other measurement methods
  • easy installation and low maintenance
  • less vulnerable to damage by ice throw

Disadvantages:

  • mechanical wear (e.g. ball bearings)
  • Susceptibility to dirt and dust (especially ball bearings)

Ultraschall Windsensoren

There are two methods for measuring wind speed and direction with ultrasound wind sensors: time-of-flight measurement and the "acoustic resonance" measurement principle. Although these methods differ in their application, both use ultrasonic waves to measure wind speed and direction.

Time-of-flight measurement is a commonly used method for measuring wind speed and direction using ultrasound waves. In this method, a transmitter emits a short ultrasonic wave and then measures the time it takes for the wave to be received by the receiver. Since the speed of the wave is known, the measured time can be used to easily calculate the distance to the receiver so that the wind speed can be determined.

The "acoustic resonance" measurement principle is also very efficient in measuring wind speed and direction using ultrasonic waves. Here, the transmitter emits several short waves so that resonances can form on the reflected waves. These resonances reflect different frequency information based on the angle of the incoming wind and other factors such as temperature or air pressure. The sensor then measures this frequency information and uses it to calculate the wind speed and direction.

Advantages:

  • Accuracy of measurement data
  • Simple installation

Disadvantages:

  • Measurement errors in weather phenomena such as hail, snowfall, heavy rain and dense fog
  • high susceptibility to measurement errors in the presence of vibration and shock
  • susceptible to damage due to ice throw (especially arms of the ultrasonic sensor) due to the construction of the device

Laser wind sensors

LiDAR wind sensors are optical measuring devices used in the wind energy industry to measure the speed and direction of air aerosols. The acronym LiDAR stands for "Light Detection And Ranging" and describes the measuring principle of the device.

A laser beam is emitted in front of the wind turbine and hits the air aerosols. These cause the laser beam to scatter, resulting in reflected beam components. With the Doppler effect, these components can be measured, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the speed and direction of the aerosols in the air.

Advantages:

  • maximum efficiency of the wind turbine due to the large measuring radius of up to 450m

Disadvantages:

  • Susceptible to atmospheric disturbances such as snowfall, rain, fog and air pollution
  • very high initial costs
  • costly installation and regular maintenance (calibration) by trained personnel

Why KRIWAN wind sensors?

Extreme conditions - no problem for the ICEfight series

The design of the ICEfight sensors effectively prevents icing on the moving parts and ensuring reliable operation. The special feature of the KRIWAN solution: inside the cup star or vane there is a generously dimensioned heater, which is supplied with electrical energy from the fixed sensor part without contact and mechanical loss.

 

Conventional mechanical wind sensors


  • Conventional heating system
  • Only the bearing in the sensor housing is heated
  • Attempts are made to spread the heat around the sensor into the mechanical part.

Disadvantage: Especially in the moving part there are numerous unheated areas.

Conclusion: Heating is insufficient to prevent operation of the sensor in ice and freezing rain

 

 

 

 

KRIWAN ICEfight wind sensors


  • Completely new heating system
  • The heating is integrated into the moving part of the sensor (cup star and vane)
  • A wireless connection with high power density transmits the heat (heating power: 120 watts)

Advantage: The heat is generated where it is most needed

Conclusion: the successful commissioning was carried out together with industry experts and selected wind turbine manufacturers and showed: with the ICEfight, the turbine is resistant to freezing rain and any ice formation

On top performance: constant, accurate and stable data transmission over the wind turbine

 

Further areas of application for KRIWAN wind sensors

The KRIWAN wind sensors can also be used in various other areas. There is a suitable KRIWAN wind sensor for every environmental condition. They can be used in less demanding applications as well as in extreme conditions.

Building technology

The Eco-Line and Business-Line wind sensors are particularly suitable for use in building technology.

Learn more

Crane systems

The wind sensors of the Business-Line and Premium-Line as well as the categories Offshore, Heavy Duty and ICEfight Offshore are particularly suitable for use in crane systems.

Lern more

Cable cars and ski lifts

The wind sensors of the Business-Line and Premium-Line as well as the ICEfight category are particularly suitable for use for cable cars and ski lifts.

Lern more

Hydrology and Meterology

The wind sensors of the Business-Line and Premium-Line as well as the categories Offshore, Heavy Duty and ICEfight Offshore are particularly suitable for applications in the fields of hydrology and meterology.

Building and greenhouse regulation

The wind sensors of the Business-Line and the Premium-Line as well as the category Heavy Duty are especially suitable for the application in building and greenhouse regulation.

Learn more

You have further questions? Our experts will be pleased to advise you!

 

Mathias Stratyla

Market Manager

+49 (0) 79 47 - 8 22 - 0
sales@kriwan.de