Last Updated: August 11, 2020
Energy and Hydropower
Laser Sensors for the Energy and Hydropower Industries
The multi-purpose nature of Acuity sensors makes them attractive to engineering departments at electricity producing companies. Acuity’s laser rangefinders are particularly well-suited for large scale equipment used by the energy industry which requires the measurement of long distances over a long period of time. Common long distance applications of sensors in energy and hydropower include the height measurement of dams, fill heights of coal or wood chips in a trailer, or something as complex as measuring displacement of wind turbine blades.
Photovoltaic and hydrogen fuel cell developers and manufacturers use Acuity sensors to improve the efficiency of their technologies. Acuity lasers have been used in applications such as solar panel glass layer thickness and fuel cell adhesive thickness.
Crane Positioning
Cranes can be automated and monitored using long distance laser rangefinders, helping to improve crash avoidance, automated retrieval, and maintain equipment efficiency.
Dam Height Measurement
Whether it is to retain water, help generate electricity, or collect water for storage, laser rangefinders are often used to measure dam heights. Laser rangefinders can be remotely installed inside a control cabin or inside a protective housing, away from direct sunlight and corrosive humidity.
Hydro Turbine Alignment
Hydroelectric engineers in Wenatchee, WA needed a precise, non-contact method for aligning the turbine blades in the system’s housing. They selected an AR700 laser displacement sensor to measure the distance from a known location on the turbine to the sidewall.
Wind Turbine Blade Monitoring
Turbine engineers often want to remotely monitor components. The monitoring of blade tip displacement is an important metric and it requires a sensor that allows measurements away from the danger of the moving blades.
