In power generation, hydraulic cylinders are used in hydroelectric-dam settings for gate actuation and governor control. Standard positioning technologies rely on magnetostrictive sensors, variable resistance sensors (string pots) and laser gauges. These all have limitations, including short strokes, dead zones, calibration needs, water ingression, temperature range restrictions, interference from contaminants, annoying electrical noise and time-consuming removal and repair.
These problems all add inefficiencies to dam operation, which increases operational cost.
Now, however, a new “smart” cylinder from Parker called IntellinderTM can eliminate these problems and streamline operations.
More efficient operationDesigned for hydro-electric gate actuation and governor control, Intellinder integrates a highly engineered sensor into the hydraulic cylinder. Advantages include:
- installation is virtually plug-and-play
- steel and stainless construction available as NFPA tie rod or round line design
- exterior mount, non-pressurized, non-contacting sensor that is easy to replace
- extreme operating temperature rating (-40 to 220f)
- universal across a wide range of cylinder bore and rod diameters, with stroke lengths up to 20 feet
- sensor remains impervious to electronic noise
- CAN communication to signal conditioning electronics allow long cable runs
- up to eight Intellinder cylinders can be connected to a single bus, offering reduced installation and commissioning costs
The Intellinder sensor signals absolute positioning, rather than position relative to the starting location and end point of the rod. Position-identifying bar codes are marked on the rod so its position is communicated continually and directly to the controller. Position report occurs at power-on and does not require calibration. The sensor even enables monitoring in double-rodded cylinder applications, allowing customer utilization of both rod ends. True redundancy is achieved by simply adding multiple, non-contacting reader sensors to the cylinder.
The Intellinder absolute position sensor is designed to sustain performance in harsh environments, including hydroelectric plant and dam environments, where applications expose the cylinder to vibration, dust, gravel, corrosives, chemicals, axial load and side load. Long cable runs up to 300 feet from the farthest cylinder to the output module can be obtained. Intellinder feedback devices can be networked together, just like networking computers together over a single cable. Analog output modules are protected to IP67 and do not need to be mounted in enclosures (if required, an additional 100 feet of cabling can be used from the analog module to the host controller).
For more information on Intellinder, contact Parker Hannifin’s Industrial Cylinder Division.
HydroVision Conference
View our solutions on display at this year's HydroVision Expo, July 14-17 in Portland, Booth #10071 and also arrange an exclusive visit on July 15th to our Mobile Technology Showcase Exhibit in the greater Portland area (lunch and transportation provided). This event is hosted by Parker and its local Portland partner, Western Integrated Technologies. Register to be contacted, and learn more about our unique technologies and products in a relaxed setting (limited invitations- please RSVP by July 6th).
Article contributed by Bruce Besch, Industrial Cylinder Division, Parker Hannifin
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