The extent to which humidity and temperature plays a part in any given production process may vary but, in many cases, it is essential that, at the very least, they are monitored and, in most cases, controlled.
Examples Where Humidity & Temperature Measurement is Important:
Humidity and Temperature Measurement in Gas Turbines
Gas turbines are heat engines used to generate electricity. These consist of a turbine, a compressor, and a combustion chamber. During operation the turbine pulls in outside air, mixes it with gas, and ignites it in the combustion chamber. The quality of this intake air contributes to the efficiency of the electrical output, the mechanical integrity of the turbine and the amount of exhaust pollution e.g., NOx. Unconditioned air can reduce the electrical output. Ice particles can damage the turbine blades. Hot dry air can generate more pollution. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature and humidity of the intake air. The EE33-MFTJ humidity and temperature sensor from E+E Elektronik is designed to meet the rigorous demands of gas turbine engines. Follow the link for more information.
Dew Point and Moisture-in-Oil Measurement in Turbo Generators.
Turbo generators are combined with a steam or gas turbine and mainly used in medium to large thermal power plants to generate electricity. Keeping the generator cool is important and poses a particular challenge to a power plant. For smaller systems, air can be used as a coolant.
Larger systems require the use of hydrogen gas instead of air. Hydrogen is a combustible gas and creates a safety risk when used as a coolant. Any device used to measure the condition of the hydrogen gas must be intrinsically safe. E+E offers the EE300Ex intrinsically safe humidity/temperature sensor and it is the ideal solution for this application.
E+E’s Solution EE300Ex:
The EE300Ex is the ideal choice for such critical environments. It is an intrinsically safe and ATEX classified humidity and temperature sensor capable of reliably measuring the dew point of hydrogen gas. It can be used in various locations including the drying system and within the coolant chamber to monitor for undesirable moisture ingress. Similarly, this sensor is also ideal for monitoring the moisture content in the turbine oil. This can be communicated via two analogue outputs as absolute moisture content (PPM) and as water activity (aw). Both ensure the oil quality and lubricity, as well as reducing the risk of moisture diffusion in the dried hydrogen cooling gas. Follow the link for more information.
Mobile Power Generation
With global warming and the fact that natural disasters are occurring more frequently world-wide, the need for emergency mobile power has never been greater. Generator manufacturers have historically monitored pressure, coolant temperature and speed. Now equipment manufacturers and users are becoming increasingly interested in monitoring other parameters.
Knowing that generator equipment is working reliably and efficiently in remote locations is key. It’s becoming increasingly important for manufacturers and users to understand the effects of sub-zero cold starts, ambient temperature, altitude, sand, and humidity on equipment out in the field.
Modern mobile power generation equipment is designed to work all over the world, so having the ability to remote monitor the equipment is essential. E+E Elektronik with their extensive range of environmental sensors can provide major assistance in this area. Please contact Omni Sensors and Transmitters, UK partners of E+E Elektronik if you have any questions or require pricing guidance.
