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Automation for theenergy generation of the future.

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In your element.

Efficient use of renewable energies.Whether sun, wind, water or biomass – renewable sources of energyare on the advance. Reliability and economic efficiency are the twomain requirements of manufacturers and plant operators on completesystems and components.

Due to long-standing experience in the industry and its sectorsifm electronic is a reliable partner at your side. Diverse sensors andsystems lead to individual but also robust and reliable solutions.The goal: Ensuring availability and efficiency of your systems.Because quality, innovation and close customer contact areifm electronic’s trademark.

The name ifm electronic stands for a wide

range of different sensors and systems for

automation technology. For forty years

the family-run company has been resear-

ching, developing and producing with the

aim of optimising technical processes and

conserving resources.

With industry and application know-how,

ifm electronic – one of the leading manu-

facturers of automation technology –

successfully provides system solutions that

are both innovative and economical.

A range of more than 7,800 articles en-

sures the flexibility required to meet the

customers’ demands: from an individual

sensor and matching accessories to a

complete system solution.

WindBiomass

Water

Sun

ifm demands and promotes ecologicallyconscious decisions and conduct

Principle from ifm’s corporate philosophy

Photo source title solar cells: Jürgen Frey/Pixelio.de

branch officetrade partner

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With industry-specific knowledgeand global service.

The ifm group of companies is present in

over 70 countries with more than 3,500

employees and looks after more than

90,000 customers from the various indus-

tries. We take being close to the custo-

mer very seriously: Service visits in the

event of questions or requests, support

for installation or set-up have become a

standard for us. Your satisfaction drives

us on.

ifm electronic – a reliable partner for

implementing your projects.

Cost-effective co

World-wid

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Energy in all weathers.

Wind

Automation of wind turbines.To survive on the energy market, wind turbines need to be powerfuland efficient. Besides high uptime, suitability for all climatic zones isabsolutely necessary. Plant operators have special demands on thecomponents installed to ensure that they stand up to different environ-mental conditions. Besides high temperature fluctuations they includeshock and vibration stress. The sensors and systems from ifm electronicare optimised for these different demands on performance – at anexcellent price / performance ratio. Diverse approvals certify theirreliable operation. Test us!

Photo source: Fuhrländer Aktiengesellschaft, Liebenscheid

For any environmental condition.

Global service with competent support.

ondition-based maintenance.Sensors and systems designed for high temperature fluctuation.

e availability of the units.

All relevant approvals.

Many years of experience and comprehensive industry and application know-how.

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Sensors and systems for wind turbines.

2.

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Safe and efficient wind energy generation.

Wind

Pressure, temperature and flowsensors from ifm electronicdetect the required technical dataof the generator’s liquid-basedcooling system. In this applicationthe sensors are distinguished byeasy setting, robust design andan optimum price / performanceratio.

The rotational speed of the windturbine is controlled via theposition of the rotor blades.Robust, inductive sensors of theIGM series can be used for thereliable detection of the endpositions. In addition, tamper-proof, fail-safe inductive sensorsof the GI series monitor themaximum end position for ope-rator and plant safety.

To avoid overspeed of the mainactuator shaft speed monitorsof type DD and inductive sensorsof the IM or IGM series monitorthe speed. Screw heads passingby dampen the inductive sensors.The speed monitor ensuresreliable switch-off within thesafety chain.

The LI level sensor detects allliquids collecting on the nacellefloor due to leakage. The sensordetects not only oils but alsowater, aqueous media and water-based coolants. Furthermore,the switching output can be in-dividually adapted to the appli-cation.

High-resolution encoder signalsensure optimum orientation andposition detection of the nacelle,even after power failure.ifm supplies absolute encodersof the RM series with CAN inter-face for this task. Furthermore,other encoders with SSI andProfibus interface are available.

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Monitoringcooling systems

Safe end positionof the rotor blades

Rotational speedactuator shaftand generator

Leakage monitoringnacelle floor

Position nacelle

1.3.

5. 7. 6. 4.

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The hydraulic system is an impor-tant central system in a numberof wind turbines.With too low an oil pressure, forexample, the rotor blade pitch orthe hydraulic brake system canno longer work reliably. In thiscase, electronic pressure sensorsfrom ifm give alarm signals tothe controller.

6.Pressurehydraulic system

Wind turbines must functionabsolutely reliably and must inno case fail due to an avoidablefault, e.g. insufficient lubrication.To detect the minimum level onthe metal ring of the membranenoise-immune inductive sensorsof the IFM series are used.

7.Level lubricant system

Flow sensors andtransmitters tomonitor gaseousand liquid media.

Pressure sensorsand transmitterswith ceramic-capacitive orstainless steelmeasuring cell forvarious processes.

Temperaturesensors and trans-mitters, as well ascable and probesensors for reliablemonitoring of theapplication.

Speed monitorsfor monitoringrotating and linearmovements foroverspeed.

24-V switched-mode power sup-plies with single orthree-phaseprimary voltagewith wide-rangeinputs for globaluse.

High-quality,ingress-resistantand vibration-protected connec-tion technologyfor various appli-cations with differ-ent protectionratings.

OPC server

Router / switch

Central monitoring

Technical centrewind farm

Monitoring system wind farmERP level

Gateway PC / optional SCADA server

Router / switch

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CMS condition monitoring systemsin wind turbines.

Wind

Higher and higherdemands on profit-ability at lowestpossible servicecost are becomingmore and moreimportant forcondition-basedmaintenance.Using ifmelectronic’s

Condition Monitor-ing System, plantoperators andmanufacturers geta tailor-madeentry-level orall-in-one solutionat the bestprice/performanceratio.From permanent

monitoring ofindividual plantstates by sensorsto consistentdocumentation inthe control systemof the wind powerfarm: Thesoftware andhardware of theifm system provide

reliable informa-tion about thewear of individualcomponents forpredictive mainte-nance.The transparencyof the data allowscomparison of thedata of individualplants.

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VT vibrationtransmitter tomonitor overallvibration bymeans of 2-wiretechnology.Veff according toISO 10816.

VK vibrationmonitor withswitch and trans-mitter function tomonitor generalmachine vibration.

VE compact vibra-tion diagnosticunit for perma-nent conditionmonitoring withintegrated historyfunction.

VSE diagnosticelectronics ascontrol cabinetmodule for vibra-tion monitoringof up to fourmeasuring points.

VSA vibrationsensors with fullself-test capabilityfor the connectionto the VSE diagnos-tic electronics.

The VSA vibration sensor andthe VSE diagnostic electronicsfrom the efector octavis familymonitor the vibration of therotor blades. One sensor on eachwing senses the vibration of arotor blade. Fatigue, crackformation and damage e.g.caused by a strike of lightningcan thus be detected.

1.Rotor blades

Up to eight vibration sensors oftype VSA and two diagnosticelectronics of type VSE monitorthe power train consisting ofgenerator, gear and main rotorbearing. The efector octavisdiagnostic system diagnoses thecurrent states of bearings andgears taking into account theload and rotational speedinformation.

2.Power train

Monitoring the slide bearings bysensing, evaluation and remotetransmission of an externalcurrent measurement by meansof the VSE diagnostic electronics.

Yaw of the nacelle (azimuth)

The efector octavis diagnosticsystem monitors the towervibration for torsion, bending,crack formation, fatigue andwagging vibration.

Tower vibration

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4.

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Green energy.

Biomass

Automation of biogas plants.The alpha and omega of a biogas plant is its high capacity utilisationwhich is based on reliable operation. Installed automation technologymust not only score due to easy handling but also due to high resistanceand fast availability in case of replacement. The plant manufacturerand also the plant operator have a competent partner at their side withifm electronic. ifm sensors are known for their long life and reliability –even with direct contact to the medium. Unique customer service:Expert staff in technology and marketing support you with planningor retro-fitting your biogas plant. Benefit from our 10-year experience!

10 years of experience in the field of biogas plants.

ATEX approvals for the categories 1 to 3.

Optimum price / performance ratio.World-wide availability of the units.

Flush fluid sensors to avoid deposits.

Stainless steel units for direct contact with the medium.Easy handling of sensors and

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Sensors and systems for biogas plants.

d systems.

Photo source: PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH, Vreden

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Efficient energy generation from biomass.

Biomass

Pressure sensors from ifm areused to avoid overpressure insubstrate pipes. The flush pres-sure measuring cell of ceramicsprotects against plug formation.Furthermore, they are extremelyresistant to abrasion by roughmedia in the substrate.

Optical distance sensors of theO1D series measure the level ofthe substrate in the supply tankwithout contact. Due to the longranges of the lens, soiling can beexcluded to a large extent.Another advantage: easy para-meter setting and installation.

There has to be a constanttemperature in the fermenter sothat the fermenting processtakes place. The TR temperaturesensor detects the mediumtemperature of the substrateand provides an analogue signalto the controller. Thanks toindividual scaling the unit can beoptimally integrated in theapplication.

The hydraulic feeder systemdemands high overload protec-tion and at the same time stablemeasured value detection fromthe electronic pressure transmit-ters. The measuring range canbe scaled from 0 to 250 bars.The transmitters score with theirefficient structure and an excel-lent price / performance ratio.

The two-point control of thewear-free PK pressure sensormonitors the hydraulic pressure.The user can easily set the setand reset points via two radialsetting rings. The mechanicallock and the optional protectivecover prevent unintendedprogramming.

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Pressuresubstrate pipes

Level supply tanksfor fermenters

Temperaturefermenters

Hydraulic pressurefeeder system

Hydraulic pressurefeeder system

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AS-i optimises the decentralisedconnection of sensors and actua-tors in the plant. There is savingspotential for example with theAS-i AirBox with regard to mini-mising piping and installationcomplexity and to the consider-able reduction of the compressedair consumption. Furthermore,the higher-level bus systems suchas Profibus DP are technicallyand economically supplemented.

6.AS-Interface as an intelligent wiring

control system

Inductive sensors of the IG seriesare used for position feedbackof the slides. Their standardisedM18 thread ensures easy fixingon common slides. The IP 67,IP 68 and IP 69 K protectionratings guarantee high ingress-resistance even in adverse en-vironmental conditions.

7.Monitoring end positions slide valves

Inductive sensorswith high EMCresistance for posi-tion detection –they detect metalswithout contactand also withoutwear.

Capacitive sensorsmonitor the levelof materials withdifferent dielectricconstants.

AS-Interface forintelligent decen-tralised networkingof sensors andactuators up tothe control level.

24-V switched-mode power sup-plies with single orthree-phaseprimary voltagewith wide-rangeinputs for globaluse.

High-quality,ingress-resistantand vibration-protected connec-tion technologyfor various appli-cations with differ-ent protectionratings.

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Swimming with the current.

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Water

Automation of hydroelectric power plants.Each hydroelectric power plant is individually designed, has its owndemands on the technology used. ifm electronic is a reliable andcompetent partner at your side also in this field: Whether for theselection of components, the support on site or during set-up.A comprehensive range of products is ready to solve monitoring tasksboth reliably and at low cost: from position monitoring to flowmonitoring and condition-based maintenance of generators. The ifmproducts will convince you with their quality, long life, intuitivehandling and easy menu navigation. See for yourself!

Condition-based maintenance for rolling element bearing monitoring.

Easy menu navigation of the configurable units.

Intuitive handling.

World-wide service.High quality standards for sensors and systems.

Support for set-up.

Direct expert support

Sensors and systems for hydroelectric power stations.

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on site.

3.2.

Efficient energy generationfrom hydropower.

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Water

The water infeed and thus therotational speed of the turbineare controlled via the adjust-ment of the guide vanes.A maximum angle of aperturemust not be exceeded. Inductivesensors of type IE reliablymonitor the end positions of theguide vanes.

Durable slide bearings are usedin the turbines. To monitor theviscosity, probe sensors of typeTT detect the temperature of thelubricating film. Thanks to the7-segment display the tempera-ture can be read directly on siteand transferred to the higher-level controller via analogue out-puts.

VSA vibration sensors and VSEdiagnostic electronics monitorthe rolling element bearings ofthe turbine. Unbalance andbearing damage can be detectedat an early stage and rectified.Unplanned standstills are thus amatter of the past.

The hydraulic pressure of theguide vane adjustment iscontinuously measured by anddisplayed on pressure sensors oftype PN and transmitted to thecontroller via a 4...20 mA analo-gue signal. The sensor also scoreswith high pressure resistanceand drift-free operation up to100 million pressure cycles.

The submersible pressure trans-mitters of the PS3 series are per-fectly suited for continuous mea-surement of the water level. Thestandard transmitter with 2-wiretechnology is designed for therobust use in sewage treatmentplants, for example. The diffe-rence in height between theupper and lower reservoir, theheight of fall, can be exactlymeasured and the signal be furt-her processed to control the weir.

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End positionguide vanes

Temperatureturbine bearing

Vibration diagnosisrolling elementbearing turbine

Pressure hydraulicpower pack

Level measurementupper and lower reservoir

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Levelhydraulic tanks6.

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There is the risk that the conveyorbelt of the system is blocked byfloating debris. Personal injuryand damage to the plant can beavoided by e-stops with a built-in interface based on AS-i Safetyat Work. The system from ifmcorresponds to the controlcategory 4 to EN 954-1 orIEC 61508/SIL3.

Monitoringscreening system

There must be enough hydraulicoil as lubricant for the guide vaneadjustment to ensure reliableoperation of the turbine. Probesensors continuously detect thelevel. Additional advantage ofthe LL design: The sensors detectnot only sudden but also pro-gressive leakage.

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Rotational speed measurementof the generator can be imple-mented at low cost by means ofthe DD2001 monitor and aninductive sensor of type IE. Thelatter acts as pulse pick-up andtransmits pulse sequences to theevaluation system. The rotation-al speed is provided to a higher-level system via an analoguesignal.

Rotationalspeed generator

Inductive sensorswith high EMCresistance for posi-tion detection –they detect metalswithout contactand also withoutwear.

Flow sensors andtransmitters tomonitor gaseousand liquid media.

Diagnosticelectronics for thecontrol cabinet toevaluate vibrationdata for machinediagnosis.

24-V switched-mode power sup-plies with single orthree-phaseprimary voltagewith wide-rangeinputs for globaluse.

High-quality,ingress-resistantand vibration-protected connec-tion technologyfor various appli-cations with differ-ent protectionratings.

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8.

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On the sunny side.

Sun

Automation of solar tracking systems.The solar panels of a photovoltaic system or the parabolic reflectors ofa solar thermal system are adjusted for maximum energy yield. UV rays,sand, temperature fluctuations and humidity affect the sensors of thetracking systems. ifm electronic is known for robust sensors for out-door applications. Among them are various sensors for position detec-tion. Once adjusted, they are maintenance and wear free. The sensorsfrom ifm stand out with their reliability, long life and quality.Join ifm on the sunny side!

High reliability and quality of the sensors ans systems.

Innovative application solutions.

Support for set-up.

Direct expert support on site.

World-wide availability of the units.

For different climatic zones.

Robust and noise-immune sensors for outdoor applications.

Photo source: Ferrostaal/Maier-Jantzen

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Sensors and systems for solar tracking systems.

Inductive sensorswith high EMCresistance for posi-tion detection –they detect metalswithout contactand also withoutwear.

Receive an”absolute“ numer-ical value for eachangular positionwith absoluteencoders.

Modular controlsystemecomatmobileBasic – consistingof BasicRelay,BasicControllerand BasicDisplay.

Analogue inclina-tion sensors andinclination sensorswith a built-ininterface of highoperational reli-ability for continu-ous positiondetection underextreme operatingconditions.

Capacitive sensorsdetect materialswith differentdielectric constants.

High-quality,ingress-resistantand vibration-protected connec-tion technologyfor various appli-cations with differ-ent protectionratings.

Encoders detect the limits oftravel of the solar trackingsystem. Each angular position isassigned a coded numericalvalue in the absolute encodersof types RM and RN. Advantage:In the event of a power failurethe absolute value saves a”reference procedure“.

To protect the solar panelsagainst too heavy snow loads,capacitive sensors of typesKI and KQ are used. They areinstalled behind glass and detectthe presence of snow. When theswitch point is reached, a signalis transmitted to the controllerwhich in turn activates a thawingsystem and the solar panel isdriven into a vertical position.

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Positiontracking system

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Over 70 locations worldwide – at a glance atwww.ifm.com

visit our website:

www.ifm.com

Position sensorsand object recognitionInductive sensorsCapacitive sensorsMagnetic sensors,cylinder sensorsSafety technologyValve sensorsPhotoelectric sensorsObject recognitionEncodersEvaluation systems,power suppliesConnection technology

Fluid sensorsand diagnostic systemsLevel sensorsFlow sensorsPressure sensorsTemperature sensorsDiagnostic systemsEvaluation systems,power suppliesConnection technology

Bus systemsBus system AS-InterfacePower suppliesConnection technology

Identification systemsMulticode reading systemsRF-identification systemsPower suppliesConnection technology

Control systemsControl systemsfor mobile vehiclesConnection technology

Overview ifm product range:

ifm electronic gmbhFriedrichstraße 145128 EssenTel. +49 / 201 / 24 22-0Fax +49 / 201 / 24 22-1200E-Mail: info@ifm.com