1.Power Measurement and Quality Analysis
(1).Electric Energy Metering
High-precision electric energy meters are used in billing and metering applications at generator terminals, substations, and delivery points. They must maintain accuracy under different load conditions, extreme temperatures, and electromagnetic environments, while providing tamper-proof metering functions.
Modern digital electric meters integrate multiple rate structures, time-of-use metering, demand calculation, and remote reading capabilities. Communication protocols including DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61850, and proprietary interfaces support integration with SCADA and billing systems.
(2).Current and Voltage Transformers
Current Transformers (CT) and Voltage Transformers (VT) provide isolation and proportionally convert high-voltage currents and voltages to measurable levels for protection and metering applications. There are significant differences in accuracy class requirements between metering CTs and protection CTs.
Optical current sensors using Faraday effect technology have advantages in high-current applications and DC measurement, while traditional wound CTs still dominate in AC applications.
(3).Power Quality Analyzers
Power quality meters are used for harmonic analysis, fluctuation measurement, voltage sag/swell detection, and transient recording. These instruments help identify the sources of power quality issues, verify compliance with standards, and guide mitigation efforts.
Portable power quality analyzers can troubleshoot at specific points, while permanent monitoring systems provide continuous assessment and alarm notifications for critical facilities.
2.Power Generation Equipment Monitoring
(1).Turbine Monitoring
Turbine generator sets require comprehensive monitoring to ensure reliable operation and optimize maintenance plans. Key monitoring parameters include:
Vibration monitoring can detect problems such as imbalance, misalignment, bearing wear, and looseness that may lead to catastrophic failures. Proximity probes, speed sensors, and accelerometer-based systems provide vibration data for protection, alarm, and trend analysis applications.
Eddy current proximity probes measure shaft expansion, differential expansion, and position relative to the bearing housing. These measurements are crucial for detecting thermal deformation and ensuring sufficient clearance during startup and load changes.
Temperature monitoring throughout the turbine (including bearing metal temperature, steam temperature, and oil temperature) provides data for thermal efficiency optimization and early detection of anomalies.
(2).Boiler Monitoring
Combustion monitoring in fossil fuel boilers optimizes fuel efficiency and minimizes emissions. Flue gas analyzers measure oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to guide combustion control and ensure compliance with environmental permit requirements.
Furnace safety monitoring systems include flame scanners, fuel valve position feedback, and air supply verification to prevent dangerous fuel accumulation that could lead to explosions.
Steam and water chemistry instruments monitor conductivity, pH value, dissolved oxygen, and silica to prevent corrosion and scaling that could damage boiler tubes and turbine blades.
3.Renewable Energy Instrumentation
(1).Solar Power Monitoring
Photovoltaic monitoring includes irradiance sensors, ambient and panel temperature sensors, and inverter efficiency monitoring. String monitoring and module-level power electronics (MLPE) provide detailed performance data for troubleshooting and optimization.
(2).Energy Storage Systems
Battery Management Systems (BMS) require precise voltage and current measurements to calculate State of Charge (SOC) and monitor battery balancing. Temperature monitoring across battery modules prevents thermal runaway and ensures safe operation.
State of Health (SOH) estimation combines current, voltage, and temperature data with aging models to predict remaining battery life and schedule replacements.
