October 20, 2016 | Engineering + Technology, Wind Plant Optimization
Field testing RNRG's Hybrid XT Turbine Control Sensors.
At RNRG’s headquarters in Hinesburg, Vermont, the hillsides are painted with the vibrant hues of autumn. While breathtakingly beautiful, nature’s colorful display is also a reminder that winter is right around the corner. As the first frost looms, now is the perfect time to consider Hybrid XT Turbine Control Sensors to ensure that your turbines continue to run smoothly, despite the icy ravages of winter.
In 2016, RNRG designed, tested, and commercialized two new Hybrid XT upgrade kits—one for Siemens 2.3MW turbines and another for Mitsubishi turbines. Both solutions—implemented for E.ON and ALLETE Clean Energy, respectively—succeeded in reducing risk for our customers, a benefit they will continue to enjoy for years to come.
Reliable Operation, Regardless of the Weather
When ALLETE came to us, they were struggling with the stock sensors on their Mitsubish600kW turbines. Due to the sensors’ minimal heating, icing events took their toll, ultimately leading to lost production and a dip in revenue. We worked closely with ALLETE to develop a Hybrid XT retrofit solution that was specially tailored to their turbines.
In addition to ALLETE’s wind farm in Minnesota, thousands of our Hybrid XT Sensors are being used for turbine control in all corners of the globe. Faced with some of world’s most extreme weather conditions, the sensors continue to provide reliable data, thanks to a 96-watt heating element that keeps the anemometer and vane heads free of ice. Heat also travels to the body of the sensor, eliminating any buildup that would result in downtime or faulty readings.
"The Hybrid XT solution helps with cost savings for me on multiple levels. The RNRG team has been extremely helpful and easy to work with. I am truly excited that I can get quality, reliable replacement components for my turbines that are made right here in the United States." - Dan Cathcart, ALLETE Clean Energy
Installing a Hybrid XT Retrofit Kit at ALLETE Clean Energy.
Not Just Sensors, Complete Solutions
We want technicians to have all of the components needed for a simple, successful installation, which is why RNRG’s Hybrid XT Retrofit Kits include more than just sensors. Each kit comes with the following components, allowing for a seamless transition from your previous sensor:
- A mechanical mounting adapter so that you can simply bolt on the Hybrid XT in place of your old sensor
- A power supply to keep the heating element at the proper temperature for the conditions
- The cables and wires needed to connect to the PLC
- Clear instructions that walk the installer through each step of the process, ensuring that the job is done right the first time
- An exceptional customer support team that’s ready to answer any questions you may have along the way
The design of our Hybrid XT Retrofit Kits has been informed by feedback from customers, as well as extensive field testing, so you can rest assured that you will receive decades of trouble-free operation. We also have some of the shortest lead times in the business, so you’ll be able to get your new sensors up and running before the snow flies. Have GE, Siemens, Gamesa, or Mitsubishi turbines? We can ship preconfigured retrofit kits at a moment’s notice.
"After a large icing event in Texas shut down production for an extended period of time, we had to make a change. We collaborated with RNRG to produce a solution for integrating the Hybrid XT sensors onto the Siemens 2.3 platform. The result is that the commercial Hybrid XT Retrofit Kits are now up and running well on our Siemens fleets, and we are much less concerned with icing or snow events stopping production on any of our North American sites." -Federico Barron, Technical Fleet Support, Global Unit Next Generation, E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC
EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY
In addition to their deicing capabilities and supreme usability, our Hybrid XT Retrofit Kits are exceptionally reliable. The sensor is fully sealed to minimize the ingress of dust, dirt, or water, and our unique cartridge bearing system is mounted to prevent any damage from rough handling. The metal heads of the sensors are sleek yet rugged to avoid any breakage due to accidental drops or icing. Once installed, our sensors only need to be serviced once per decade!
When choosing Hybrid XT Turbine Control Sensors from RNRG, you can be sure that your new sensors will arrive quickly, they will be simple to install, and they will perform reliably — regardless of the conditions.
To explore RNRG’s full suite of Turbine Control Solutions, visit the product page.