One of my colleagues forwarded one interesting article from Chemicalprocessing.com - Energy Harvesting Widens Wireless' Appeal. Do you have a mechanical watch that you need to shake to get the it energized ? The article is discussing about similar concept like this mechanical watch but by using equipment vibration in a process plant to recharge wireless battery.
This topic was also discussed by Jim Cahill as one of the topic featured in one workshop during Emerson Exchange.
Currently wireless transmitters are not only capable to monitor but also to control. But when control is required, a fastest update rate is desired. Faster update rate on wireless instruments will greatly impact lifetime of battery that is used to power the instruments. Typical wireless power module will last up to 10 years with 1 minute update rate but a fast update rate as fast as 4 seconds can reduce the battery lifetime to less than three years.
Figure 1. Unit (to left of dial gauge) connects to pressure transmitter and can be used with various types of energy harvesters. Source: Perpetuum (published by chemicalprocessing.com)
Many experiments are being conducted to find a solution for rechargeable wireless battery in the plant. The idea is to use every resources that are easily found in a process plant which include using equipment vibration in the process plant or using Temperature difference e.g. steam pipes, pumps, motors, turbine and ambient conditions. In the near future, we can expect more saving by using wireless technology in a process plant, not only on wire but also energy.
I am excited to see one once it's released ! But what do you think ? Will it be helpful ?
Another article on Intelligent Harvester Power Module test on Emerson Pressure Wireless 3051S :
http://www.perpetuum.com/emersonipm/Perpetumm_IPM_Emerson_3051S.pdf
It is very new! great!
In reply to Joanna Wu:
It would be nice if you could incorporate e.g a Peltier generator in the device, or insert a solarcell behind the display glass :)
Niklas Flykt
Klinkmann Oy
Key Account Manager safety products
nikfly@gmail.com
In reply to Niklas Flykt:
Hi Niklas,
Do you mean by using waste heat and convert them into energy using a thermogenerator ?
I think Emerson did similar test in 2012 at Hunstman and Dishman, both are in Netherlands.
It's an interesting topic and I do hope to see them available soon :)
In reply to Emmy Lim:
Hi Emmy,
I didn´t read the article befor I wrote my first comment. The article is disscussing just that.
Hi All,
Keith Abate with Perpetuum here. We have worked with the Rosemount group to incorporate vibration energy harvesting with the 3051S wireless transmitter. We have also co-developed an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) which is a form, function and fit replacement of the standard black Smart Power Module that would allow the 3051S (currently other trnasmitters to follow soon) to accept multiple forms of external power i.e. thermal, solar and 24V DC. The IPM will be released in June of this year once hazardous zone approval is obtained. Perpetuum will have a booth at this years Exchange and I will be presenting a paper on the IPM as well. Please contact me if you would like additional information or to discuss where this is currently being used and the value that has been realized in extending battery life for wireless transmitters.