Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Wireless Bearing Monitoring

By Design World Staff | August 5, 2009

Share

Billions of dollars are spent and lost every year to replace flawless machine parts because constant and ubiquitous condition monitoring has always been considered too expensive and complex,” said Burkhard Habbe, VP of business development at Micropelt GmbH, Freiburg, Germany.

The company recently introduced the TE-Power RING wireless condition monitoring system for bearings, transmissions, and similar parts that wear during operation. This fully integrated, battery-free, on-shaft device monitors the condition of parts to determine if and when they need maintenance or replacing. Powered by a bearing’s frictional heat, the TE-Power RING can measure temperature and pressure and record vibration signals, giving you direct access to actual condition information of the wear of rotating parts.

Integrating the TE-Power RING system to monitor bearings saves money because only parts that actually need replacing are replaced. Existing parts can be used for a longer period of time and the number of spare parts stocked and manufactured can be reduced.

te-power-ring-simulator.jpg

The TE-Power RING operates using Micropelt’s high voltage energy harvesting thermogenerator chip technology. Each Micropelt MPG-D751 chip has an approximate footprint of 14 mm². One to four chips are used to convert a bearing’s frictional heat into mW of electricity according to the demands of the powered monitoring device. One mW harvested over one year equals the energy content of 10 to 15 AA primary cells. Tests on the company’s simulator have shown that even a bearing without mechanical load generates enough frictional heat for the thermogenerator to effectively make power measurements.

The thermoelectric elements are based on a proprietary scalable MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) micro-structuring platform technology. Compared to conventional thermoelectric elements, the approach reduces component and feature sizes by orders of magnitude, yielding 10 times higher cooling or heating power densities.

The monitoring results of the TE-Power RING can be broadcast through a wireless network.  Micropelt has worked with Texas Instruments to use its commercially available ultra-low power wireless technology. Volker Prueller, EMEA marketing manager, Catalogue MCU and Low-Power RF at Texas Instruments noted, “Micropelt’s battery-free thermal energy harvesting technology offers a renewable source of power and freedom from traditional batteries.”

Micropelt GmbH
www.micropelt.com

::Design World::


Filed Under: Bearings, Machine tool industry + subtractive manufacturing, Wireless, Energy management + harvesting, Test + measurement • test equipment

 

Tell Us What You Think!

Related Articles Read More >

mti
Portable signal simulator works with jet engine vibration measurement/balancing systems
MTI
Portable engine balancing system for business and regional jets
moog
Test controller features compact footprint, 5 kHz loop rate
SAKOR Technologies’ new dynamometer line to meet international environmental standards

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard
  • The Importance of Industrial Cable Resistance to Chemicals and Oils
  • Optimize, streamline and increase production capacity with pallet-handling conveyor systems
  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development

Design World Podcasts

June 12, 2022
How to avoid over engineering a part
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings