A combination of low-power sensors, long-lasting batteries, solar panels and wireless I/O devices from Banner Engineering allows wireless operation of a wide range of applications. The new FlexPower system supports years of reliable monitoring and control functions in difficult to wire situations. The no-wire solution is designed for applications where wired power is either not available or impractical. Power is generated by lithium D cell batteries or a solar collector and rechargeable battery combination that requires an average of only two hours of sunlight per day to power a 4-20 ma loop. FlexPower provides reliable, autonomous power sufficient to operate a wide range of sensors and the remote node of Banner’s DX80 industrial wireless network.
Applications for wireless sensing and control include:
• Monitor temperature of motor bearings
• Pump and flow control
• Perimeter guarding
• Tank level monitoring
• Rotating machinery
• Material handling
• Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) control
• Vehicle detection
By powering both sensing and communication functions, the modules eliminate need for any wiring to the installation. Banner Engineering offers a wide range of photoelectric, ultrasonic and temperature/humidity sensors specially adapted for low power consumption. To limit power use, the sensors are powered only when needed.
The DX80 Wireless Network includes up to 56 remote nodes connecting to a central gateway. The gateway provides Modbus connectivity to PLC or other control units. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) control architecture combine to ensure reliable data delivery. Additional data radio units can be installed as repeaters to extend transmission range up to 3 km per radio hop using 2.4 GHz DX80 devices.
Banner Engineering is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vision sensors, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, fibre optic assemblies, indicator lights, machine guarding systems, precision measurement and inspection systems and wireless network products. The company provides local application support worldwide.