NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2014
Contact: Alan Lowne, President, Saelig Company, Inc.
Tel: (585) 385-1750 [email protected]
Fairport, NY, USA: Saelig’s supplier of wireless modules, LPRS, is providing its market-leading easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules to Perpetuum Ltd for a sensor system which enables users to predict failure of rotating components including wheel bearings and gearboxes on railcars. The eRA 400TRS wireless modules have been designed-in to the Perpetuum rail sensor systems to reduce cost, installation time and to overcome the unreliability of hardwired systems having to operate in the harsh environment found underneath a train. Perpetuum uses their key technology of vibration energy harvesting to power the sensor system utilizing the excellent source of vibration that a train provides. This removes the problems of predicting battery life and the need for costly and logistically challenging replacement of batteries. As rotating components degrade they show symptoms that indicate the progression of the wear. The initial symptoms are vibration, followed by noise, temperature increase, smoke and then failure. The eRA-connected Perpetuum Sensor System provides vibration data for long term failure prediction and temperature data for short term monitoring.
Data from the Perpetuum sensor system is displayed on a web-based platform to enable convenient access. Software translates the temperature and complex vibration data into a simple indication of the health of each component being monitored. Data can be displayed to provide a snapshot of the current state of health of the fleet, including trending data showing the rate of degradation. Email alerts can then be generated to warn an operator of any out of tolerance conditions, providing an early identification of a potential failure.
The quick fit vibration and temperature sensors are simple to deploy and of robust design for operation in harsh environments. Operating temperature range is -40degC to 85degC and are designed for use in high vibration environments. The LPRS eRA wireless modules provided a simple to integrate, reliable wireless link for sensor systems which have to perform under very difficult conditions. Perpetuum’s rail train monitoring system is already being trialed by a major UK operator, who is looking for a very rapid return on their investment and a solution to unlocking a number of important reliability issues, including redefining significant and costly fleet maintenance.
Modes of data transmission include the proven easy-Radio protocol with 16-bit encryption and anti-crosstalk software (DCS) and a new raw data mode that allows more flexibility to use custom coding systems on any available frequency, enabling direct compatibility with other ISM raw data modules from any manufacturer. With four separate data buffers, easyRadio performance and data throughput has been improved by up to 25% over previous versions. The easyRadio modules remain true to the original challenge of “reducing time-to-market by eliminating the complexities of radio software development.”
Other truly innovative features include:
Perpetuum is a global leader in vibration energy harvesting and sensor systems and the new train monitoring system provides operators with real-time data which improves reliability and safety, dramatically reduces operational and maintenance costs, reduces service disruption and improves asset utilization as operating conditions are monitored while trains are still in service and earning revenue.
Made by European short-range radio specialists Low Power Radio Solutions (LPRS), eRA modules are available now from stock from Saelig Company Inc. Fairport, NY.
