Energy Storage Monitoring with Verivolt Sensors
Summary
There is a need for high-quality electrical sensing in energy storage applications. In this increasingly complex environment, we understand that precise and high-quality sensing of electrical parameters is essential to ensure safety and optimize system performance.
The Challenge:
Voltage and Current Monitoring in VFD Systems
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are widely used across various industries to optimize motor performance, enhance energy efficiency, and improve process control. VFDs are commonly found in manufacturing, HVAC systems, water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas, among many others. These applications often involve demanding electrical and environmental conditions, including high currents and voltages required to power motors. Additionally, such environments may expose equipment to high ambient temperatures, electrical noise from switching elements, and mechanical vibrations. Monitoring voltage and current in VFD applications is critical for performance verification, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Most modern VFDs have embedded sensors that measure current and voltage internally. These internal measurements are primarily used for control logic, protection mechanisms, and sometimes diagnostics. However, there are several good reasons to use independent current and voltage sensors to monitor the motor or load, even if the VFD already has built-in sensing, such as:
Accuracy and Signal Quality
Accurate Power Measurement
Advanced Analysis & Logging
Third-Party Compliance & Certification
Retrofit & Test Bench Applications
How do Verivolt’s Sensors Address these Challenges?
Verivolt sensors used in this application field present the following characteristics.
Recommended Verivolt Sensors for VFD Application
Voltage Measurement
- IsoBlock V-4C: (up to 300 KHz – custom) A 4-channel, differential-input, high-bandwidth isolated voltage suitable for capturing line-to-line voltages with ranges from 2V up to 1500V. The IsoBlock V-4C sensor is ideal to monitor the VFD output phases with up to 0.1% accuracy.
- Isoband V (up to 8 MHz): This sensor offers a unique combination of high-isolation, high voltage measurement and high-bandwidth, making it a perfect choice for measuring fast transients, PWM switching and high-frequency signals with 0.2% accuracy.
Your application requires more than 8MHz bandwidth? Try our high-bandwidth, non isolated sensors:
- Entube DE-HB (up to 20 MHz): A high bandwidth differential voltage sensor
- Entube Z (up to 50 MHz): A compact, single ended voltage sensor with the highest bandwidth
Current Measurement
- IsoBlock I-ZF: An isolated, contactless current sensor that uses a zero-flux technique for measurements with up to 0.01% accuracy. Ideal for monitoring both input and output currents and identifying overcurrent or load imbalance. Available from 50A to 2000A ranges.
- IsoBlock I-ST: Isolated shunt-based current sensor designed for low to mid range input. Enables simultaneous and isolated monitoring of all three motor phases to detect unbalances. Input ranges available from 100mA to 100A.
Conclusion
Verivolt delivers precision voltage and current sensing solutions tailored for the dynamic requirements of VFD systems. Our sensors provide the performance, accuracy, and isolation needed to ensure optimal motor monitoring. Visit our website to explore products designed to meet the evolving challenges of this industry.
Need for high-quality electrical sensing in energy storage applications
With the ongoing global crises and climate change, the development of new energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries and supercapacitors, is becoming increasingly critical. Advances in this field have paved the way for the seamless integration of diverse technologies. This includes thermal energy systems and renewable energy sources, to balance the supply and demand within the energy network.
These innovations are transforming several industries, such as the automotive, renewable energy, and aerospace industries, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs and HEVs). In this increasingly complex environment, we understand that precise and high-quality sensing of electrical parameters is essential to ensure safety and optimize system performance.
Meeting the needs of energy storage systems
We engineered advanced sensors to meet the stringent demands of your energy storage applications, enhancing efficiency and reliability across both small- and large-scale systems.
Reliable measurement and monitoring of voltage and current are essential for energy storage systems' proper operation, safety, and longevity. These measurements also play a crucial role in optimizing system performance, improving voltage control, and enhancing power quality.
However, to achieve these benefits, sensing systems must ensure noise immunity, measurement accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and stability.
Thus, overcoming these challenges is vital for guaranteeing the safety and sustainability of new energy storage devices, as well as maximizing their efficiency without risking equipment damage.
How our sensors make a difference
Our sensors are specifically designed to enhance the performance and safety of energy storage systems. With the use of our IsoBlock V (voltage sensor) and IsoBlock I-ZF (current sensor), which provide high isolation, exceptional thermal stability, and high bandwidth, we ensure outstanding accuracy and reliability. These sensors are built to maintain optimal performance even under the most demanding conditions.
Their advanced capabilities help guarantee that energy storage systems operate safely and efficiently, contributing to extended system longevity and stability. Here's how our sensors make a difference:
• High Isolation: Our sensors guarantee safe operation in high-voltage environments by effectively isolating the measurement system from the data acquisition device, providing robust protection against significant surges and potential failures.
• High Accuracy: Ensures noise immunity providing reliable measurements of up to 0.1% and 0.02% accuracy, which is critical for optimizing system performance and maintaining safety in energy storage applications.
• High Bandwidth: Enables real-time monitoring and fast response times, with the capability to capture signals in greater detail for enhanced system analysis.
• Thermal Stability: Our sensors maintain accurate measurements across a wide temperature range, from -25 C to 70 C.
• Cost-Effectiveness: We deliver advanced features at a competitive price, making large-scale deployment feasible.
Ensuring safety and efficiency even in the most demanding conditions
Verivolt sensors deliver the reliability and performance that energy storage systems require, making them indispensable in industries like electric vehicles (EVs), aerospace, and beyond.
Our advanced features and robust design ensure the safe and efficient operation of energy storage solutions, maximizing device efficiency while protecting against equipment damage. This is especially crucial in demanding sectors where precision and safety are paramount.
By enhancing the sustainability and scalability of energy storage technologies, our sensors play a vital role in advancing these industries.
Explore our range of products to find the perfect sensor for your application.