Solar And Battery Power Provides Wireless Sensing

The Flexpower system from Banner Engineering combines low-power sensors, long-lasting batteries, solar panels and wireless I/O devices to allow wireless operation of remote applications. 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 connector and rechargeable battery combination that require an average of two hours of sunlight per day to power a 4-20mA loop.

Flexpower is said to provide reliable, autonomous power sufficient to operate a range of sensors and the remote node of Banner's DX80 industrial wireless network. Applications for wireless sensing and control include: agriculture - irrigation control; monitor steam power plant valve temperatures; pump and flow control; perimeter guarding; tank level monitoring; rotating machinery for auto and other industries; landfill leachate pump counting; material handling; automated guided vehicle control; and vehicle detection.

By powering both sensing and communication functions the modules eliminate the need for any wiring to the installation. Banner Engineering offers a 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 within the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. Additional data radio units can be installed as repeaters to extend transmission range up to 3km per radio hop using 2.4GHz DX80 devices.

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Caribbean Blinds Shows Solar Shading At Ecobuild

Caribbean Blinds UK has announced that it will be exhibiting its solar shading portfolio at Ecobuild. The company's products have create safe, comfortable and energy efficient buildings across the UK by limiting solar gain in the summer and allowing it in the winter. The system controls light levels, reduces glare, improves visual comfort and provides privacy but maintaining the view and connection with the outside world.

At the show, Caribbean will be launching its new and revised range of contract focussed products which includes folding arm awnings, window canopies, exterior screens and external blinds. The Antiguan Zipscreen will be featured at the company Ecobuild stand. The product is an external screen which mounts directly in front of a window and affords solar gain prevention as it stops the sun's energy before it reaches the glass, still maintaining visibility towards the outside and allowing diffused natural daylight through.

The key feature is the zip welded to the edge of the fabric which locates within an extruded PVC channel in the side guide, keeping the fabric locked in place at every position. This renders the screen wind-proof, suitable for exposed locations and ensures their is no light penetration between the fabric and side guide.

It also acts as an additional benefit as an insect screen. Caribbean will also be showcasing its range of Sattler screen fabrics which are PVC and odour free, with all the benefits of a typical screen fabric including flame retardancy, glare reduction and visibility through. Also on display will be its newest wire guided screen, Dominica, featured on the PassivHaus dwelling, details of which will be distributed at the show.

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Kingspan Shows Complete Solar Packages At Ecobuild

Kingspan Solar, part of Kingspan Renewables, will be exhibiting its solar thermal technology at Ecobuild 2010. Enhancements to its Thermomax vacuum tube collectors will be on display, which are now easier to install and deliver further efficiency. Kingspan Solar will also be exhibiting its Marvel flat plate panels, complete solar package solutions, Aeromax Air Source Heat Pumps and Renewables input cylinders. Kingspan Solar Thermomax vacuum tubes deliver transfer of solar energy into heat and provide up to 70 per cent of hot water requirements throughout the year.

Thermomax tubes are both fast and simple to install due to their plug and play design and are suitable for flexible building integration, allowing for installations on sloping roofs, flat roofs or facades. Kingspan Solar Marvel flat plate panels deliver a cost effective solution both in domestic and commercial applications and provide effective levels of efficiency and performance. They are robust, hard-wearing and flexible in installation.

Complete solar packages from Kingspan Solar are available either with Thermomax vacuum tube collectors or Marvel flat plate panels and are custom designed to suit each specific application, including all components required for the complete installation. The packages can also be enhanced with the inclusion of Range Tribune HE Solar cylinders, which have been designed specifically for solar applications. Aeromax air source heat pumps are also designed for use in Northern European climates.

They can supply up to 100 per cent of Space Heating and Domestic Hot Water to UK homes all year round, help reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions to zero. Aeromax heat pumps deliver totally renewable and sustainable energy by extracting and utilising heat from outside air to heat the home and provide Domestic Hot Water. The Ultimate Air Source Heat Pump Package will be on display at Ecobuild 2010 and features the Aeromax product, along with Range Tribune HE Renewable Energy unvented cylinders.

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