New, smart, wind sensitive: “WindTalker” from NorCal Controls combines with Lufft VENTUS for the ideal cold weather turbine control anemometer replacement solution.

Diamond Springs, CA July 20, 2015

Nor-Cal Controls is releasing a new product which will increase efficiency and reduce costs to wind project owners and operators. The "WindTalker-1000" is an innovative smart relay device designed to allow any existing sensor to integrate seamlessly into an existing wind turbine control platform, no matter the age, type or communication characteristics of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Nor-Cal Controls partnered with Lufft, manufacturer of the VENTUS ultrasonic wind sensor, to provide a state of the art, turnkey wind sensor replacement solution resistant to the elements as well as time.

The need for a device like this arose from discussions with countless wind turbine operators and owners. Wind sensors are required for each wind turbine installed in order to correctly point the turbine into the wind. The turbines wind sensor only affects optimal performance of the turbine, but is a safety measure as well. As the sensors age, they often need replacing. Not only are mechanical wind sensors prone to repair and replacement, but they also require regular calibrations, costing time and money. Often, owners are not able to choose a sensor appropriate to their installation because of the limitations of communication with the PLC. The WindTalker-1000 removes these barriers.

Traditional wind sensors can be liable to mechanical break down and require periodic repair and/or replacement. This is due to moving mechanicals parts such in traditional cups and vanes. Mechanical parts sometimes accumulate rust, scale or other substances that can impede movement. In cold climates ice or rime is likely to build up on a sensor causing breakdown or highly inaccurate readings.

The WindTalker-1000 solution combines the intelligence of a smart relay device with the robustness of the VENTUS wind sensor. The result is a wind sensing system that is a direct replacement to older, end-of-life sensors, providing the end user with a highly accurate, maintenance free system that will far exceed previous operable lifetimes of older technology sensors.

Nor-Cal Controls, located in Diamond Springs, CA, is a fast growing company founded in 2005 by Robert Lopez that offers complete automation solutions for the power generation industry.