To prevent icing of the front surface and for reliable measurement even at temperatures close to and below freezing point, we equip our ultrasonic transducers with an optional heater. The heating element prevents the transducer from freezing and the build-up of frost, snow and ice. For many of our customers in the anemometry sector, the installation of a heater is now standard equipment.
Measuring equipment on wind turbines is exposed to extreme environmental conditions – especially in the mountains or in offshore wind farms. At high wind speeds, rain and snowfall, our heater protects the transducer and enables reliable wind measurement even at sub-zero temperatures.
Four SC031 in snow and ice – an experiment
In the following test on November 29, 2023, an identical SC031 transducer without heating (left) and with heating (right) were each installed in an anemometer on an outdoor test bench and electrically contacted. Even after the first snowfall, a clear difference in the surface properties of the two samples can be seen. While the snow is deposited in the area without heating, it melts directly on the transducer with heating. It can also be seen that the heating not only warms the transducer, but also a larger area around it.
Over the course of a week and after further snowfall at constant temperatures between -9°C and 0°C, the difference between the two samples becomes even clearer. The transducer without heating is covered by a layer of snow several centimeters thick. In contrast the transducer with heating has melted a larger area free of snow. This allows for continued reliable measurement and the above-mentioned reliable protection against icing and covering of the front surface.
Do you also need a converter with heating element? Please contact us for support by our ultrasonic experts team.
You can find more information about our additional equipment and design options here.