Wireless Condition Monitoring for Bearings

SKF has launched SKF Insight, intelligent wireless technologies that are integrated into SKF bearings, enabling them to communicate their operating conditions continuously, with internally powered sensors and data acquisition electronics.

The miniaturized packaging of sensor technologies enables measurement of parameters such as rpm, temperature, velocity, vibration, load, and other features so that damage can be monitored from the first microscopic effect as it is happening, allowing customers to take remedial action. The self-powered “smart” bearings can communicate through each other and via a wireless gateway to form a “mesh network” and can send information relevant to their condition for analysis, even in areas where traditional WiFi cannot operate. The technology could be especially useful in critical machinery and technically challenging applications, including wind turbines. (http://www.skf.com)