High Channel Count Slip Ring Assemblies for Fan and Turbine Measurements

Turbines and fans require reliable rotary data transmission in any environment. Slip ring assemblies are often used to test the strain or temperature of the blades in a testing situation. In these applications, there is often a significant amount of data being transferred. Michigan Scientific’s high channel count slip ring assemblies provide the quality and performance to acquire these measurements. 

High Channel Count Slip Ring Assemblies

Slip ring assemblies are used to transfer data to, or from, a rotating part, to a stationary source. Some applications require many circuits to transfer a substantial number of signals from the rotating part. The high channel count slip ring assemblies are frequently used in such applications. The SR45A-AXHS and SR60A-AXHS slip rings are designed to mount on the end of a rotating shaft and make connections to strain gauges, thermocouples, and other sensors. They have either 45 or 60 circuit connections, each with a maximum current capacity of 250mA, that are accessed through circular connectors on the rotor and stator. Michigan Scientific’s high channel count assemblies have the ability to withstand some of the fastest rotations in the high channel count market, at a maximum RPM rating of 4,000. They are lightweight and require no routine maintenance. 

Slip Rings in Wind Turbines

The quality and ability of these slip ring assemblies make them the ideal instrument for fan and turbine testing. Multiple strain gauges or thermocouples can be placed throughout the fan or turbine, at areas of interest. For example, Michigan Scientific’s slip ring assemblies have been often used in the energy industry on wind turbines, both in the gearbox and on the fan blades. Strain gauges can be placed on multiple blades or in many spots on one blade in order to measure the strain on the blades during operation. The SR45A-AXHS and SR60A-AXHS slip rings provide a way to transfer the strain multiple measurements to stationary data acquisition, in a compact and reliable package. 

Slip Rings in Jet Turbines

This same principle can be applied to jet turbines. Michigan Scientific has also provided slip ring solutions to applications where large sets of data are being transferred during jet turbine testing. If the test requires temperature readings from multiple spots on the turbine, or on multiple blades, the thermocouple signals can be routed to the high channel count slip ring assemblies. These slip rings are ideal for this type of application because of their large operating temperature range.

Michigan Scientific’s SR45A-AXHS and SR60A-AXHS slip ring assemblies are a reliable way to transmit a large amount of quality signals. They are commonly used in applications where a substantial number of signals is required. If you have an application requiring a substantial number of circuit connections, please contact us to speak with a application specialist.