Custom-designed cast parts made from strongly damping RoPlasthan are mounted in a way that vibrations will be dampened and a transfer of the kinetic energy into the concrete is not possible. Damage to the concrete as well as consecutive water entry through cracks are reliably prevented. The strongly dampening RoPlasthan grade used sports weather stability, hydrolysis resistance, temperature stability (-40 °C to +130 °C) and a high long-term load bearing capability and tear propagation resistance.

2. Adaptronic condition sensor- and actuator systems:

Elongation sensor: In underground pipelines, the smallest elongations or movements of the pipe yield information on unwanted external influences on the pipe. Therefore, one of our development focus areas for quite some time have been sensors which recognize and report minute elongations of the material the sensor is attached to. In particular, localization of the exact spot where the elongation occurs or originates as well as its direction (at least in 2 dimensions) have to be identified within very narrow tolerances. Amongst other technologies, we employ piezo sensors, e.g. in the shape of fibers or fabrics. Our R&D team focuses on sensors with lowest energy consumption all the way to sensors with energy harvesting properties. Signal transmission under extreme conditions is another R&D subject we are engaged in.

These properties are of interest for wind generator rotors. Certainly a key issue is integrating the sensor into the rotor. From pipeline applications, we know that this integration often poses a higher hurdle than the sensor development. ROPLAST specializes in engineering and manufacturing such tailored solutions and systems.

Ice sensor: This is not about temperature measurement. The goal is the reliable recognition and quantitative assessment of ice buildup at the rotor. Similar to an aircraft propeller, the wind generator rotor will not just lose its aerodynamic properties, but most importantly, the ratio of weight ice vs. weight rotor blade plays a significant role.

ROPLAST and the ROSEN group apply highly sensitive sensors based on a combination of several detection principles to detect changes in equipment conditions. A concept under development based on a number of different ROPLAST sensor technologies measuring the vibrational state of the rotor and thereby gathering information on the state of ice buildup is being worked on. Actual mounting / integration of the sensor system (and, as a next step, also of actuators for ice removal by piezoelectric movements of by ultrasound) is a key development issue being addressed.