A magnetostrictive system in industrial automation doesn't typically convert vibrations directly into electrical power. Instead, it's used for sensing and control purposes. Magnetostriction is a property of certain materials that causes them to change their shape when exposed to a magnetic field. This property can be harnessed for various applications, including sensors and actuators in industrial automation.
Here's how a magnetostrictive system typically works:
Principle of Magnetostriction: Magnetostriction is the phenomenon where certain materials change their dimensions when subjected to a magnetic field. This change can be measured and used for various purposes.
Sensing: In industrial automation, a magnetostrictive sensor consists of a magnetostrictive material, usually a metal alloy or compound, such as Terfenol-D. The sensor is placed in the path of the mechanical motion or vibration that needs to be monitored or controlled. As the material experiences the mechanical vibrations, it undergoes slight changes in its dimensions.
Magnetic Field Generation: The sensor is surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electrical current passes. This coil generates a magnetic field around the magnetostrictive material.
Interaction: The generated magnetic field interacts with the magnetostrictive material. As the material changes its dimensions due to the applied mechanical vibrations, its magnetic properties change as well.
Measurement: Another coil is placed around the magnetostrictive material to pick up changes in the magnetic properties. This secondary coil is connected to an electrical circuit that measures changes in the induced voltage, which are proportional to the mechanical displacement or vibration.
Output: The measured changes in voltage can be converted into digital signals that can be processed by control systems or computers in industrial automation setups. This information can then be used for various purposes, such as monitoring the position of a moving component, detecting vibrations, or controlling machinery based on the sensed vibrations.
It's important to note that while magnetostrictive sensors can sense mechanical vibrations and convert them into measurable signals, they don't directly generate electrical power from these vibrations. The primary use of magnetostrictive systems in industrial automation is for precise position sensing and control applications.