LED Powered Rotor Telemetry System

Abstract:
Measuring physical quantities in rotating shafts is often required in industrial applications and test facilities. Since direct wiring is not possible in most cases, existing measurement systems use either infrared sensors, slip rings, magnetically coupled coils, or a combination of batteries and wireless communication, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. This study presents the concept of a rotor telemetry system that relies solely on LEDs and photodiodes for power and data transfer. A prototype is built and measurements of power and data transmission are performed. The feasibility of the presented concept is proven and an exemplary measurement on a speed controlled synchronous motor in a laboratory environment is shown.