NRG Systems IceFree3 User manual
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
For Wind Resource Assessment Applications
Authors:
Technical Services
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CUSTOMER SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. 3
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
NRG IceFree3 Vane with Potentiometer..........................................................................4
NRG IceFree3 Anemometer.............................................................................................4
GENERAL SENSOR INFORMATION............................................................................................ 5
Warning And Notices ......................................................................................................5
Transport and Handling...................................................................................................5
Sensor Identification.......................................................................................................5
ESD & Circuit Protection..................................................................................................5
Heater Operation............................................................................................................5
ICEFREE3 VANE........................................................................................................................ 6
Operation .......................................................................................................................6
Installation......................................................................................................................6
North Mark .....................................................................................................................6
Sensor Diagrams | #2442 ................................................................................................7
Table of Specifications | #2442 .......................................................................................8
ICEFREE3 ANEMOMETER ....................................................................................................... 10
Operation .....................................................................................................................10
Calibration ....................................................................................................................10
Anemometer Installation..............................................................................................10
Sensor Diagrams | #2649 ..............................................................................................11
Table of Specifications | #2649 .....................................................................................12
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................ 14
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................................................................................ 15
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
NRG Systems offers a variety of support options to help you get the most from your NRG Systems
product. If you have questions about your NRG Systems product, first look in the product
documentation and Knowledge Base contained in the Tech Support section of the NRG Systems web
site. If you cannot find the answer, contact your salesperson or NRG Systems Technical Support for
assistance using the information below. Customer support is available 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST, Monday
through Friday.
NRG Systems
110 Riggs Road
Hinesburg, Vermont, 05461
USA
T | 802-482-2255
When you call or email, you should have the appropriate product documentation at hand and be
prepared to give the following information:
Customer name
Who purchased equipment
Item number or description
Serial number
When equipment was purchased
Where equipment is installed - terrain conditions
Description of the problem with some detail
What events took place leading up to the problem
What you have tried while attempting to solve the problem
NRG Systems maintains an extensive website which includes an in-depth customer support area
for NRG Systems customers. If you need assistance at times other than our regular business hours, we
suggest visiting our website, www.nrgsystems.com.
All instruments, sensors, software and towers manufactured by NRG Systems are designed to be
reliable and easy to use. We welcome your comments and appreciate your help in making NRG Systems
products the best available.
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
INTRODUCTION
NRG IceFree3 Vane with Potentiometer
The NRG IceFree3 vane is an electrically-heated potentiometer wind direction sensor designed for wind
resource assessment at ice-prone sites. The IceFree3 is reliable in heavy and light winds. It is rugged
enough to accurately measure winds in excess of 90 meters per second (200 miles per hour), and can
respond to winds as low as 2.0 m/s.
The NRG IceFree3 vane can be used with all NRG Systems data loggers.
NRG IceFree3 Anemometer
The NRG IceFree3 anemometer is an electrically-heated wind speed sensor, designed for resource
assessment at ice-prone sites. The coil anemometer provides an electrical output signal with frequency
directly proportional to wind speed.
The IceFree3™ is reliable in heavy and light winds. It is rugged enough to accurately measure winds in
excess of 90 meters per second (200 miles per hour).
The NRG IceFree3™ anemometer can be used with all NRG Systems data loggers.
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
GENERAL SENSOR INFORMATION
Warning and Notices
Sensor surfaces (particularly the head and the upper body) can become quite hot and may
burn you; especially in warm ambient conditions. Use caution when the heater power is on.
Transport and Handling
This sensor is a precision instrument. Please use care in its handling to protect the bearings and shaft. It
is recommended that the sensor be carefully placed on its side instead of standing up.
If the sensor should tip over onto a hard surface, bearing or shaft damage may occur. Use care!
Sensor Identification
Serial Number | The serial number is etched into the base of the sensor.
ESD & Circuit Protection
Do not apply greater than 30V to the outputs at any time.
Do not mount the sensor until proper grounding has been completed. When installing the
sensor, protect the signal wires and connect the ground wire first.
There are internal TVS diodes on the output. If the output voltage is pulled above 30V, or below
ground, the diode will clamp the output to the ground.
Do not apply constant reverse voltages to the outputs. The sensors are not designed to protect
against this type of voltage.
Heater Operation
The heat source for the IceFree3 is a self-regulating constant-temperature heater. The current draw
increases in severe weather conditions in order to maintain adequate temperature and sensor
performance.
The IceFree3 heater is powered by 24 volt power, AC or DC, making it compatible with a wide range of
remote site equipment. An optional 120/240V - 24 VAC transformer is also available.
Following a brief inrush current, the heater quickly settles into its temperature-controlled
mode.
It is recommended that a 15 A slow-blow fuse be placed in line with the heater.
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
ICEFREE3 VANE
Kit #2450 | FG #2442
10k Pot | 8m Cable
Operation
Rotation of the vane head moves a potentiometer. With an applied excitation voltage, a ratiometric DC
voltage output is produced. The signal range is from 4-356 degrees, spanning 352 degrees total. The
“dead band” is centered around the north mark, at 0 degrees.
Installation
1. Tape the ends of the cable to prepare for feeding the cable through the mounting boom. Feed
the cable through the mounting boom until the sensor base meets the boom. Check that the
IceFree3 sensor is secure against the top of the boom. Insert the bolt into the slot side of the
base and tighten.
2. The bolt hole (not the slot) and nut should be pointing towards the tower. This hole represents
the north mark on the sensor.
3. Using the notations on the individual wires, connect the signal leads to your logger. Confirm that
the correct wind direction is being read by the data logger.
4. Connect the heater power cable to your power source and check to be sure that the sensor
head is heating. Any warmth at the top of the stem (near the head) means that the heater is
working (the lower housing will take longer to warm up and will not get as hot). It is
recommended that a 15 A slow-blow fuse be placed in line with the heater.
The IceFree3 should be heated year-round to maintain constant bearing temperatures and to prevent moisture
or condensation internally. We do not recommend turning off the heaters, even in warm weather.
North Mark
The IceFree3 vane uses the mounting bolt hole as the north mark.
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Sensor Diagrams | #2442
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Table of Specifications | #2442
Description
Sensor type
Continuous rotation potentiometric heated wind direction vane
Applications
Wind resource assessment
Meteorological studies
Environmental monitoring
Sensor range
360° Mechanical, continuous rotation
Instrument compatibility
All NRG loggers
Data loggers with potentiometer vane compatibility
Output signal
Signal type
Analog DC voltage from conductive plastic potentiometer, 10K
ohms
Transfer function
Output signal is a ratiometric voltage
Accuracy
Potentiometer linearity within 1%
Dead band
8° Maximum, 4° Typical
Power
requirements
Supply voltage
Regulated potentiometer excitation of 1 V to 15 V DC
Heater supply voltage
24 V AC/DC
Optional transformer available
Heater supply current
Inrush: 8 A maximum
Steady state: 1 A at 20 °C (68 °F), 4 A under maximum
thermal load (head frozen in clear ice then powered on)
Installation
Mounting
Mounts to a 27 mm (1.05 inch) diameter (3/4 inch IPS) pipe with a
3/8 inch lock bolt; cabling exits into mounting pipe
Tools required
13 mm (0.5 inch) nut driver
Environmental
Operating temperature range
-40 °C to 80 °C (-40 °F to 176 °F)
Operating humidity range
0 to 100% RH
Physical
Connections
Signal Cable
Red: excitation
Black: common
White: signal
Heater Cable
Black/white: heater power (AC or DC)
Cable length
8 m (26 feet) signal and heater cables
Weight
1.58 kg (3.49 pounds)
Dimensions
Overall assembly height: 239 mm (9.41 inches)
Body diameter: 70 mm (2.75 inches)
Swept diameter: 212 mm (8.38 inches)
Center to tail radius: 106 mm (4.19 inches)
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Materials
Body & Base
Cast aluminum with black anodized finish and heat-resistant black
paint
Shaft
Centerless ground, stainless steel
Bearing
Upper: sealed, stainless steel, ball bearing with
application specific lubrication
Lower: stainless steel bearing
Wing
Precision balanced aluminum with black anodized finish and heat-
resistant black paint
Cable
Signal | 3 conductor 20 AWG, chrome PVC jacket with overall foil
shield and drain
Heater | 2 conductor 20 AWG, Teflon jacket with overall foil shield
and drain
Enclosure
Sealed to IP55
Heater is epoxy encapsulated to IP65
Signal generator
Glass reinforced thermoplastic shell
Heater
Fully-encapsulated, self-regulating
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
ICEFREE3 ANEMOMETER
Kit #2651 | FG #2649
AC Sine Output | 8m Cable
Operation
The IceFree3 anemometer provides an AC sine wave output signal. Rotation of the anemometer head
rotates the four pole magnet past a low impedance generator coil inducing a current in the coil. The coil
electrical output is a sine wave with frequency directly proportional to the wind speed. Amplitude of the
sine wave varies from about 50 mV at threshold to several volts at full speed.
A typical logger/controller input stage may consist of overvoltage protection, low pass filter (corner
frequency of 100 Hz), limiter, and comparator. If unsure of your input circuit design, please consult with
NRG.
Calibration
If the IceFree sensor has been calibrated, a sensor specific calibration report has been shipped with the
sensor. If the calibration report should get lost, you may contact NRG for a copy. Please note that you
will need the sensor serial number when you contact NRG.
Anemometer Installation
1. Tape the ends of the cables to prepare them for feeding through the mounting boom. Maintain
the isolation of the signal leads from the boom. Remove the nut and bolt from the base of the
unit. Feed the cables through the mounting boom until the sensor is on the boom. Align the bolt
hole in the base (not the slot) with the hole in the boom such that the hole in the base points
towards the tower.
2. Check to be sure that the sensor is secure against the top of the boom. Insert the bolt into the
slot side of the base. Place the nut on the end of the bolt and tighten.
3. Using the notations on the individual wires, connect the ground (common) lead to your
controller first. Then connect the signal leads. Connect power last, especially if power is on
during connection. Confirm input on controller.
4. Connect the heater power cable to your power source and check to be sure that the sensor
head is heating. You do not need to wait until the body gets hot to be sure the heaters are
working. Any warmth at the top of the stem (near the head) means that the heaters are
working. The lower housing will take longer to warm up and will not get as hot.
IceFree sensors should be heated year-round to maintain constant bearing temperatures and to prevent
moisture or condensation internally. We do not recommend turning off the heaters, even in warm weather.
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Sensor Diagrams | #2649
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Table of Specifications | #2649
Description
Sensor type
Continuous rotation potentiometric heated wind direction vane
Applications
Wind resource assessment
Meteorological studies
Environmental monitoring
Ski area maintenance
Sensor range
Maximum rated wind speed is 90 m/s (200 miles per hour)
Instrument compatibility
All NRG loggers
Data loggers with frequency input compatibility
Output signal
Signal type
Variable amplitude sine wave, frequency proportional to wind
speed
Transfer function
m/s = (Hz x 0.572) + 1.00
[miles per hour = (Hz x 1.28) + 2.24]
Sensor-to-Sensor Variation
99.7% of sensors fall within 4.3% of stated transfer function
(based on over 800 samples)
Output signal range
0-155 Hz
Calibration
Available upon request
Response
characteristics
Distance constant (63%
recovery)
7.6 m (25 feet)
Power
requirements
Heater supply voltage
24 V AC/DC
Optional transformer available
Heater supply current
Inrush: 8 A maximum
Steady state: 1 A at 20 °C (68 °F), 4 A under maximum
thermal load (head frozen in clear ice then powered on)
Installation
Mounting
Mounts to a 27 mm (1.05 inch) diameter (3/4 inch IPS) pipe with a
3/8 inch lock bolt; cabling exits into mounting pipe
Tools required
13 mm (0.5 inch) nut driver
Environmental
Operating temperature range
-40 °C to 80 °C (-40 °F to 176 °F)
Operating humidity range
0 to 100% RH
Physical
Connections
Signal Cable
Black: ground
Clear: signal
Shield drain
Heater Cable
Black/white: heater power (AC or DC)
Cable length
8 m (26 feet) signal and heater cables
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
Weight
1.45 kg (3.2 pounds)
Dimensions
Overall assembly height: 224 mm (8.82 inches)
Body diameter: 70 mm (2.75 inches)
Swept diameter: 127 mm (5.00 inches)
Materials
Body & Base
Cast aluminum with black anodized finish and heat-resistant black
paint
Shaft
Centerless ground, stainless steel
Bearing
Upper: sealed, stainless steel, ball bearing with
application specific lubrication
Lower: stainless steel bearing
Cups
Precision balanced aluminum with black anodized finish and heat-
resistant black paint
Cable
Signal | 2 conductor 20 AWG, chrome PVC jacket with overall foil
shield and drain
Heater | 2 conductor 20 AWG, Teflon jacket with overall foil shield
and drain
Enclosure
Sealed to IP55
Heater is epoxy encapsulated to IP65
Signal generator
Glass reinforced thermoplastic shell
Heater
Fully-encapsulated, self-regulating
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
NRG Systems (NRG) warrants its products for a period of two years from date of original purchase solely
for the benefit of the original consumer purchaser. If this NRG product is determined to be defective in
materials or workmanship, NRG will, at NRG’s option, repair or replace this product without charge. This
warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation or use, accident or misuse, damages due
to lightning or any unauthorized service. This warranty also will not apply if any seal on any instrument
or sensor is broken, if any cable has been severed, or the equipment was not adequately grounded.
To return a defective product, call NRG Systems at the telephone number listed below for an RMA
(return merchandise authorization) number. When you call you must also have available the serial
number of the item as well as date of purchase. No products will be accepted for warranty work without
an RMA number. The product must be returned, postage prepaid, to NRG with a brief description of the
problem, RMA number and a return address with phone number.
The foregoing limited warranty is given in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. NRG
specifically disclaims all implied warranties including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
The above limited warranty expressly excludes, and NRG shall not be liable for, any incidental or
consequential damages caused by or related to the selection, use of, inability to use or malfunction of
this product.
NRG will make a good faith effort to repair or replace promptly any product which proves to be
defective within the warranty period. First, contact NRG or the representative from whom the product
was purchased and ask for an RMA number.
Tel: 802-482-2255
Fax: 802-482-2272
Email: [email protected]
NRG User Manual
IceFree3 Heated Vane & Anemometer | WRA
IceFree3_AnemometerVaneWRA_Manual
Rev. 4.0
16 April 2019
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
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