
Remotely powered sensors cut unplanned downtime
PfM uses wireless sensors that track vibration and temperature – two of the biggest predictors of equipment malfunction. The sensors are both remotely powered by and communicate with transponders using the company’s proprietary radio frequency to direct current (RF-to-DC) technology.
The system is designed to provide critical predictive maintenance data to enable the following:
- Predict equipment failures – Thereby avoiding costly, unplanned facility downtime
- Prolong equipment life – Monitoring points of weakness more accurately helps operators better know when to fix versus replace
- Monitor even in remote conditions – With PfM, great heights or depths, extreme conditions, and difficult to obtain measurements are now easily monitorable
“Unplanned downtime is a significant source of economic loss and frustration for operations and maintenance teams at manufacturing plants,” says Will Zell, CEO Nikola Labs. “Predictive sensor data is a powerful tool for manufacturers to reduce unplanned downtime and to enable their machine maintenance experts to be more proactive.”
“Wireless power is game-changing for predictive maintenance,” says Zell. “Our system provides the benefits of wireless sensors without the burden of replacing batteries on hundreds or thousands of wireless devices in a plant. This is a clear example of where wireless power creates extreme value for the end user, and we are excited to show our customers and the world Electricity’s Next Great Act in action.”
The company is officially unveiling PfM during the Reliable Plant Conference in Indianapolis, April 17-19.
