US Digital's T7 Networked Absolute Inclinometer

The T7 is a sealed, rugged, high resolution inclinometer based on MEMS accelerometer technology. It operates over a full 360 degrees of rotation and communicates by either a serial or CAN interface. The T7 was specifically designed for concentrating solar power applications and can be easily mounted on a mirror or trough assembly to provide angular position relative to gravity. The product is designed for harsh outdoor environments by utilizing a UV stabilized polymer material and sealing to meet IP67 standards. The T7 is also fully programmable to provide the best performance for each solar application. The T7 provides a very simple means of determining the exact angular position relative to gravity for a rotating member in a concentrating solar application. Concentrating solar applications require very precise positioning of the moving reflective member relative to the sun in order to provide maximum conversion efficiency. The T7 solves this requirement by supplying high resolution and high accuracy information to the solar control loop such that the concentrating solar application can continuously peak its energy production as the sun moves from dawn to dusk. The T7 differentiates from its competition by offering very high angular accuracy (0.1 degrees) over a full 360 degrees of rotation, high resolution (up to 36,000 positions per 360 degrees), low cost ($225 single unit), positional stability over 0 to 70 C temperature range  and the choice of either RS232 or CAN communication.  Competition offers high angular accuracy over a limited angle of rotation, lower resolutions, much higher single unit costs and outputs are many times not serial communication but rather analog or current loop outputs. The T7 provides the exact requirements for Solar Tracking Systems.

For more information:   http://www.usdigital.com/products/inclinometers/absolute/t7/