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Interface Details Hydrogen Electrolyzers Solution in Design News

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In the new article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy, Randy White, OEM Business Development Manager at Interface details how products made the the leader in force measurement are used for increasing operational efficiencies in renewable energy production.

Published in Design News in November 2022, the article focuses on using advanced sensor technologies to measure critical infrastructure that is used for hydrogen production and storage. As outlined in the article, Interface is a supplier of choice for innovative solutions used in the energy industry. Randy details how Interface LWHP14 Precision Load Washer Load Cells are used to monitor tie rods and submit results via a WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module for accurately reporting critical measurements in real-time.

Here is a quick excerpt from the article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy.

The use of hydrogen as a clean and reliable renewable energy source has been a carrot on a stick for green energy innovators for many, many years. Scientists and technologists have understood the positive impact of hydrogen for a long time, and even harnessed it at times, but the ability to reliably store and harness this energy at a reasonable cost has previously eluded them. However, hydrogen is back in full force as storage and battery technology has advanced, giving new life to the promise of hydrogen.

Hydrogen is critical to the future of green energy because it is an optimal solution to storing renewable energy from other sources such as wind and water. In certain areas, like California, we’re actually producing too much energy from renewable sources, but have no place to store. This is leading to a tremendous amount of resource loss. Therefore, hydrogen innovation has come back to become a storage solution to curtail waste and hold enough energy to power more infrastructure with green energy.

Read more here.

Watch the actual use case in our animated Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Tie Rod Monitoring Application Note.

Interface engineers and application experts work to design force measurement solutions that are customized for unique applications. Our solutions are available as stand-alone and at scale to include in manufactured parts, components, machines and products. Contact us to learn more.

Superior S-Types Webinar Recap and New SuperSC

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Interface hosted a new online seminar, Superior S-Type Load Cells, to highlight the different models, capabilities, and features of this popular type of force measurement transducer. It also provided a terrific opportunity to showcase one of Interface’s latest inventions, the new SuperSC S-Type Load Cell.

Interface’s Raymunn Machado-Prisbrey, Randy White and Mark Weathers detail important topics during this essential force sensors event. The presentation focuses on various S-type products, an engineering perspective, use cases and applications, along with the news of the SuperSC product release.

S-type load cells, sometimes called s-beams, get its nomenclature from the “S” looking model of the load cell. The classification of this type of load cell is considered a miniature sensor. They are part of Interface’s extensive line of Mini Load Cells.

One of the clear advantages of this load cell, that Interface brought to market in 1974 through an invention by our founder Richard F. Caris, is that it can be used to measure tension and compression.

Common Standard S-Types Use Cases

  • Controlled tension and compression measurement applications
  • Proof loading
  • Fatigue and high cycle count tests
  • Material testing
  • Suspended weighing and platform scales
  • Rigs, cranes, and hoists
  • OEM systems
  • Test machine integrations

The “S” shaped load cell has mechanical attachments on the top and bottom. The strain gage bridge is located at center. Interface uses a Wheatstone bridge with proprietary strain gages in a bending configuration. This offers a more efficient inline package versus standard bending bridge sensors for improved off axis insensitivity.

Watch our latest webinar to learn more about the versatile miniature S-Type Load Cells and the news about our SuperSC.


As detailed in the webinar, one of the biggest benefits is the scalable design that can accommodate a wide range of capacities through material and dimensional changes. S-types gained their popularity with requirements for small form factors and precision. They are now some of Interface’s top 10 products.

Engineers and testing labs prefer Interface’s s-type sensors for:

  • Proven load cell form with Interface’s strain gages
  • High accuracy
  • Size and much smaller than typical load cells
  • Value and cost-effective solution
  • Flexibility to fit in limited spaces
  • Easy to integrate
  • Universal for tension and compression testing

S-types are used inline during loading. They feature threaded mounting holes, providing stability and accuracy in measurement. They are not designed to be used for moving or rotating test objects. S-types are used in individual use cases for testing rigs and machines, as well as OEM solutions embedded into a product for continuous measurement and feedback.

Interface has a wide range of specialized miniature s-type load cells including:

  • Sealed
  • Micro-size
  • Fatigue-rated
  • High-temperature ratings
  • Low height
  • Overload protected
  • Intrinsically safe

You can watch the entire online event here. You will be the first to preview the official launch of the SuperSC and how it is modern design, superior performance, and low cost are ideal for OEM solutions. Randy, Ray and Mark detail tips, FAQs and some innovative applications for s-type load cells.

We record all Interface webinars for your convenience. Be sure to subscribe to our Interface YouTube Channel so that you do not miss an event.

Superior S-Type Load Cells Webinar

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Interface force measurement engineers and solutions experts explore s-type load cells. We discuss the history, engineering perspective, models, capabilities and features of these specialized miniature load cells. Learn about use cases, tips for test and measurement applications and FAQs. Mark Weathers, Raymunn Machado-Prisbrey and Randy White unveil our latest new product, the SuperSC S-Type Load Cell. Find out about it’s unique features and design.

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Embedding Sensors in Products

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Interface recently hosted a conversation about embedding sensors into products and components. Our OEM solutions experts Randy White and Brian Peters discussed the process of engaging Interface to help with design, engineering, building and testing using our specialty load cells and torque transducers. We build to your specifications. Learn how to get started in this detailed event about OEM market solutions.

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Recap of New Twist on Torque

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In our latest virtual event New Twist on Torque, Randy White and Keith Skidmore shared valuable insights and tips using this type of sensor. With more than 50 different types of torque transducers available at Interface, this webinar highlighted the differences, specifications, use cases and integration advice from our experts.

The ForceLeaders webinar started off with a quick rundown on the history of torque from the first dynamometers measuring the torque and RPMs of motors to the revolutionary Interface AxialTQ. In fact, you can now see how this rotary torque transducer is actually being used in today’s advanced engine dynamometers solution here. The conversation quickly lead to multiple design options and progressed to vital integration tips, considerations and common questions.

By definition, torque transducers convert a mechanical input of torque to an electrical output signal where the signal is directly proportional to the torque input. They consist of a metal spring element like a load cell. The strain gages are bonded to the flexure in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. As torque is applied to the sensor, bending or shear strain in the gaged area, it causes the strain gages to change resistance and generate an output voltage signal proportional to torque. You can read more about torque basics in our Torque Transducers 101 post.

Throughout the event, our experts shared important know-how in using the various types of transducers, including rotary, reaction, miniaturized and even custom-built products. Reaction sensors, also referred to as static, measure torque without rotating. A rotary sensor, also called dynamic, rotates as part of a system. It is merely a reaction sensor that’s allowed to rotate. And yes, you can customize torque transducers to fit your exact requirements. You can see all our torque products here.

Keith detailed four important considerations related to capacity: drive service factors, load service factors, stopping and starting conditions and extraneous loading. There was a robust discussion about fixed and floating mounting options and the importance of couplings. Randy highlighted all the products available and also gave a great recap of several real use cases across various several industries including energy markets, automotive and vehicles, robotics and more.

Be sure to watch the entire event for an abundance of firsthand knowledge and expertise based on working with thousands of customers using torque transducers all types of applications.

WATCH THE ENTIRE RECORDED NEW TWIST ON TORQUE EVENT

There is a lot of information packed in this online event including ten integration tips that will help you define your requirements to get the right sensor for the job. Be sure to check out the FAQs and innovative application highlights, where we showcase everything from ATV and Mountain Bike Testing to Poultry Feeders and Hydrogen Power Generation. You can see all our application notes here.

The topics discussed during this recorded event include:

  • The Evolution of Torque Measurement
  • Interface Torque Transducer Specifications and Designs
  • Useful Application Tips when Using Torque Transducers
  • Review of Couplings and Instrumentation
  • Customization and Calibration
  • Industry Use Cases
  • Frequently Asked Questions

You can watch all of our events on our Interface YouTube channel.

Additional Torque FAQs are here.

Exploring Aerospace Force Measurement Solutions

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The aerospace industry is responsible for some of the greatest inventions and innovation in our global history. The engineering and manufacturing of a single rocket engine design, using handwritten calculations and with less computing power than a modern smartphone, took us to the moon.

The NASA Parker Solar Probe is the culmination of some of the most impressive technology ever developed by mankind, journeying through the skies and beyond earth’s atmosphere with the ability to reach a top speed of 430,000 miles per hour.

The aerospace industry is an assembly of researchers, design houses, test labs and manufacturing companies that engineer and build vehicles to travel within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The range of aircraft and space vehicles include all types from unpowered gliders to commercial and military aircraft, as well as rockets, missiles, launch vehicles, and spacecraft. The term aerospace comes from the combination of the words aeronautics and spaceflight. All of these vehicles go through extensive and rigorous test and measurement programs and processes.

For more than half a decade, Interface has served some of the most prominent aerospace organizations in the nation including NASA, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and more. Our sensor technology has been used to design, test and manufacture airplane frames, wings, landing gear, rocket engines and even the machines that build the components for these products. These projects require the most precise data available, not only to ensure that the airplane or spaceship can fly and land, but more importantly to guarantee its safety for the pilot, crew and passengers.

Interface is humbled and proud to provide critical force measurement solutions and technology to the aerospace industry, in support of science, innovation and exploration.

Interface is often selected by our aerospace customers over the competition because we offer the most accurate and reliable force measurement products on the market. In this blog, we will be outlining how Interface serves the aerospace industry in validating designs, improving performance and maintain the highest safety possible.

AIRCRAFT

One of the most important tests to run in aircraft development is static and fatigue testing on the frame of the aircraft and the wings. Engineers will often simulate the effects of various forces on the aircraft and wings with actuators which act as of wind, weather, debris and more. Hundreds of Interface load cells are used to measure those forces to either validate the simulations or find errors in order to adjust the simulation and design accordingly. Load cells are also used on the machines controlling these forces in the test environment to ensure the actuators are simulating the right amount of force.

READ THIS APP NOTE FOR AIRCRAFT WING FATIGUE TESTING

ROCKETS

For a spacecraft that can weigh up to 1,000 tons, you need a lot of force to get it off the ground and safely out of the earth’s atmosphere. One of the ways that engineers test the thrust force of a rocket engine is with load cells. During these tests, the engine is attached under the mounting plate, which is part of a test stand. Interface load cells are installed between the plate and test stand and when the rocket thrust pushes up on the plate, the load cells relay the force data to the engineers. These tests help engineers make adjustments to the engine to use the precise amount of force to lift the craft into space, but not too much so that it doesn’t burn up too much fuel.

READ THIS CASE STUDY: LAUNCHING INTO ORBIT WITH INTERFACE

AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING

Before the air and spacecrafts are even assembled, the components need to be manufactured in a plant. There are hundreds of machines that are used on the production line for the hundreds of thousands of components needed to complete the craft. Interface load cells and torque transducers can be found on many of these machines. Not only are they used to help test the machines, they are also used to measure various forces on the machines in real-time. Our products are used to provide a wealth of insight to tell the manufacturers if the machine is working properly, needs to be recalibrated or needs repairs.

READ THIS APP NOTE FOR ROCKET STRUCTURAL TESTING

For more information on the numerous applications of Interface products in the aerospace and space industry, visit our solutions page at www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/aerospace/. Here you can read application notes and browse the various products we offer for our customers.

To watch an actual aircraft structural, check out this great Airbus video of an actual test.

Contributor: Randy White, Regional Sales Director at Interface