Introduction

More and more real world applications require accurately monitoring shock, vibration, noise, strain and other physical signals in remote or inaccessible locations such as runways, mines and wind turbines. The monitoring systems may also be subject to extreme environmental conditions. The user may be hundreds of miles away from multiple monitoring sites, yet needs to look at the data in real time, make adjustments to measurement parameters, and capture and download the complete recorded signals. The compact form factor of the CoCo-80/90, with its superb dynamic signal analysis capability and real-time recording, along with advances in wireless communication technology make this possible.  The quick acceptance of 2.5G and 3G wireless networks have increased the cost-effectiveness of deploying remote monitoring systems worldwide.

While the user can fully take the advantage of CoCo's graphical user interface on site, CoCo is also a standalone network based device. When CoCo is connected with a wireless modem, it communicates with the user through a secure internet connection.  This simple integrated solution is far more cost-effective than PC-based solutions. The complete remote monitoring system can be described in the following diagram as an example:
 

Here are a few typical applications for remote monitoring:

Bridge and Building Structural Monitoring

The CoCo-80/90 can be used for applications ranging from simple beam-fatigue analysis, to structural mechanics research, to continuous monitoring of large complex structures. Highway overpasses, roads, buildings, retaining walls, suspension bridges, and amusement park rides are some types of structures for which our systems provide remote, unattended, and portable monitoring. Sensors used include strain gauges and accelerometers that are sensitive to the low frequency excitation and very low input signals.

Wind Turbine Monitoring

A unique area of machine conditioning monitoring is the remote monitoring of wind turbines. Vibration monitoring is an important aspect in wind turbine monitoring. Other quantities including electrical power quality, torque, strain and temperature are also monitored with CoCo. Vibration analysis can detect and determine the severity of wear in the electrical generating equipment and rotating components of the turbine. This equipment consists of the main bearings, gearbox, and the generator. Vibration sensors are mounted to the bearings, gearboxes and the rotor hub and return an analog signal proportional to the instantaneous local motion. Data acquisition requires a high sampling rate, very high dynamic range and anti-aliasing. Wireless technology allows CoCo to be installed in the turbine without costly cabling to ground level.

Airport Noise Monitoring

A typical airport noise monitoring system includes a number of CoCo instruments placed strategically around the airport, a central computer system and one or more workstations. CoCo is typically configured as a noise level analyzer mounted in an all-weather cabinet and set up with multiple weatherproof microphones. Correlated noise monitoring - where noise events are correlated with flight tracking data as well as weather and demographic data - is used as an integral part of a comprehensive environmental monitoring policy for airports.

Construction Noise and Vibration Monitoring

Ground vibration and noise from construction activities affect infrastructure projects in several ways. Within the general vicinity of a construction site, vibration can result in damage to existing structures, disturbance to people, hearing damage, damage to sensitive machinery, and degraded performance of precision instrumentation or motion sensitive equipment. The vibration level and its effects on the surrounding neighborhood can be monitored and evaluated, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and preventing vibration contamination of nearby facilities or businesses.

Current practices for monitoring the conditions in the vicinity of construction sites typically consist of measuring acoustic signals, vibration signals with accelerometers, or free field or structural motions using velocity transducers. In addition to recording and monitoring the noise and vibration, CoCo can also be configured to generate alarms and notify engineers of excessive levels.