Vibration sensor for the health monitoring of the large rotating machinery: review and outlook

Purpose At present, one of the key equipment in pillar industries is a large rotating machinery. Conducting regular health monitoring is important for ensuring safe operation of the large rotating machinery. Because vibrations sensors play an important role in the workings of the rotating machinery, measuring its vibration signal is an important task in health monitoring. This paper aims to present these. Design/methodology/approach In this work, the contact vibration sensor and the non-contact vibration sensor have been discussed. These sensors consist of two types: the electric vibration sensor and the optical fiber vibration sensor. Their applications in the large rotating machinery for the purpose of health monitoring are summarized, and their advantages and disadvantages are also presented. Findings Compared with the electric vibration sensor, the optical fiber vibration sensor of large rotating machinery has unique advantages in health monitoring, such as provision of immunity against electromagnetic interference, requirement of less insulation and provision of long-distance signal transmission. Originality/value Both contact vibration sensor and non-contact vibration sensor have been discussed. Among them, the electric vibration sensor and the optical fiber vibration sensor are compared. Future research direction of the vibration sensors is presented.