The challenges
In a carwash the detection of the vehicle is very important. The vehicle has to positioned correctly, as well before as during the wash itself. The harsh conditions which are present in a carwash are one of the big challenges for a good and reliable detection. Think of factors that are present before the carwash, such as rain, wind and icing. In the carwash, factors are the high amount of water, soap that is present on the sensors, the heavy blowers that make it difficult to perform in a reliable way, vapor of the hot water and haze that is in the air because of the spray-jets.
Finally, in a carwash vehicles in various sizes are washed. All these vehicles have another profile. Think of the difference between a standard car and a pick-up truck. For this it is important that brushes in the carwash know what the profile is of the vehicle. Otherwise this could lead to damage to the vehicle.
For these challenges a solution is necessary that is resistent against these challenging factor / harsh conditions. A distinction can be made between performing a vehicle detection before entering the carwash. With this, the presence of the vehicle can be confirmed and to open in some cases a door. The second is the vehicle detection in the carwash to confirm presence, to arrange the passage of the vehicles and activate specific actions. a vehicle detection before the car wash do. This can confirm the presence of the vehicle and to open a the door in some cases. Second, there should be a vehicle detection in the car wash be done to confirm presence, regulate vehicle passage and activate operations.
The solutions
Inductive loop detectors
When building a new carwash it is possible the pavement still needs to be placed. For this inductive loop detectors could be used as suitable solution for before and during the washing. Because the loop detector is processed in the ground, it has barely any influence from the environmental conditions. So a fine method to detect the presence/absence of the vehicle. For existing carwashes it costs a lot of money and time to break everything down and to put the loops in the ground.
Radar sensors from Telco Sensors
The SpaceMotion of Telco sensors is a doppler radar sensor which is suited to detect movements in a defined area. It is also suitable for performing a detection if a vehicle approaches the carwash. With the use of micro waves and because of the compact housing is this sensor suitable to be placed behind a plastic wall. In this way they are mounted completely out of sight. The sensors are very well suited in applications with harsh conditions, such as rain, wind and fog. In this way, the sensors could be placed easily outside the carwash. The maximum range of the sensor itself is adjustable from 0 to 100% and background suppression can also be set to filter out continuous motion objects. For example the passing vehicles in the background. the use of microwaves and the compact housing makes this sensor suitable for placement behind a plastic wall. So completely out of sight! The sensors are extremely suitable in applications with harsh conditions such as rain, wind and icing. For example, radar sensors can easily be placed in front of the car wash. The maximum range of the sensor itself is adjustable from 0 to 100% and also a background suppression can be set to filter out continuous movement of objects in the background, such as passing vehicles in the background.
Photoelectric sensors of Telco Sensors
The SM3000 and the SM9000 series are sender/ receiver photoelectric sensors that are developed especially for resistance against weather conditions, such as snow, fog and rain from outside the carwash. Because of the IP67 (SM3000) and IP69K (SM9000) protection degrees they are also resistant against the high amounts of water, soap, steam, haze and harsh winds of the blowers that are present in the carwash. In this way, you always have a perfect detection of the vehicle outside as well as inside the carwash. Where loop detectors cost a lot of money and time to install, photoelectric sensors are installed more easily at a later time.
Light curtains of Telco sensors
The SG25 series are light curtains from Telco Sensors that are specially suited for performing a vehicle detection. This applies to outside as well as inside the carwash. Because of the waterproof housing and IP67 protection degree the light curtains are resistant against the harsh conditions. De SG25 light curtains are available with profile heights up to 3 meter, so also trucks can be detected. Vehicles in various sizes are going through a carwash. It is important to that the technology in the carwash knows the profile of the vehicle. Otherwise it could lead to damage when the brushes are washing the vehicle. The SG25 is capable of scanning the profile of the vehicle. In this way, the brushes know what kind of vehicle they are washing.
