In order to obtain accurate and continuous data on the performance of the turbine being tested, a data acquisition system must be implemented.  

Description of LabVIEW:

            LabVIEW is a program development application that uses a graphical programming language rather then a text-based language, therefore the one creates the program using visual block diagrams.

LabVIEW is a general-purpose programming system containing the following: 

• Extensive library of functions
• Library for data acquisition
• Data presentation
• Data Storage 

For a more in depth presentation and explanation of the possibilities of LabVIEW please visit the NI (National Instruments) website.

Virtual Instruments-

A LabVIEW program is also referred to as a virtual instruments, or VI, this means that the operators and appearance can imitate actual instruments.

Parts Description-

Front Panel- The user interface of a given VI looks like that of an instrument, this user interface is called the front panel

Block Diagram- With the block diagram one can construct together a visual representation of the program similar to that used by Simulink on the MatLab program.  These blocks are wired together such that they receive and send data along with performing any needed calculations.

Icon and Connector- An icon is either the pictorial or the textual representation of the VI or its terminals.  A connector is a set of terminals that correspond to the sub VI controls and indicators.

Description of Data Acquisition System (DAQ):

For this project the DAQ being used is the Personal Measurements Device model PMD 1608FS.  Copy and past the link into your browser to reach the supplied specifications:

http://www.measurementcomputing.com/USB-1608fsspecs.html

This electronic device allows for the multiple sources of electronic data to be process as a single source by the LabVIEW software.  All of the devices, be it the load cells encoder and so forth send there voltage signals to this DAQ which the relates the single to the software.