Self powered wireless sensors for condition monitoring applications

Owen, Thomas, Kestermann, Stefan, Torah, Russel and Beeby, Stephen (2009) Self powered wireless sensors for condition monitoring applications. Sensor Review, 29 (1), 38-43.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of using kinetic energy harvesting to power wireless condition monitoring sensors. Design/methodology/approach – The system presented duty cycles its operation depending upon the energy being harvested. The harvested energy is stored on a supercapacitor and the system samples sufficient vibration data to enable an FFT to be performed at the receiver. Findings – The results of this study show it is perfectly feasible to power practical wireless condition monitoring sensors entirely from the vibrations of the machines being monitored. Originality/value – Energy harvesting techniques can be used to power wireless sensors in a range of applications. Removing the need for a battery power supply presents obvious environmental benefits and avoids the need to periodically replace batteries.

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