RF-Embedding of Energy-Autonomous Sensors and Actuators into Wireless Sensor Networks
Abstract
The principle of energy harvesting, i. e. gleaning of extremely small amounts of energy from the environment, has been around for a long time. For technical reasons, the idea of operating a wireless link, commercially, with energy from the environment was to date only possible with solar cells, and outdoors where there is sufficient light. EnOcean is the first company to offer commercial solutions for operating wireless links in low-light indoor surroundings, or by energy sources that are an alternate to light. In this paper we will discuss two application scenarios for energy-autonomous sensor/actor networks with partly contrary requirements. The first application scenario is typical for e.g. building automation or environmental monitoring, where the wirelessly operated sensors are distributed over a widespread area and only a few measurement values are generated in a moderate time interval. Modern fabrication facilities with highly flexible manufacturing cells or highly dynamic processes in the military environment, where clusters of sensors and actuators have to be read-out and controlled in a limited space under stringent real-time limitations stand for the second application scenario. We will describe the current status of technology, show measurement results, tell about experiences already made in the field and give a prospective view of possible future developments. Although primarily developed for new application scenarios in building systems engineering, household, logistics, environmental protection and production automation wireless sensor/actor networks based on EnOcean technology can also be tailored to military needs for future air, ground and naval vehicle capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA479950
Entities
People
- Armin Anders
- Frank Schmidt
- Gerd Scholl
- Hans-jorg Korber
- Housam Wattar