Objective
Today, wired sensors are used for monitoring aircraft engines, structures, gearboxes, etc. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), i.e. smart sensors with radio interfaces, promise unprecedented operational benefits; such as, reduced airplane sensor wiring costs and weight as cabling is limited to specific scenarios and the flexibility to be deployed on-board aircraft without requiring a redesign of the data wiring layout.
To this end, the StrainWISE project will develop an advanced wireless sensor platform to which a strain gauge can be connected, being able to operate in the wings of the aircraft for a long time, thanks to the use of embedded energy harvesters. The technical strategy is to build an integrated autonomous platform from existing, already proofed hardware and software, except for the energy harvesting part, which are specifically tailored to meet the objectives of the call.
The resulting platform will clearly advance the state of the art in a number of aspects:
• The WSN operations will always be tuned to their maximum efficiency resulting in lower energy needs, thus smaller form factor;
• Efficient energy scavenging will permit further reductions in size and weight;
• Communication reliability will be improved by using all nodes as potential relays;
• Management will be reduced to a minimum by automatic configuration and the use of standard protocols (SNMP)
A number of specific tests will be performed in order to meet the requirements, limitations and constraints imposed by operation in airborne environments.
The consortium is made of three highly qualified complementary entities. CSEM brings its expertise in WSN and ultra low power electronics. SERMA, an experienced actor in the aeronautics technology, will bring expertise in the aeronautics environment and constraints, as well as production and test facilities. Imperial College London, one of the world leading laboratories, provides the scavenging and energy management expertise.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware development
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorssmart sensors
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaeronautical engineering
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technology
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
SP1-JTI-CS-2010-01
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
JTI-CS - Joint Technology Initiatives - Clean SkyCoordinator
2000 Neuchatel
Switzerland