Abstract
The aim of this review was to assess the current viable technologies for wireless power delivery and data transmission through metal barriers. Using such technologies sensors enclosed in hermetical metal containers can be powered and communicate through exterior power sources without penetration of the metal wall for wire feed-throughs. In this review, we first discuss the significant and essential requirements for through-metal-wall power delivery and data transmission and then we: (1) describe three electromagnetic coupling based techniques reported in the literature, which include inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, and magnetic resonance coupling; (2) present a detailed review of wireless ultrasonic through-metal-wall power delivery and/or data transmission methods; (3) compare various ultrasonic through-metal-wall systems in modeling, transducer configuration and communication mode with sensors; (4) summarize the characteristics of electromagnetic-based and ultrasound-based systems, evaluate the challenges and development trends. We conclude that electromagnetic coupling methods are suitable for through thin non-ferromagnetic metal wall power delivery and data transmission at a relatively low data rate; piezoelectric transducer-based ultrasonic systems are particularly advantageous in achieving high power transfer efficiency and high data rates; the combination of more than one single technique may provide a more practical and reliable solution for long term operation.
Highlights
In condition monitoring and wireless sensing applications, it is common to encounter the problem of how to power and communicate with sensors enclosed in sealed metal containers, vacuum/pressure vessels or located in a position isolated from the operator by metal walls
This review has introduced a number of alternative systems that have been demonstrated to be able to fulfill through-metal-wall power delivery and/or data transmission with sensors enclosed in hermitical containers
Due to the influence of the Faraday shielding effect the inductive coupling approach is applicable to applications with low conductivity, low permeability materials such as thin aluminum or stainless steel walls
Summary
In condition monitoring and wireless sensing applications, it is common to encounter the problem of how to power and communicate with sensors enclosed in sealed metal containers, vacuum/pressure vessels or located in a position isolated from the operator by metal walls (e.g., vessel hulls and bulkheads, aircraft and spacecraft fuselages, vehicle armor). When batteries are used, the operation complexity and cost of replacing batteries in these metal enclosures become problematic. Metal wall penetrations are used to feed through wires. When using wires to transfer power and data through a metallic structure, there are many practical design problems needed to be taken into account such as the probability of leakage of toxic chemicals, loss of pressure or vacuum, as well as difficulties in handling thermal and electrical insulation. It will increase the total lifetime maintenance costs
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