Wireless Sensor Nodes for Acceleration, Strain and Temperature Measurements

Abstract

The presented sensor node contains a heterogeneous signal conditioning circuit and signal processing software, which has been validated for acceleration, strain and temperature measurements. The combination of accelerometers and strain gages, which are widely used for vibration, stress, fatigue and failure analysis, constitutes the main basis for the validation of structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. In recent years, SHM has become an essential part of structural and mechanical system maintenance and in that matter, recent advances in wireless sensor networks (WSN), have enabled the realization of low cost wireless structure monitoring systems. Accordingly, the signal acquisition of the presented nodes is performed through wireless synchronized communication. Furthermore, as structures are often located in hard to access environments, an approach to the development of an autonomous system has been made. Therefore, the system works autonomously as it is powered by a small rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery reinforced by energy harvesting.