Remote - M2M 2014 - (Page 16)

Feature Article Powering Today's Wireless Sensors Wayne Pitt, Business Development Manager Saft Specialty Battery Group (SBG) As the world approaches the Internet of Things with its forecast of billions of communicating interconnected devices, sensors will play a vital role in the business world's operations. Similarly, as the demand for wireless sensors across industrial, commercial and domestic settings grows, there is an increasing need for long-life energy sources in autonomous, stand-alone or networked sensor uses. Sensor applications themselves are varied in terms of energy needs, power requirements, physical and environmental requisites and thus require a wide range of compatible energy solutions. Underperformance or failure of the energy source for these wireless sensors can result in steep operating costs, loss of function and even safety concerns, so it is imperative to have an understanding of the variety of high-performance power solutions available today. Serving as a battery designer and manufacturer for industrial applications, Saft has experience in the design of energy storage and power systems for sensor applications. Saft reviews key design parameters that should be considered in order to select the correct battery for wireless sensor systems. Above all, the energy source must be robust, flexible and extremely reliable, all while being capable of handling potentially harsh and uncontrolled environments. Whether using harvested energy, energy storage or a primary energy source, it is important to identify the solution that will meet the lifetime needs of the sensor application. While energy harvesting continues to rise as a popular option, combining harvesting with primary or rechargeable batteries is the most efficient way to meet a broad range of sensor applications. Depending on the output of the harvester and the sensor's energy requirements to fulfil its continuous role, combining it with the use of a battery or energy storage option can be an enabling technology, allowing excess energy to be generated and stored for times when photons, vibration, temperature differentials or force are not available to be exploited for energy. There is a complete pallet of electrochemistries available today to best suit the requirements of the individual application. Important considerations to factor in when making the best choice include: temperature, current, energy, pulses, lifetime, harvested, hybrid or not. Industry The term "wireless automation" is often used to describe the use and implementation of wireless sensors and actuators. The types of applications for these devices include measuring and reporting of: pressure, pressure differentials, vacuum, temperature, corrosion, Ph levels, vibration, flow, volume, I/O Status, acoustic levels, tank levels, valve position, humidity, CO2 levels, air quality (particulates) and environmental chemical pollution. Recently, wireless control (i.e. stopping and starting) of machines and systems has commenced adoption in industrial processes. The job of these sensors is to monitor and report on various aspects of industrial plants. Industries that commonly use wirelessly connected sensors are: Gas and Oil (Oil rigs, on and off shore, oil refineries, well heads, etc.), chemical process manufacturing, power generation, mining, minerals and metal industries, pulp and paper, food and beverage manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. The sensors are typically implemented as part of a wider supervision control and data acquisition system (SCADA). Industrial sensors are mostly powered by either an R14 (C Size) or an R20 (D Size) Li-SOCl2 cell or cells, which provide optimal performance under under extreme and uncontrolled conditions. 16 www.RemoteMagazine.com Commercial Commercial sensors take a different approach and are usually more concerned with internal environments such as building automation, commercial offices, shopping malls, museums, archives and entertainment complexes to monitor for flooding, humidity levels, structural movement, vibrations and other indicators that could signal a problem. Commercial sensors are also applied this way to the external environments as well. Utilities sensors or meters can also map and monitor the energy efficiency of a building and its energy quality and energy usage. This can also tie-in with heating and air conditioning control and monitoring water, gas and electricity consumption for the whole building or just individual pieces of plant and equipment. Data centers both large and small are extensive users of wireless sensors to detect air movement and hot and cold spots in order to best manage the heat generated by critical computer resources. Similar to industrial sensors, the commercial sensors can use C and D cells but also AA and ½AA Li-SOCl2 cells since the sensors are usually not as complex or as rugged as the industrial type. They can also implement low energy wireless communications like ZigBee and Bluetooth. Domestic Home Area Network (HAN) applications are commonly using wireless protocols such as ZigBee, BlueTooth, ISO 18000-7or even propriety protocols according to the device manufacturer. Mostly the wireless devices are used for heating controls, lighting (dimming and switching), external lighting and controlling window shutters, garage doors and gates. Also safety devices such as smoke detectors, CO2 detectors and water leak and flood detectors can be combined on the same wireless network with intrusion detection (security systems) in one homogeneous wireless system. All these devices can be controlled from separate locations close to the device and from a centralized control panel for both control and monitoring. Energy management can also be integrated with monitors on individual appliances that have a significant impact on energy use (heating, oven, cooktop, clothes dryer, washing machine and air-conditioning). Some of these high energy debit appliances can then be programmed to operate at off-peak times or not all at the same time to even out the household electricity load and avoid peak load charges. With some exceptions, most of these devices are designed to operate with either alkaline cells or Li-MnO consumer or button cells and tend to be user replaceable. Although some sensors such as smoke detection, CO2 detection and water leak and flood detection are candidates for battery powered products, they are often installed in roof spaces, basements and under-floor areas that are not easily accessible. They are also outside the temperature controlled indoor environment with a greater requirement for autonomous operation, thus a more capable battery product is required. Conclusion There are a multitude of applications that are creating a growing demand for wireless sensors throughout the different industries. Whether the application serves and industrial, commercial or domestic purpose, it is critically important for the energy source and storage capabilities to be consistently reliable so the user can have confidence in the sensor's functionality. Saft has heritage of tailored design and innovative energy systems that provide a wide variety of energy source solutions across many applications. For more information please visit www.saftbatteries.com. http://www.saftbatteries.com http://www.RemoteMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Remote - M2M 2014

Remote - M2M 2014
Editor's Choice
When Does it Makes Sense to Transition to Wireless?
Intelligent Machinery Requires Comprehensive Wireless M2M Communications
Improving M2M Communications with Wireless
Driving the Connected Car - a New World of Mobility
SDN-Based Solutions Strengthen Cyber Security in Industrial Control Infrastructure
Electric Vehicles: Where Telematics, Smart Grid and Mobile Payments Converge
Powering Today’s Wireless Sensors
M2M Visions of 2020
Satellite Communications Takes the Edge out of Risky Mining Operations
New Products
Industry News

Remote - M2M 2014