Wireless Sensors and Networks for Advanced Energy Management

Panel: Panel 1. Industrial Energy Efficiency Measures and Technologies

Authors:
James E. Hardy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Wayne W. Manges, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Jose A. Gutierrez, Eaton Corporation
Phani Teja V. Kuruganti, University of Tennessee

Abstract

Numerous national studies and working groups have identified low-cost, very low-power wireless sensors and networks as a critical enabling technology for increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing processes. Research areas for developing such sensor and network platforms include microsensor arrays, ultra-low power electronics and signal conditioning, data/control transceivers, and robust wireless networks. A review of some of the research in the following areas will be discussed:

Low-cost, flexible multi-sensor array platforms (CO2, NOx, CO, humidity, NH3, O2, occupancy, etc.) that enable energy and emission reductions in applications such as buildings and manufacturing
Modeling investments (energy usage and savings to drive capital investment decisions) and estimated uptime improvements through pervasive gathering of equipment and process health data and its effects on energy
Robust, self-configuring wireless sensor networks for energy management
Quality-of-service for secure and reliable data transmission from widely distributed sensors

Wireless communications is poised to support technical innovations in the industrial community, with widespread use of wireless sensors forecasted to improve manufacturing production and energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Progress being made in wireless system components, as described in this paper, is helping bring these projected improvements to reality.