Design and Field Validation of a Low Power Wireless Sensor Node for Structural Health Monitoring.

Area of Science:

• Structural Health Monitoring
• Wireless Sensor Networks
• Embedded Systems

Background:

• Smart monitoring systems are increasingly vital for structural integrity.
• Applications include real-time alarms and fatigue life estimation.
• Predictive maintenance is essential for mechanical and civil structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a smart wireless sensor node for structural monitoring.
• To enable on-board data processing and wireless transmission of synthetic information.
• To achieve energy autonomy through integrated energy harvesting and low-power components.

Main Methods:

• Hardware and software design analysis of the sensor node.
• Integration of an energy harvesting system for autonomous power.
• Adoption of low-power electronic components.
• Laboratory testing of assembled prototypes.
• Field testing on a real structure under extreme weather conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful design and development of a smart wireless sensor node.
• Demonstrated autonomous energy operation through energy harvesting.
• Validated accuracy and reliability of the sensor node in laboratory and field tests.
• The system effectively performs accelerometric measurements and on-board data processing.

Conclusions:

• The developed smart wireless sensor node is a reliable and accurate solution for structural health monitoring.
• Energy harvesting and low-power design enable long-term, autonomous operation.
• The system supports predictive maintenance strategies for enhanced structural safety and longevity.