Battery-free internet sensor offers precision monitoring of climate data
Precision monitoring of temperature, humidity or air pressure is crucial to museums, libraries and archives and in future this will involve lower costs and zero maintenance. The researchers have developed the first battery-free internet sensor, powered via a special solar cell for indoor use, enabling tens of thousands of connected mini sensors to transmit measurement values directly to the internet via WLAN or GSM.
There is no need for a base station either – data can be logged via the internet and alarm messages sent to designated persons automatically via e-mail or SMS. The research group, which is led by Dr. Tolgay Ungan, will be presenting the sensor for the first time in Hall 3.2 at Booth D.065 (endiio GmbH) at Exponatec in Cologne from 18th to 20th November 2015. endiio GmbH is a spin-off from the Department of Microsystems Engineering at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
The internet sensor uses patented wake-up wireless technology, which rouses tens of thousands of sleeping mini-sensors so they can collect measurement data. This makes the system 10,000 times more energy efficient than conventional wireless solutions. Both the Internet sensor and the mini sensors are supplied with energy from the interior-use solar cell and can even be operated in poor light conditions. A minimum of 50 Lux is required but, with an ambient light less than 50 Lux, several decades of operating time can be ensured using an integrated energy buffer.
As well as no additional costs for a base station or spare batteries, another feature is the use of special coatings on the solar cell, which enable the colour of the components to be adapted to the exhibition rooms. The monitoring system uses latest-generation multisensors by Bosch Sensortec GmbH, which require no recalibration, opening up new possibilities for low-cost, zero-maintenance monitoring of climatic conditions in museums. The gas sensors can even be used to monitor visitor flows.
Related articles and links:
www.endiio.com
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