A wireless communication system for energy and environmental monitoring

Abstract

Custom-fit communication systems are key elements in modern cyber-physical sensor systems. Therefore a wireless communication system (WCS) for sensor/actuator communication has been developed to facilitate energy and environmental monitoring on the shop floor of industrial production sites. Initially, the distinct demands and requirements are described. As the WCS has been designed for new installations as well as for retrofitting already installed facilities, the WCS has to be able to coexist with other wireless communication systems already allocated in the same frequency band. The WCS handles measurement data from both, energy-autarkic sensors and fast line-powered sensors. Mobile users in the field equipped with mobile devices are served by the system, too. A modular hardware concept has been chosen for easy system modification or for the integration of new wireless standards. Finally, measured results for the coexistence capability are presented.