Acoustic energy transmission in cast iron pipelines

[摘要] In this paper we propose acoustic power transfer as a method for the remote powering of pipeline sensor nodes. A theoretical framework of acoustic power propagation in the ceramic transducers and the metal structures is drawn, based on the Mason equivalent circuit. The effect of mounting on the electrical response of piezoelectric transducers is studied experimentally. Using two identical transducer structures, power transmission of 0.33 mW through a 1 m long, 118 mm diameter cast iron pipe, with 8 mm wall thickness is demonstrated, at 1 V received voltage amplitude. A near-linear relationship between input and output voltage is observed. These results show that it is possible to deliver significant power to sensor nodes through acoustic waves in solid structures. The proposed method may enable the implementation of acoustic - powered wireless sensor nodes for structural and operation monitoring of pipeline infrastructure.

[发布机构] Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom^1

[效力级别] 能源学

[关键词] Electrical response;Input and outputs;Linear relationships;Operation monitoring;Pipeline infrastructure;Theoretical framework;Transducer structure;Wireless sensor node