Energy-autonomous wireless sensor nodes for automotive applications, powered by thermoelectric energy harvesting

[摘要] In this paper we will first present the measurement of temperatures on different positions at a diesel-powered car. As a result, several locations are identified as suitable to implement a wireless sensor node powered by thermal energy harvesting. Based on the data gained a thermoelectric generator (TEG) has been selected, and measurements of energy generation have been performed. Further, a complete energy-autonomous wireless sensor node was designed, including the TEG with its mounting bracket, an electronic power management, and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensor node. Based on temperature differences from -10 K up to 75.3 K occurring in test drives, a low power set up was chosen to achieve a system startup time below 10 minutes and to ensure service even under difficult ambient conditions, like high ambient temperatures or a slow movement of the car in stocking traffic. 2 minutes after starting the engine a power about of 10 mW is available from the chosen TEG, and in peak the power exceeds 1 W. In a 50 minute test drive it was possible to generate 650 J of energy. This information was used to develop the complete system, demonstrating the opportunity to deploy energy-autonomous wireless sensor nodes in a car, e.g. for exhaust gas monitoring. The system is used to gather sensor data, like temperature and humidity, and transmits data successfully via BLE to a prepared main node based on a Raspberry Pi.

[发布机构] Laboratory for Design of Microsystems, IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 102, Freiburg; 79110, Germany^1

[效力级别] 能源学

[关键词] Automotive applications;Bluetooth low energies (BLE);Energy-autonomous wireless sensor nodes;Measurement of temperature;Temperature and humidities;Temperature differences;Thermoelectric energy;Thermoelectric generators