Thermoelectric energy harvesting on rotation machines for wireless sensor network in industry 4.0

Abstract

We propose an autonomous energy wireless sensor node for monitoring rotation machines condition. The thermal energy dissipated during normal operation of the motor can be harvested to power an ultra low power wireless sensor. The harvested energy is stored in supercapacitors instead of lithium-ion battery, providing an extended life for the energy storage element and being able to handle high energy radio transmission pulses. The proposed system may be used on early fault diagnosis through pervasive data collection of machines condition. The collected data can provide a maintenance schedule programming with low impact in plant operation, reducing unexpected production stop due motors failures.