Field Study on Wireless Sensor Networks for Structural Health Monitoring using Beamforming Communication Systems

Abstract

In industrial environments, monitoring data from sensor nodes is typically transferred using wire-based field-bus systems. In environments where cable-based systems cannot be employed, battery-powered wireless sensor nodes offer an alternative solution. In our analysis, we elaborate in how far spatial multiplexing using millimeter wave phased-array antenna systems have advantages over omnidirectional communication links, with special focus on power consumption and reliability. Furthermore, we have compared surface-mount sensor nodes using 60 GHz communication links to classical transmission systems in terms of system design and power efficiency. In addition to the related works, our analysis includes a proposal for a network hierarchy and outlines the real-time capability and power consumption of mm-Wave sensor networks for the purpose of structural health monitoring of buildings, bridges or other objects.