The wireless sensor system GesySense measures temperatures and analog current/voltage input values, counts pulses, monitors digital inputs, and continuously radio transmits the values to a data logger. From that data is available to other systems.
This system of wireless, battery operated sensors for temperature, status and counting presents a flexible data acquisition system which can be used to secure plant operation, optimize energy consumption or assess consumption statements.
Possible applications of the wireless modules cover:
The following components constitute the GesySense system:
Using battery operated sensor modules and radio transmission between measuring point and data logging, a continuous data acquisition can be set up without great installation efforts or risky changes to existing systems. Furthermore, the measuring points of the sensors can be modified quickly and easily.
Up to 120 wireless transmitters can be included in one system, depending on the local situation and wide areas can be covered by radio repeaters operating in series.
Using batteries is convenient, changing them cumbersome. The energy concept of the GesySense wireless sensors meets these concerns. That measuring frequency and ambient temperature govern power consumption goes without saying.
GesySense module are designed for operation at low temperatures. Even there excellent battery usage times are guaranteed. Running at a 5 minutes interval, which is a sensible one for temperature measuring, a battery duration of more than 5 years is guaranteed for the temperature range between -30 °Cand +25 °C, an operation up to 10 years is possible.
The GesySense wireless sensor system operates in the ISM band of 433 MHz. For Amerika a version with 915 MHz is availabble. With 10 mW it is a low power device according to the European regulations.
The availability of 10 channels within this band enables the implementation of many transmitters (sensor and repeaters) close to each other without the problems of data collision, losses or misallocation. Even different system in the same band can be operated in parallel using suitable channels. The undisturbed wireless range is about 250 m. In this frequency range the permeability of solid material is better than at higher frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz.
As radio transmittance, e.g. from radio thermometers, in buildings has to allow for difficulties such as metal doors, armored concrete, etc. repeaters are used to increase the range of coverage. The repeaters receive messages from the wireless sensors and transmit them on a different channel to the GesySense receiver.
Further to the usage of several channels other provisions secure radio transmission and thus the quality of the recorded values:
The Windows PC based GesySense configuration program defines communication within the wireless sensor system and identifies and organizes the measurement sensors in the operational area. First values are recorded for test and optimization purposes and the transmission quality, e.g. between a temperature sensor and the receiver is recorded.
Communication interface between PC and wireless system is the handy GesySense Configurator, a radio adapter connected to the PC via USB. Shortly held close to an installed sensor device, its ID is recorded and the measurement cycle –previously defined in the GesySense configuration program– is transmitted inductively.
Using its antenna the Configurator organizes receiver and repeaters.
Further to commisioning the sensor network the GesySense LogIt software can beused for data capturing and analysis.
