Wireless sensor networks will have a major impact on how and where we use
sensors in the future. The relatively new ZigBee-standard based on IEEE
802.15.4 is a network standard developed with the properties and demands
of sensor networks in mind. Battery powered sensor units can be embedded
in the measurement objects and deliver data for years without any wires
going to or from the units. A sensor unit becomes a part of the sensor
network and the units can easily move within, leave or re-enter the
network.
At Imego we are developing wireless sensor network systems customized for
the customer’s application. We integrate ZigBee-ready modules with the
sensors (often including a microcontroller and additional electronics),
which together with a network management and data collection software
makes a complete ready-to-use system.
Wireless moisture detection in constructions
We have developed and tested a ZigBee based wireless sensor network
system aimed at measuring moisture and humidity on many locations in a
building. The system monitors the moisture levels in wood and concrete
and the humidity in the air during the construction stage. The sensor
nodes contain humidity and temperature sensors, sensor electronics, a
microcontroller and ZigBee modules. The sensor data is collected in a
coordinating node, forwarded to a database server and presented through a
homepage.
Schematic view of the ZigBee-based wireless sensor network used for
monitoring humidity and temperature at a building site.
The work was done together with the Division of Building Materials at
Lund Institute of Technology and was partly funded by the Development
Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (Svenska Byggbranschens
Utvecklingsfond, SBUF) and Boverket. The results have been summarized in
a written report (in Swedish).
Download report "Trådlösa fuktsensorer inom byggindustrin" (PDF)
Imego has previously conducted a survey together with the Division of
Building Materials at Lund Institute of Technology on the construction
sector’s need for moisture measurement in buildings. That work also
included a survey on moisture measurement techniques and sensors
available on the market today and of network solutions which can be used
in a system for wireless moisture measurement. The work was partly funded
by the Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (Svenska
Byggbranschens Utvecklingsfond, SBUF). The results have been summarized
in a written report (in Swedish).
Download report "En studie av byggbranschens framtida fuktmätningsbehov" (PDF)