Design of a low cost self powered “Stick-on” current and temperature wireless sensor for utility assets

Abstract

Utilities require improved monitoring of their assets to ensure reliable power for their customers. Sensors presently available in the market cater to measuring multiple asset parameters and thus are expensive. This inhibits the utilities' ability to deploy such sensors on a large scale. This paper addresses design and implementation of a low cost self-powered “Stick-on” wireless current and temperature sensor that can be mass deployed by utilities. Novel energy harvesting circuit design techniques have been discussed and shown to operate over a wide current range. Technical challenges pertaining to energy storage, communication network, temperature and current sensing have been analyzed given the constraints of low cost. A first prototype has been developed and shown to operate successfully. The envisioned Stick-on sensor has the capability to monitor a variety of utility assets. Technology solutions like these hold prime importance as the power grid moves towards a Smart Grid.