SBIR Phase I: Improving the Efficiency and the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Manufacturing - using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Ambiently-powered Sensors, and Model-base

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目将使用无线传感器网络(WSNs)、网状网络、适当的传感器和基于模型的控制软件，以提高铝冶炼的效率和环境影响。该项目包括1)评估无线传感器网络应用于“敌对”重工业时的稳健性、延迟和理想的电源管理问题；2)“微能量审计”测量典型的热通量和振动，以便为其他希望在没有可更换电池的情况下运行无线传感器网络节点的研究人员提供设计规则；3)确定能源效率和污染控制；4)在恶劣环境中进行精确的大电流测量。据估计，在整个美国铝业全面部署无线技术所产生的节能价值约为1.3亿美元/年，加拿大、欧盟和其他国家可能节省类似的能源。这样的能源节约可能伴随着维护成本的节省和氟排放减少的好处。拟议的技术可以为无线技术在许多领域的进步做出贡献。例如铜工业或氯碱工业，炼油厂的储罐、蒸馏塔和其他设备，以及纺织工业的织布机。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), mesh networking, appropriate sensors, and model-based control software to improve both the efficiency and the environmental impacts of aluminum smelting. The project includes 1) Evaluation of the robustness, latency, & desirable power management issues when WSNs are employed in "hostile" heavy industries; 2) "Micro-energy audits" to measure typical heat fluxes and vibrations in order to provide design rules for other researchers who desire to run WSN nodes without replaceable batteries; 3) Determining the energy efficiency and pollution control; and 4) Large current measurements with precision in hostile environments.It is estimated that the value of energy saving resulting from full deployment of the wireless technology throughout the US aluminum industry would be approximately $130 million/year with comparable savings possible in Canada, the EU and other nations. Such energy savings would likely be accompanied by savings of maintenance cost and the benefits of diminished fluoride emissions. The proposed technolgy can contribute to the advancement of wireless technology in many fields. Examples include the copper industry or chlor-alkali industry, the tanks, distillation columns and other equipment of an oil refinery and the looms of the weaving industry.