Retour au site du LAAS-CNRS

Abstract

Results about energy capture from the environment associated with the self-powering of a wireless sensor network (WSN) for structural health monitoring of aircrafts (SHM) are presented. Thermal gradients taking place during specific flight phases are converted into electrical energy by using a small water tank coupled to a thermoelectric generator which output is connected to a storage circuit. The proposed system is experimentally assessed in an environmental chamber. Regarding the energy storage issue, considering the operating temperature (-55°C) and the amount of energy, supercapacitors are suggested instead of batteries. For capacitors charging and later use of energy, a circuit based on a voltage booster associated with a DC-DC regulator is designed and simulated.

Mots-Clés / Keywords

Energy scavenging; Thermoelectric generator; Voltage booster; Aircraft structural health monitoring;

Résumé

Cet article traite d'une nouvelle étape d'intégration des fonctions domotiques : confort et sécurité, qui pourrait apporter des performances accrues et une réduction des coûts d'installation. A partir de l'expérience acquise sur des projets antérieurs : ERGDOM, PROSAFE, nous focalisons notre réflexion sur l'analyse et les spécifications des caractéristiques souhaitables d'un capteur de présence générique, élément-clé pour constituer correctement la base d'apprentissage que nous préconisons à la fois pour le confort et la surveillance. Deux voies technologiques sont explorées conduisant à un produit industriel dans l'approche pyroélectrique et à un produit de laboratoire compatible dans l'approche thermoélectrique. Nous discutons enfin d'une perspective de tendance nouvelle qui est d'introduire dans l'habitat un mini-robot mobile d'assistance, dont « l'infrastructure intelligente » doit être spécifiée, pour parfaire le diagnostic et apporter les premiers secours.

Mots-Clés / Keywords

Habitat Intelligent; Confort; Sécurité; Capteurs de présences; Détection infrarouge passive; Apprentissage des habitudes; Systèmes multicapteurs; Mini-robot; Diagnosis;

Abstract

In the era of information technology, the elderly and disabled can be monitored with numerous intelligent devices. Sensors can be implanted into their home for continuous mobility assistance and non-obtrusive disease prevention. Modern sensor-embedded houses, or smart houses, cannot only assist people with reduced physical functions but help resolve the social isolation they face. They are capable of providing assistance without limiting or disturbing the resident's daily routine, giving him or her greater comfort, pleasure, and well-being. This article presents an international selection of leading smart home projects, as well as the associated technologies of wearable/implantable monitoring systems and assistive robotics. The latter are often designed as components of the larger smart home environment. The paper will conclude by discussing future challenges of the domain.

Mots-Clés / Keywords

Smart home; Elderly people;