DEVELOPMENT OF WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS FOR PROCESS INDUSTRY

Abstract

The developments in the field of Industrial automation, various open and interoperable network protocols for sensor networking, data communications and processing software have given birth to Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). WSNs have remained the focus area for the global research community, and recently WSN has started demonstrating rapid growth potential in industrial domains. Smart-Wireless-Energy Efficient-reliable Automation Solutions are need of the day for the whole world today which can be realized only by mass WSN deployments. Costly cables are replaced by an RF link of WSNs. Enhanced reach, higher spatial resolution and abilities of quick-adhoc deployments with sniffing-sleeping features have been the current trends of WSN related research. Overall, WSNs for industrial applications promises good opportunities for future work in research and novel application developments. This dissertation puts forth design and implementation of (i) Wireless Industrial Ambient Parameter Monitoring System, (ii) Wireless Industrial Process Parameter Monitoring System and (iii) Wireless Industrial Multi-hop Mixed-Parameter Monitoring System. Detailed design aspects and results produced are also reported. Remote access using intranet/internet and simple, efficient and colorful user-friendly GUIs with audio-visual annunciation are some of the main features of the designs implemented. As the first in the above implementation, extensive literature survey of WSN technologies was carried out. Based on a comparative study of network technologies and protocols, ZigBee has been selected. It was implemented using Crossbow make WSN kit and its associated software. Various analog and digital transducers have been incorporated. Ethernet is used to create a wired backbone to establish remote client connectivity via intranet/internet. The main software used are Crossbow's MoteWorks, MoteView and XServe along with National Instrument's drivers for Crossbow motes and Lab VIEW v.2009 for data acquisition and GUI development.