SBIR-STTR Award

The thrust of this proposal is to develop a compact integrated sensor/antenna that requires no power supply or wiring capable of addressing concerns of long term embedment/attachment. The proposed research is to employ wireless excitation and telemetry of sensor data from an array of SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) sensors located on civil structures. These devices will be able to be attached to primary construction or power system components such as timber, steel, copper, concrete etc. The aim will be to develop a rugged sensor that is remotely interrogated. The measurements will be obtained through wireless remote access. A base station transmits a signal which is received by the antenna/sensor. This excites the sensor which then re-radiates a signal containing the raw sensor data back to the base station. An embbeded microprocessor in the base station then extracts the desired information. The sensor is completely passive, inexpensive, and reliable. As part of the research, we will also demonstrate that several measurements such as temperature, moisture content, normal stress, and shear stress can be simultaneously measured. We will investigate how this enables the removal of system changes for the measured data, such as, decoupling seasonal temperature change effects. The proposed system will have many applications for structural assessment permitting much more detailed, frequent, and inexpensive inspection of structures. This includes private sector buildings and plants as well as state and local structures, such as, bridges and utilities.

The thrust of the Phase II effort is to develop a compact integrated sensor/wireless communication systems that requires no power supply at the sensor sites which can be used for monitoring the health of aging and new infrastructure such as bridges, highway's and buildings. The proposed system when commercialized will also find applications for condition based monitoring of civil and military land, air and seagoing vehicles. The specific goal of the Phase II effort is to develop a field deployable, rugged, dependable system with sufficient range and directional capabilities. The US Army would be x interested in the passive roof leak detection system (PRLDS) for the vast building facilities that it has responsibility for. Twenty five (25)% of the Phase II effort will be co-funded by the Pennsylvania state funded Ben Franklin program. CEEAM/PSU will be a subcontractor on this project. The deliverables of the Phase II effort is two field demonstrations, one the US Army CERL's TESS facility and the other will be the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute's test facility on a bridge span. A sound commercialization plan for the Phase III effort will be in place by the end of the 24 month Phase II effort.

Benefits:
There is very high potential for widespread commercialization of an inexpensive, reliable, and easy to install remote/wireless sensor system. The market includes the federal, state, and local governments, contractors, and private building/plant owners. The remote health monitoring system which can be monitored from a base station is ideal for condition based maintenance of the structures being monitored.

Keywords:
wireless passive sensors mems remote interrogation saw piezoelectric health monitoring