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Sensor based person tracking is a challenging
topic. The main objective is positioning in areas without
GPS connection, i.e. indoors. A research project is carried
out at BAM, Federal Institute for Materials Research and
Testing, to develop and to validate a multi-sensor system for
3D localization. It combines body motion sensing and a
guard system for the tracking and recording of the status of
persons. The so named BodyGuard system was designed for
sensor-based monitoring and radio-based transmission of
the movement of a person. Algorithms were developed to
transform the sensor data into a spatial coordinate. This
paper describes how the BodyGuard system operates, which
main components were used in the system, how the
individual sensor data are converted into 3D motion data,
with which algorithms the individual sensors are processed,
how individual errors are compensated and how the sensor
data are merged into a 3D Model. Final objective of the
BodyGuard system is to determine the exact location of a
person in a building, e.g. during fire-fighting operations.
Gas source localization with a micro-drone using bio-inspired and particle filter-based algorithms
(2013)
Gas source localization (GSL) with mobile robots is a challenging task due to the unpredictable nature of gas dispersion, the limitations of the currents sensing technologies, and the mobility constraints of ground-based robots. This work proposes an integral solution for the GSL task, including source declaration. We present a novel pseudo-gradient-based plume tracking algorithm and a particle filter-based source declaration approach, and apply it on a gas-sensitive micro-drone. We compare the performance of the proposed system in simulations and real-world experiments against two commonly used tracking algorithms adapted for aerial exploration missions.
BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, in cooperation with the company MeGaSen UG carries out a research project to enhance and validate an innovative approach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. The concept combines different measurement technologies to one multifunctional sensor: membrane-based gas measurement technology for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil and fiber optical sensing of temperature and strain (as a measure for structural change). Key aspect of the research project is the first-time validation of the system in an application relevant dimension. For this purpose a 20 x 20 m2 test field is build. A comprehensive validation of the system is carried out by systematic variation of different parameters like position-dependent gasinjection, temperature and mechanical impact.
This paper presents a sampling strategy for mobile gas sensors. Sampling points are selected using a modified artificial potential field (APF) approach, which balances multiple criteria to direct sensor measurements towards locations of high mean concentration, high concentration variance and areas for which the uncertainty about the gas distribution model is still large. By selecting in each step the most often suggested close-by measurement location, the proposed approach introduces a locality constraint that allows planning suitable paths for mobile gas sensors. Initial results in simulation and in real-world experiments with a gas-sensitive micro-drone demonstrate the suitability of the proposed sampling strategy for gas distribution mapping and its use for gas source localization.
Damage to buildings occurs if a construction component fails. The result is a partial or total collapse which can be dangerous for people for example if it's a bridge or a large hall. The collapse of the terminal building at the Airport Charles de Gaulle in Paris and the damage at the historic City Archives of Cologne are typical examples of such accidents. Another problem is the contradiction of the increasing volume of traffic (particularly heavy traffic) and the great age of bridges. The probability increases that the load-bearing capacity of a bridge decreases. For example the collapses of the Mississippi Bridge and of the Inntal Motorway Bridge can be seen as results. Therefore it is necessary to control endangered structures during their life span.
In order to prevent these kinds of accidents, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing developed a radio-based, self-configuring measuring system in cooperation with the ScatterWeb Company, Berlin (Germany). This measuring system consists of identically designed sensor modules which are self-sustaining, wireless, act as transmitters and receivers and are equipped with a special sensor technology for long-term monitoring of buildings or engineering facilities. The sensor unit uses strain gauges for stress analysis and contains interfaces for additional sensors. The system in particular applies to buildings and structures for transport and traffic and large-scale industrial facilities, where a subsequent wiring installation is difficult or impossible.
A multi-sensor system for 3D localization was developed and named BodyGuard. It combines body movement sensing and a guard system for the tracking and recording of the status of persons. BodyGuard was designed to monitor and transmit the movement of a person radio-based and to transform that data into a spatial coordinate. This paper describes how the BodyGuard system works, what components the system consists of, how the individual sensor data is converted into 3D motion data, with which algorithms the individual sensors are processed, how individual errors are compensated and how the sensor data are fused into a 3D Model.
In this study a method for early damage detection is investigated based on the directed excitation and measuring of Lamb waves (guided waves). The objective is to make a statement about the practicability of a Lamb wave generator (LWG) and about the application relevant parameters (specimen materials and dimensions, wave characteristics, excitation, transmission und reflection). Guided waves enable an effective differentiation of structural and defective indications as well as a classification of different defect types. For the investigations, a LWG was developed which combines the advantages of the single excitation of a piezoelectric actuator and the possibility of a group excitation. Algorithms were developed to identify and analyze damage patterns (cracks, wholes, weakening).
Limited access to the object of relevance is often an essential problem in testing routines, e.g. for non-destructive testing of industry facilities or components of means of transportation. The presented project is about the development of a non-destructive testing method for application over great distances (up to 100 m). The method is based on directed excitation and measuring of Lamb waves (guided waves). It enables an effective differentiation of structural and defective indications as well as a classification of different defect types.
The advantage of guided waves is the ability of propagation over great distances. This offers innovative possibilities for the investigation of large or difficult to access constructions. The testing method can be helpful in a broad variety of applications. It is useable for the characterization of plane or cylindrical, thin-walled surfaces of metal or fiber laminated materials. Particularly the investigation of aircraft wings and other aerospace components as well as the investigation of pipelines are addressed fields of application.
Multichannel measuring systems are used to measure strains and accelerations during drop tests of containments for dangerous goods. Conventional systems require cabling of each sensor and co-falling of the cable harness, causing problems in the test preparation and execution. Promising results of a single cable measuring system, consisting of measuring modules with data bus connection and local data acquisition were presented in a previous study. This paper follows up with results from laboratory and full-scale testing of an further enhanced single cable system for the application in drop tests.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vielkanalmesssysteme werden zur Messung von Dehnungen und Beschleunigungen bei Fallversuchen von Gefahrstoffbehältern eingesetzt. Konventionelle Systeme erfordern die Verkabelung jeder einzelnen Messstelle und somit das Mitfallen eines Kabelbaums, wodurch Probleme bei der Versuchsvorbereitung und Durchführung entstehen. In einer vorangegangenen Studie wurden vielversprechende Ergebnisse durch Verwendung eines 1-Kabelmesssystems mit Datenbus und dezentraler Datenspeicherung erzielt. Dieser Artikel beinhaltet weiterführende Ergebnisse aus Labor- und Realversuchen mit einem weiterentwickelten System zur Anwendung bei Fallversuchen.
Wireless sensor network for long-term structural health monitoring of buildings and infrastructures
(2009)
Damage commonly occurs in buildings when a component fails suddenly with a
partial or total collapse as a consequence. This type of event leads to serious damage to property
and if it is a bridge or a large hall, then people in particular are at risk. The often great age of
bridges and the increasing volume of traffic (particularly heavy traffic) which they are expected
to carry are in clear contradiction to each other. Thus the probability increases that the loadbearing
capacity of a bridge decreases rapidly and often unnoticed with sometimes dire
consequences.
In order to prevent such accidents, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is
currently developing a special radio-based, self-configuring measuring system in cooperation
with the Berlin-based ScatterWeb Company. This measuring system consists of a number of
identically designed sensor nodes which are self-sustaining, need no wiring, can act as both
transmitters and receivers and are equipped with a special sensor technology making long-term
monitoring of buildings or engineering facilities possible. The sensor unit uses strain gauges for
stress analysis and contains interfaces for additional sensors. The system in particular applies to
buildings and structures for transport and traffic and large-scale industrial facilities, where a
subsequent wiring installation is difficult or impossible.
The project SIGRID investigates and assesses possibilities to enhance the safety and security of
dangerous goods transports through the use of the latest RFID-technology. This technology can be used to
greatly enhance the transparency of the supply chain and aid logistics companies in complying with regulations.
In the context of SIGRID, customized RFID-Sensor-Tags have been developed that monitor dangerous
goods during transport and help to prevent hazards by allowing timely countermeasures. In the case of a dangerous
goods accident, the available information about the type, amount and condition of the dangerous goods
can be used to accurately inform the relief forces. Unavailable or inaccurate information represents a significant
problem for the relief forces. This often leads to a delay in the rescue operation, because relief forces
must be aware of the substances involved to protect themselves effectively against them. SIGRID aims to
close this information gap. To verify the practicability of the underlying concepts, a demonstrator will be
build and tests of realistic scenarios will be conducted.
The Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) or
Kolsky Bar is known as a method for analysing
mechanical properties of a material under dynamic
load. Referring to the name it is a splitted
Hopkinson Pressure Bar. The Hopkinson Bar is
related to its inventor Bertram Hopkinson (1914).
He used it to analyze stone samples under dynamic
load. Later his construction was improved by
Davies (1948) [1] and Kolsky (1949) [2], who had
the idea to split the bar and put a sample in
between.
The technique is used to measure a lot of
different mechanical properties of a material e.g.
the dynamic Youngs modulus, deformation
behaviour or to chart the dynamic stress-strain
diagram. Further applications are the measurement
of the elastic wave and the analysis of the
propagation of the wave [2]. In the last years there
was still an interest in measuring dynamic
properties with a SHPB. Nevertheless no
comprehensive validation of the system exists.
Another problem is that the stress and the strain in
the sample are only calculated with simplified
estimations.
The aim of this paper is to give a first
impression of important points validating the
system. On account of different setups of the
SHPB a validation of the used system is necessary.
Hence it is important to look at the theory. Further
in this paper the measurement results will be
shown in a strain over time diagram.
This article presents the development and validation of an autonomous, gas sensitive microdrone that is capable of estimating the wind vector in real time using only the onboard control unit of the microdrone and performing gas distribution mapping (DM). Two different sampling approaches are suggested to address this problem. On the one hand, a predefined trajectory is used to explore the target area with the microdrone in a real-world gas DM experiment. As an alternative sampling approach, we introduce an adaptive strategy that suggests next sampling points based on an artificial potential field (APF). Initial results in real-world experiments demonstrate the capability of the proposed adaptive sampling strategy for gas DM and its use for gas source localization.
One of the main unsolved issues of CCS is the comprehensive surveillance of CO2 storage areas with reasonable effort and costs. This study presents an approach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. The concept combines different measurement technologies to one multifunctional sensor: membrane based measurement technology for in situ monitoring of gases in soil and fibre optical sensing of temperature and strain (as a measure for structural change). A test field of application-relevant dimensions is built up to validate and optimize the technology.
Carbon capture & storage (CCS) is one of the most promising technologies for greenhouse gas (GHG) management. However, an unsolved issue of CCS is the development of appropriate long-term monitoring systems for leak detection of the stored CO2. To complement already existing monitoring infrastructure for CO2 storage areas, and to increase the granularity of gas concentration measurements, a quickly deployable, mobile measurement device is needed. In this paper, we present an autonomous gas-sensitive micro-drone, which can be used to monitor GHG emissions, more specifically, CO2. Two different measurement strategies are proposed to address this task. First, the use of predefined sensing trajectories is evaluated for the task of gas distribution mapping using the micro-drone. Alternatively, we present an adaptive strategy, which suggests sampling points based on an artificial potential field (APF). The results of real-world experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using gas-sensitive micro-drones for GHG monitoring missions. Thus, we suggest a multi-layered surveillance system for CO2 storage areas.
In this paper, we show that a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with commercially available gas sensors can address environmental monitoring and gas source localization (GSL) tasks. To account for the challenges of gas sensing under real-world conditions, we present a probabilistic approach for GSL that is based on a particle filter (PF). Simulation and real-world experiments demonstrate the suitability of this algorithm for micro UAV platforms.
In many cases, science falls back on self-developed prototype systems, which are used and developed for the measurement and execution of the tasks. About 80 % of the development is based on the same hardware design, which is used in only one application scenario and then discarded. For the most part, there are also uncalibrated sensors, since it is costly to calibrate a complicated sensor measurement system or the entire measurement chain since access to the sensor systems is not always available. This paper describes a conceptual design to implement a versatile sensor system with the motivation to fuse the data recording and data reception, which can cover large areas with the help of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology. To overcome disadvantages of LoRaWAN, namely the slow data rates, the proposed sensor system can also cover smaller areas with the widespread WiFi technology. An enormous advantage over individual complete systems in the form of a prototype, is the rapid expansion, uncomplicated calibration of the individual sensors and the ecological relief.
A modular design is used, where individual stacks with sensors and peripherals can be added separately. The stacks are standalone low-power systems and can be calibrated, maintained, and replaced separately and do not require the entire measurement chain. The measured and sent values are stored locally on the main stack and sent to the data collector (gateway) and evaluated by means of the automated selection between WiFi and LoRaWAN.
This work focuses on the design and fabrication of low-cost and fast-response of an electronic nose (E-nose) based on semiconductor gas sensors, for discriminating some synthetic gases such as ammonia (NH3), ethanol (C2H5OH), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Additionally, the capability of separating different concentration levels of each considered gases was checked. Dataset treatment of E-nose by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a good discrimination of the different synthetic gases. Furthermore, perfect classification was reached of different concentration levels of the analysed gases by using Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). In the light of these results, it could be stated that the developed E-nose system constitutes an inexpensive, rapid, simple to use, and efficient tool for synthetic gases detection.
This paper presents first advances in the area of aerial chemical trail following. For that purpose, we equipped a palm-size aerial robot, based on the Crazyflie 2.0 quadrocopter, with a small lightweight metal oxide gas sensor for measuring evaporated ethanol from chemical trails. To detect and localize a 5 cm wide chemical trail, a detection criterion was developed that uses only relative changes in the transient phase of the sensor response. The reduction in signal strength dependence improves the robustness of its application. We tested our setup in first crossing-trail experiments showing that our flying ant robot can correlate an odor hit with the chemical trail within 0.14 m. Principally, this could enable aerial chemical trail following in the future.
In this study, the ability of an electronic nose developed to analyze and monitor odor emissions from three poultry farms located in Meknes (Morocco) and Berlin (Germany) was evaluated. Indeed, the potentiality of the electronic nose (e-nose) to differentiate the concentration fractions of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and ethanol was investigated. Furthermore, the impact change of relative humidity values (from 15% to 67%) on the responses of the gas sensors was reported and revealed that the effect remained less than 0.6%. Furthermore, the relevant results confirmed that the developed e-nose system was able to perfectly classify and monitor the odorous air of poultry farms.
In this work, we demonstrate the ability of an electronic nose system based on an array of six-semiconductor gas sensors for outdoor air quality monitoring over a day at a traffic road in downtown of Meknes city (Morocco). The response of the sensor array reaches its maximum in the evening of the investigated day which may due to high vehicular traffic or/and human habits resulting in elevated concentrations of pollutants. Dataset treatment by Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Function Analysis shows a good discrimination between samples collected at different times of the day. Moreover, Support Vector Machines were used and reached a classification success rate of 97.5 %. Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) technique was used to validate the developed e-nose system by identifying the composition of the analyzed air samples. The discrimination obtained by e-nose system was in good agreement with the TD-GC-MS results. This study demonstrates the usefulness of TD-GC-MS and e-nose, providing high accuracy in discriminating outdoor air samples collected at different times. This demonstrates the potential of using the e-nose as a rapid, easy to use and inexpensive environmental monitoring system.
This paper presents first advances in the area of aerial chemical trail following. For that purpose, we equipped a palm-size aerial robot, based on the Crazyflie 2.0 quadrocopter, with a small lightweight metal oxide gas sensor for measuring evaporated ethanol from chemical trails. To detect and localize the chemical trail, a novel detection criterion was developed that uses only relative changes in the transient phase of the sensor response, making it more robust in its application. We tested our setup in first crossing-trail experiments showing that our flying ant robot is able to correlate an odor hit with the chemical trail within 0.14 m. Principally, this could enable aerial chemical trail following in the future.
This paper presents first advances in the area of aerial chemical trail following. For that purpose, we equipped a palm-size aerial robot, based on the Crazyflie 2.0 quadrocopter, with a small lightweight metal oxide gas sensor for measuring evaporated ethanol from chemical trails. To detect and localize the chemical trail, a novel detection criterion was developed that uses only relative changes in the transient phase of the sensor response, making it more robust in its application. We tested our setup in first crossing-trail experiments showing that our flying ant robot is able to correlate an odor hit with the chemical trail within 0.14 m. Principally, this could enable aerial chemical trail following in the future.
In the present paper the development of a semi-automated device for long-term monitoring of gaseous ammonia is described. A sensor material was produced that changes its optical properties in the pres-ence of low concentrations of ammonia in air. The implementation into an electronic device enables precise, simple, economic and fast monitoring of low concentrations of harmful gases, like ammonia, and hence can help to improve the climate monitoring in livestock housing, barns or stables.
This project addresses the application of safe and healthy workplaces in offices, chemical laboratories and other workplaces where indoor air quality plays an important role. The LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is used as a communication interface to make sensor data globally accessible.
The objectives of the project are to create a sensor node and an online and offline system that collects the data from the sensor nodes and stores it on a local server, in a cloud, and also locally on the node to prevent communication failures. An important point in this project is the development of the sensor nodes and the placement of these in the premises, thus no development work is involved in Building the infrastructure.
Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas, causes various diseases and degrades living standards. Air Quality could be affected by emissions of odor, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other gases. Therefore, assessment and monitoring of odorous air quality using sensitive, simple, rapid, accurate and portable tools is very important for public health. This study aimed to characterize odor emissions to detect malfunctions in facilities and to prevent air pollution and olfactory nuisance in the environment. A gas chromatographic method, in conjunction with sensorial analysis were performed for odorous air samples analysis collected from neighborhood of Meknes city (Morocco). Advanced multivariate statistical approaches, such as Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), were used to describe samples similarities. The electronic nose (e-nose) data processing exhibits a satisfactory discrimination between the odorous air samples. Twenty-four VOCs with known molecular formulas were identified with Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). A validated Partial Least Square (PLS) model foresees good calibration between e-nose measurement and TD-GCMS analysis. The finding indicates that TD-GC–MS approach in conjunction with e-nose unit could be suitable tool for environmental measurement-based odor emissions.
Wastewater contains harmful chemicals and heavy metals that are known to cause various environmental and health problems. Therefore, the water quality control using sensitive, simple, fast, accurate, and portable tools is of great importance. This study aimed to evaluate the pollution parameters of wastewaters collected at different treatment stages from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that treats domestic and industrial wastewaters by using an electronic nose (E-nose) and a voltammetric electronic tongue (E-tongue) combined with chemometric techniques. Water and wastewater pollution parameters determination were performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for the determination of cations, and anions by using ion chromatography. Chemometric techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), were used to process the E-nose and E-tongue datasets to describe the similarities between the samples. In addition, Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model was constructed using electronic sensing data to simultaneously predict the concentration values of physicochemical parameters. The obtained correlation coefficient, for training and testing sets, is higher than 0.91 for the prediction of the concentration of all physicochemical parameters, except for iron (Fe) which remains 0.84. These results suggest that simple, portable, and inexpensive tools such as electronic nose and tongue are suitable for wastewater analysis.
Die Optimierung und Validierung des digitalen Wasserstofftankstellenmanagements mit Sensortechnologien ist das übergeordnete Ziel des Teilprojekts Digitale Qualitätsinfrastruktur mit Sensortechnologien (QIST) am Use Case H2, im Rahmen der digitalen Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI digital[1]). Hierfür sollen u.a. Sensornetzwerke mit digital-gestützten Auswertungsstrategien intelligent gestaltet werden (Stichwort KI bzw. digitaler Zwilling). Verschiedene, sich ergänzende Sensoren, Systemkomponenten und KI-Methoden stehen als Bausteine intelligenter Sensorsysteme zur Verfügung, mit dem Zweck, die physikalischen und chemischen Parameter an und in Anlagen umfassend und effizient zu überwachen sowie Fehlfunktionen zuverlässig zu detektieren und zu interpretieren, Abbildung 1.
Konkrete Arbeitsschritte sind, nach dem Aufbau der Versuchsplattform „Wasserstofftankstelle“, die Instrumentierung von Sensorik und deren digitale Integration in das Tankstellenmanagementsystem sowie die Validierung im Realbetrieb. Die somit erzielten Messergebisse sowie die Messunsicherheiten, Historien und Verfahren werden in digitaler Form aufbereitet, gespeichert und fortlaufend in die KI-basierte Datenauswertung einbezogen, inkl. der Anbindung an die metrologische Rückführungskette.
Ziele sind:
• Einführung eines neuen messtechnischen Ansatzes und eines digitalen Zwillings für den Anwendungsfall "Wasserstofftankstelle" auf Basis der H2-Sensorik sowie der Zustandsgrößen Druck und Temperatur
• Qualitätssicherung durch Applikationen zuverlässiger Gassensorik, Manometer und Thermometer sowie KI-Methoden zur Prozesskontrolle und Detektion von Fehlfunktionen
• Nutzung von digitalen Kalibrierscheinen (DCCs) insbesondere für die Messgröße Temperatur zur Realisierung der metrologischen Rückführung in einer digitalen Qualitätsinfrastruktur
Long-term completely embedded sensor systems offer innovative possibilities for structural health monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors. This allows to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by the electromagnetic field from the external reader device. To evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a systematical investigation of the transmission characteristics with variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency, installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is currently carried out in an interdisciplinary research project at BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
Long-term completely embedded sensor systems offer innovative possibilities for structural health Monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors.
This allows to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by the electromagnetic field from the external Reader device. To evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a systematical Investigation of the transmission characteristics with variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency, installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is currently carried out in an interdisciplinary research project at BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
Fiber optic sensors have gained increasing importance in recent years and are well established in many areas of industrial applications. In this paper, we introduce a concept of a self-diagnostic fiber optic sensor. The presented sensor is to resolve the problems of embedded fiber optic sensors in complex structures and to enable the validation under operational conditions. For this purpose, different magnetostrictive coated fiber optic sensors were developed and various experiments were performed to verify their mode of Operation and to determine the respective reproducibility. The measuring principle is illustrated by obtained experimental results, which showed a change in wavelength from 1 pm at a magnetic field strength change of 0.25 mT.
In addition, the temperature characteristics of the implemented magnetostrictive sensor were analyzed and an experimental factor of 1.5 compared to a reference fiber optic sensor was determined.
A monitoring method is introduced that creates twodimensional (2D) maps of the soil gas distribution. The method combines linear gas sensing technology for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil with the mapping capabilities of Computed Tomography (CT) to reconstruct spatial and temporal resolved gas distribution maps. A weighted iterative algebraic reconstruction method based on Maximum Likelihood with Expectation Maximization (MLEM) in combination with a source-by-source reconstruction approach is introduced that works with a sparse setup of orthogonally-aligned linear gas sensors. The reconstruction method successfully reduces artifact production, especially when multiple gas sources are present, allowing the discrimination between true and non-existing so-called ghost source locations. Experimental validation by controlled field experiments indicates the high potential of the proposed method for rapid gas leak localization and quantification with respect to Pipeline or underground gas storage issues.
To quantify the moisture in concrete, RFID based humidity sensors are embedded. Passive high frequency, ultra-high frequency RFID tags as well as active Bluetooth sensors are tested. After concreting, all sensors measure the corresponding relative humidity to monitor the concrete moisture. Two case studies are performed, embedding in an existing construction, i.e. the duraBASt test bridge, and embedding in cement based mortar in the laboratory. As basis for robust and long-life sensors in alkaline concrete, different casing materials are tested. Furthermore, signal strength measurements and their sensitivity to different moisture levels are performed.
One of the more difficult tasks for structural health monitoring is the continuous evaluation of the stability and load capacity of the building materials. This knowledge can be won, e.g., by taking material samples at the examining place with the drawback of partly destroying the structure. To avoid this, modern sensor and communication technologies offer promising methods for non-destructive testing. To address the tasks for monitoring of concrete structures, in the presented study, different sensors were combined with RFID transponders and embedded in concrete components.
Comprehensive monitoring of pipelines over their full length is technically difficult and expensive. Considering a cost-benefit ratio it is reasonable to implement monitoring solutions in pipeline segments, which bear a high risk potential, like residential areas, construction sites, slopes, street or river crossings. Still such segments can measure up to several hundred meters in length, demanding for monitoring solutions that extend along such distances and enable fast response. Point wise sensing and periodical surveillance have clear drawbacks, particularly regarding early damage detection. Fibre optic sensors enable distributed sensing of temperature and strain, but they offer very limited possibilities for measuring gas concentrations. Linear membrane-based gas sensors enable the monitoring of gas concentrations alongside a pipeline. Such line-sensors are implemented in form of flexible tubes and can be arranged inside or outside the pipeline (also underwater or within the subsurface), corresponding to the technical requirements. The measuring method combines the gas specific diffusion rates through a membrane with Dalton’s law of partial pressures and enables the calculation of gas concentrations or the detection of a change of the gas composition. The objective is to detect gas leakages fast and with high reliability. Furthermore, the calibrated system enables to estimate the spatial extent of a leakage. So far the gas concentration measurement is tested for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane; further gases should follow, e.g. hydrogen, carbon monoxide or mixtures like natural gas. The paper introduces in the different operating modes of line-sensors. A near real-time approach will be demonstrated to quantify the impact of a gas leak on the near environment. This approach is based on a critical length describing the expansion of the leaking gas.
Linear sensor for areal subsurface gas monitoring - calibration routine and validation experiments
(2014)
Membrane based linear gas sensors and fiber optical sensors feature similar geometries and complement each other in quantities to be measured. To the author's best knowledge, it is the first time that these sensors are combined to a multifunctional sensor for distributed measuring of gas concentrations, temperature, and strain. Objective is a comprehensive monitoring of underground gas storage areas. In the presented project a 400 m² test site and a corresponding laboratory system were just built up to characterize, validate, and optimize the combined sensor. Application of the sensor lines in a grid structure should enable spatial resolution of the measurement data and early detection of relevant events, as gas leakage, temperature change, or mechanical impact. A Calibration routine was developed which can be applied subsequent to underground installation. First measurement results indicate the potential of the method, with regard to highly topical energy transport and storage issues.
The combination of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags with different types of sensors offers excellent potential for applications with regard to identification, diagnosis, and monitoring. This should be demonstrated by means of two examples of actual developments carried out by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). The Identification and diagnosis of concrete components is a major task in the maintenance of critical infrastructure, for instance concrete bridges with heavy traffic volume. A feasibility study investigates the application of RFID sensor systems for this task. The second example reviews the transportation of dangerous goods. Using modern technologies enables promising possibilities to reduce accidents and to avoid non-conformity with transportation regulations. Project results demonstrate an innovative technical solution for monitoring of dangerous goods transports with RFID sensor systems.
Multichannel measuring systems are used to measure strains and accelerations during drop tests of containments for dangerous goods. Conventional systems require cabling of each sensor and co-falling of the cable harness, causing problems in the test preparation and execution. Promising results of a single cable measuring system, consisting of measuring modules with data bus connection and local data acquisition were obtained in laboratory investigations and full-scale drop tests.
In this paper, we show that a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with commercially available gas sensors can address environmental monitoring and gas source localization (GSL) tasks. To account for the challenges of gas sensing under real-world conditions, we present a probabilistic approach to GSL that is based on a particle filter (PF). Simulation and real-world experiments demonstrate the suitability of this algorithm for micro UAV platforms.
Insect behavior is a common source of inspiration for roboticists and computer scientists when designing gas-sensitive mobile robots. More specifically, tracking airborne odor plumes, and localization of distant gas sources are abilities that suit practical applications such as leak localization and emission monitoring. Gas sensing with mobile robots has been mostly addressed with ground-based platforms and under simplified conditions and thus, there exist a significant gap between the outstanding insect abilities and state-of-the-art robotics systems. As a step toward practical applications, we evaluated the performance of three biologically inspired plume tracking algorithms. The evaluation is carried out not only with computer simulations, but also with real-world experiments in which, a quadrocopter-based micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle autonomously follows a methane trail toward the emitting source. Compared to ground robots, micro UAVs bring several advantages such as their superior steering capabilities and fewer mobility restrictions in complex terrains. The experimental evaluation shows that, under certain environmental conditions, insect like behavior in gas-sensitive UAVs is feasible in real-world environments.
One of the main unsolved issues of under-ground storages for, e.g., CO2, H2, and natural gas is the comprehensive surveillance of these areas with reasonable effort and costs. Conventional sensors (e.g., soil air probes or borehole probes), however, can only be used for punctual or locally limited measurements; further their application can cause structural influences (invasive application).
In this paper, we describe in detail the setup of a CO2 injection soil test field. This test field will be used to enhance and validate an innovative ap-proach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first time that, for this purpose, a test field is built in an application relevant scale.
The measurement characteristics of every conventional accelerometer are temperature dependent - often to an extent which is highly relevant for the addressed application. For instance, at BAM Container drop tests are performed to investigate and evaluate the structural integrity of Containers for transport and storage of dangerous goods. Often, the test program includes drop tests at specific temperatures, also as part of approval procedures. The applied sensors are exposed to these test conditions and get influenced by them. Acceleration sensors show a considerable temperature influence on their fünction and characteristics. Particularly the damping mechanism of the seismic mass is a critical part. In regard to such applications, capable equipment and methods are required to consider and investigate this aspect in an adequate way. A fortiori as Manufacturer’s infonnation often is deficient. This study presents the setup and results of a method for testing and calibration of acceleration sensors under high dynamic irnpact. It combines a Hopkinson Bar with a temperature chamber.
BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, in cooperation with the AirRobot GmbH & Co. KG company, has developed a flying remote-controlled measuring system. The system is capable of operating in a variety of scenarios of gas emissions, e.g. exhaust gas from chimneys, flue gas in a fire, gas emissions in the case of an accident of chemical or hazardous goods or in the case of a terrorist act involving toxic gases. Thus it can measure the gas concentration in the immediate vicinity of the object which causes the emission. A further stage of extension is to enhance the system for plume tracking and identification of sources of hazardous gases.
A 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system was built up, which enables an experimental validation of linear gas sensors for specific applications and gases in an application-relevant scale. Several injection and soil watering experiments with carbon dioxide (CO2) at different days with varying boundary conditions were performed indicating the potential of the method for, e.g., rapid leakage detection with respect to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) issues.