Leveraging wireless devices for networked control systems in industrial applications

Networked control systems (NCSs) are distributed control system in which sensors, actuators and controllers are physically separated and connected through communication networks. NCS represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost of implementation. A recent trend in this research topic is the development of NCS using wireless networks(WNCS)which enable interoperability between existing wiredand wireless systems. This paper presents the feasibility analysis of using serial to wireless converter as a wireless sensor link in NCS. In order to support this investigation, relevant performance metrics for wireless control applications such as jitter, time delay and messages lost are highlighted and calculated to evaluate the wireless converter capabilities. In addition the control performance of an implemented motor control system using the converter is analyzed. Experimental results led to the conclusion that serial ZigBee device isrecommended against the Bluetooth as it provided better metrics for control applications. However, bothdevices can be used to implement WNCS providing transmission rates and closed control loop times which are acceptable for NCS applications.Moreoverthe use of thewireless device delay in the PID controller discretization can improve the control performance of the system.

Integrating open source codes for solid modeling and automatic mesh generation in FEM applications

The applications of the Finite Element Method (FEM) for three-dimensional domains are already well documented in the framework of Computational Electromagnetics. However, despite the power and reliability of this technique for solving partial differential equations, there are only a few examples of open source codes available and dedicated to the solid modeling and automatic constrained tetrahedralization, which are the most time consuming steps in a typical three-dimensional FEM simulation. Besides, these open source codes are usually developed separately by distinct software teams, and even under conflicting specifications. In this paper, we describe an experiment of open source code integration for solid modeling and automatic mesh generation. The integration strategy and techniques are discussed, and examples and performance results are given, specially for complicated and irregular volumes which are not simply connected. © 2011 IEEE.

Sistema de monitoramento de temperatura e umidade em silos graneleiros via rádio

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sistema de monitoramento da temperatura e umidade em silos graneleiros via radiofrequencia

The use of Information and Communication Technology has grown in most agricultural activities. As a consequence, it has changed the way of thinking and acting of the farmer who wants to establish a more and more competitive market. However, the high costs of acquisition and maintenance of those technologies may be a factor which can inhibit its spread and acceptance, mainly to a large number of small grain Brazilian farmers. In this context, there is a need for innovative solutions that are proper for this universe of farmers. Starting from this premise, this paper presents the development of a low cost prototype to the monitoring process of temperature and humidity values of grains stored in silos, using communication based on wireless technology by radio frequency. Therefore, the economic implications of cost/benefit ratio of innovative application of wireless transmission in the process of thermometry of grains were analysed. The prototype was made of two electronic units, one of acquisition and another one of data reception, as well as computational software, which offered the farmer more precise information for the control of aeration. By means of stability, integrity and reliability tests of data transmission via radio, using low cost electronic components, the development system can be considered as potentially viable. It presented the difference regarding the wireless communication via radio in the process of grains thermometry, providing mobility, reducing cabling costs and maintenance, and also offering an easy system expansion; it was also appropriate to temperature and humidity monitoring in grain silos; and revealed operational viability, besides the low cost development when compared to similar products available in the Brazilian market.

Sistema de comunicação bluetooth voltada para automação residencial

Bluetooth technology found in smartphones and tablets can add an interesting feature focused on home automation. Through the implementation of a wireless network communication between a mobile device and receiver modules located in different points, or even on a single centralized point in residence, you can manage many household items with just a few taps on smartphones. With such applicability, allow the user greater integration with your home, comfort, safety and economy. In this context, this work presents a system design of low cost Bluetooth communication between a smartphone and a receiver module with microcontroller interface development control from the Android platform

Network node with wireless and wired interfaces: Nios II processor and uClinux to development of a NCAP embedded (IEEE 1451.1) with two interfaces, wireless (IEEE 1451.5) and wired (IEEE p1451.2)

This paper presents a NCAP embedded on DE2 kit with Nios II processor and uClinux to development of a network gateway with two interfaces, wireless (ZigBee) and wired (RS232) based on IEEE 1451. Both the communications, wireless and wired, were developed to be point-to-point and working with the same protocols, based on IEEE 1451.0-2007. The tests were made using a microcomputer, which through of browser was possible access the web page stored in the DE2 kit and send commands of control and monitoring to both TIMs (WTIM and STIM). The system describes a different form of development of the NCAP node to be applied in different environments with wired or wireless in the same node. © 2011 IEEE.

Using serial bluetooth converters as a sensor link in networked control systems

Networked control systems (NCS) are distributed control system in which sensors, actuators and controllers are physically separated and connected through communication networks. NCS represent the evolution of networked control architectures providing greater modularity and control decentralization, ease maintenance and diagnosis and lower cost of implementation. A recent trend in this research topic is the development of NCS using wireless networks which enable interoperability between existing wired and wireless systems. This paper presents the feasibility analysis of using a serial RS-232 to Bluetooth converter as a wireless sensor link in NCS. In order to support this investigation, relevant performance metrics for wireless control applications such as jitter, time delay and messages lost are highlighted and calculated to evaluate the converter capabilities. In addition the control performance of an implemented motor control system using the converter is analyzed. Experimental results led to the conclusion that serial RS-232 Bluetooth converters can be used to implement wireless networked control systems (WNCS) providing transmission rates and closed control loop times which are acceptable for NCS applications. © 2011 IEEE.

Self-optimization of dense wireless sensor networks based on simulated annealing

Wireless sensor network (WSN) Is a technology that can be used to monitor and actuate on environments in a non-intrusive way. The main difference from WSN and traditional sensor networks is the low dependability of WSN nodes. In this way, WSN solutions are based on a huge number of cheap tiny nodes that can present faults in hardware, software and wireless communication. The deployment of hundreds of nodes can overcome the low dependability of individual nodes, however this strategy introduces a lot of challenges regarding network management, real-time requirements and self-optimization. In this paper we present a simulated annealing approach that self-optimize large scale WSN. Simulation results indicate that our approach can achieve self-optimization characteristics in a dynamic WSN. © 2012 IEEE.

The benefits of soft sensor and multi-rate control for the implementation of wireless networked control systems

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Análise de desempenho de redes de comunicação wireless em aplicações de Smart Grid

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEIS

Controle e aquisição de dados experimentais com tecnologia bluetooth em dispositivos móveis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Módulo para identificação de objetos e transmissão de dados sem fio

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica - FEIS