Self-Sustaining Meteorological Wireless Sensor Networks

Greater distributed production of energy from renewable resources such as solar radiation has increased fluctuations of power on the electrical grid. Current infrastructure has limited ability to handle continued increases in fluctuations. Predicting weather patterns in areas containing a high penetration of solar photovoltaic installations can allow time to switch to energy storage and inform consumers to conserve energy thereby mitigating such fluctuations. Accurate prediction requires data at a high spatial and temporal resolution in hard-to-access areas such as on the rooftops of commercial and government buildings. A low-cost, autonomous, and easily maintained meteorological sensor network can meet these requirements. Through rapid prototyping techniques, specifically in-house 3D printing and open-source technologies, sensor modules are reported that achieve a high degree of durability under direct sunlight and high thermal loads while accurately measuring parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and solar irradiance. The modules are inexpensive, portable, and self-powered. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.