An idea from EADS and Vienna University of Technology is
taking off: in a joint project, Energy Harvester Modules suitable for aircrafts
have been tested, which should supply sensor nodes with electrical power in the
future.
Like a nervous system in a human body, sensor networks
attached to the aircraft fuselage will in future record and transmit essential
data concerning the structural health of the aircraft. Traditionally, wired
sensor solutions are used, which are reliable, but introduce weight and
increase the design complexity of an aircraft. To solve this challenging task
EADS Innovation Works and Vienna University of Technology are in a close
cooperation in developing a thermoelectric “Energy Harvesting Module” with just
a few centimetres in outer diameter, which will supply enough energy to wireless
sensor nodes.