Cargo Condition Monitoring Based on an Autonomous Self-Powered Wireless Sensor Network

摘要

The ongoing Shift2Rail project INNOWAG (INNOvative monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions on lightweight WAGon) addresses challenges in the competitiveness of rail freight transport with regards to transport capacity, logistic capability, RAMS and LCC. For these purposes, an innovative wagon concept is proposed, integrating monitoring, predictive maintenance and lightweight design solutions. This article mainly presents the concept of a cargo condition monitoring system, based on an autonomous self-powered wireless sensor network. This customer-oriented monitoring system is expected to improve the logistic capability and thus the overall attractiveness of rail freight service. In addition, the sensor network is designed to enable additional add-on sensor nodes to monitor wagon conditions for the purpose of predictive maintenance and thus increase of reliability.