Robust energy harvesting modules for aircraft specific wireless sensor nodes

Abstract

Fully autonomous sensor systems require a decentralized energy storage medium or decentralized electrical energy generation. Modern energy storage media have a limited life time (e.g. batteries) or high self-leakage currents (e.g. supercapacitors). These shortcomings create the need for alternative methods of generating electrical energy from ambient energy sources, known as energy harvesting, to be explored. Thermoelectric energy harvesting is such an energy production method, and is among the most promising for the aeronautical environment. This technology can provide flexible system installation without requiring extensive re-cabling effort; it can be a maintenance free solution and can allow for the rapid provision of new functionalities. Thermoelectric energy harvesters for moderate (-55°C to +85°C) as well as for harsh environments (<600°C) using a thermal mass in the form of phase change materials are presented in this thesis. Along with experimental results performed in a climate chamber mimicking the real temperature environments of an aircraft, these harvesters are supported by analytical and FEM models. Additionally, such harvesters along with a power management module and an ultra-low power wireless sensor node may create a fully autonomous sensor system, which might be a key enabler for aircraft applications.