Fully Automated Bearing Residual Life Prognosis Wireless Sensor

This research project investigates natural and non-natural energy sources available in the environment that can be scavenged to provide electrical power. The sources considered are: thermal, barometric pressure, acoustic, humidity, water, wind, solar andelectromotive (low frequency and radio frequency waves). Most existing techniques for scavenging power are built around ideal environments. For example, solar cells may be employed when adequate light available to meet operational requirements of thesystem being powered. The weapon systems will most likely not have ideal environments for power scavenging yet the energy source must be more reliable than solar as sufficient power must be scavenged on a more or less routine bases for sustained operationof the missile monitoring system. As stated in the proposal solicitation, in `bunker storage', the environment has fairly cool temperatures, no light and no mobility. Preliminary tests will be conducted to evaluate the potential for scavenging powerbased on ambient temperature and humidity. There are numerous applications for this technology when successfully developed. These applications include a wide range of electronic devices from remote control devices for TVs, garage openers and automobilelocks to personal electronics such wrist watches and electronic pagers. Such a technology is needed for package identification and condition monitors in the transportation and shipping industry. The banking industry is rapidly moving toward the use ofsmart cards which will have embedded computers inside where maintaining internal batteries in a charged state is one of the most challenging problems facing the industry. Security access cards implantable medical devices are also ideal application for theproposed technology