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Fine Engineering Services |
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PermaSense |
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IF tHE pATIENT dOESN’T fIT iNTO tHE LAB, tHEN tHE LAB hAS tO gO tO tHE pATIENT! |
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Customer
ETH Zurich, Computer Engineering & Networks Laboratory, Switzerland
Project
The PermaSense device will be operated in high mountain region with permafrost environment.
Warming and thawing permafrost, a thermal subsurface phenomenon, in steep alpine bedrock can affect slope stability, lead to natural hazards and complicate the operation of man-made infrastructure. To develop theoretical models for temperature simulation and for hazard assessment, continuous and reliable data of physical parameters in natural and diverse slope areas are required.
The project PermaSense aims at developing and demonstrating a flexible, distributed wireless sensor network (WSN) adapted to geophysical sensors with reliable and high-quality measurement systems for extreme environmental conditions to collect these data.
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PermaSense
If the patiernt doesn’t fit into the lab...
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Challenges
All parts must run reliably at low temperature and withstand daily temperature changes of 40°C and more, depending on sun irradiation, wind and snow. The devices are not accessible during winter time and only with helicopter support. Therefore 2-3 year maintenance free operation is mandatory.
In addition to the specification and environmental considerations, the challenge was further complicated by the limited power of the available battery, the limited space for electronics and battery as well as the low production volumes and the short time frame.
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PermaSense
... then the lab has to go to the patient.
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Solutions
As battery capacity is drastically reduced at low temperatures, the entire design was developed for lowest current consumption using standard SMD components on a simple 2 layer sensor interface board for TinyNode processor board offering extended capabilities.
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PermaSense
The PermaSense device is in operation in high mountain regions with a permafrost environment.
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All components were specially selected to withstand the extreme temperature changes
Benefits
Extremely low power design and low operational temperatures. |
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PermaSense
...developed for lowest current consumption.
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Comments
Currently two installations:
- Jungfraujoch since 2006/2007
- Matterhorn, Hörnliridge since 2007.
One redesign of the system for new communication module and DSD-Card.
PermaSense, PDF 300KB
For further information visit: www.permasense.ch
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