Wireless Sensor Network Application for Environmental Impact Analysis and Control

Abstract

Traditional Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) applications take advantage of the new low cost low power consuming integrated sensors that appear with the evolution of Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS). This kind of sensors is suitable for WSNs, due to the reduced size, their interfaces and their low power consumption. However, during the last years, WSNs have found new niches of application where such sensors are not usable, due to the nature of the parameter to be measured. In these scenarios, new approaches must be taken in order to satisfy the requirements. But new problems appear, like cost and size increase. In this paper, an application where parameters like gas concentration, conductivity or pH have to be measured in a coffee factory is presented. The drawbacks of such a solution are highlighted, and the solution in the field of the wireless sensor networks adopted is detailed.