A power aware MAC protocol for wireless closed loop control system in loader cranes

This paper will discuss a wireless control system for a loader crane, where the focus lies on the wireless communication protocol supporting the implementation of the real-time system. To aid the discussion, a system model is included, which together with the control strategy will allow low power consumption for the energy constraint sensor devices. A simple and power aware medium access control protocol is proposed. The protocol together with the specific loader crane requirements make it possible to save valuable sensor resources. Simulations on real world loader crane data show a simplified view of the power requirements for the control model, and the importance of utilizing correct system parameters to achieve low power consumption.