Optimization of Sensor Locations and Sensitivity Analysis for Engine Health Monitoring Using Minimum Interference Algorithms

The global optimization of sensor locations and a sensitivity analysis based on the minimization of interferences due to wireless communications between sensors is studied. We used a Gram matrix approach for robust determination of sensor locations by minimizing the interferences (maximizing the signal strength) among sensors. Based on the spectral condition on the Frobenius norm the optimal sensor location and the effect of the noise are investigated. We address the problem of optimization and sensitivity analysis in the context of system of systems where each sensor is an independent system having communications capabilities. We particularize our proposed methodology for one engine health monitoring system. The mathematical formalism is verified by simulations.