A method to integrate energy harvesters into wireless sensor nodes for embedded in-pipe monitoring applications

Batteries are commonly used to power sensors, a fact that carries severe drawbacks such as limited lifetime and regular replacement. Battery powered sensors are particularly impractical in under-water pipelines due to limited access. Therefore, harvesting of ambient energy to power embedded sensors is an attractive option for such systems. A method is proposed, in this paper, to power in-pipe wireless sensor nodes based on energy harvesting techniques, with minimal impact to the pipe performance. Based on the initial analysis presented in the paper, models will be developed next to facilitate the design of an energy harvester system for Turkey-Cyprus water pipeline project currently under construction.