Energy Restricted Wireless Sensor Network Combined with Radio Frequency Identification in the Use Case of Airfreight

This work has the goal of enhancing a wireless sensor network with an RFID-ultra-high-frequency-reader system, both of which are currently available on the market. This is done regarding specifically the degree of feasibility of the solution for the air cargo sector as the area of application. The paper discusses the basic and special features of sensing devices, Internet of Things applications and possible methods of realizing an energy self-sufficient operating mode in such environment. The main focus is the choice of a multi-functional sensor network including a system platform, the decision for and application of a UHF-RFID-reading system onto a sensor node within the sensor network, as well as the evaluation of the overall system´s autonomy with regards to the usage of a miniaturized, regenerative energy source in the form of a solar collector.