Reliability experiments for wireless sensor networks in train environment

In the Swedish railway system there are more than hundred stationary detectors placed all over the country, detecting e.g. overheated wheel bearings. Instead of monitoring the bearings at fixed locations, wireless sensor networks can be used to continuously monitor the bearings. Upcoming problems are thereby more easily detected. There are several problems that have to be solved when applying a wireless sensor network in a new environment. Two issues are studied in this work. One is the wave propagation characteristics around a train. The other is the possibility of using energy scavenging for power supply. Field trials with a prototype sensor network are also presented.