Development of Ship Engine Temperature Monitoring System using Non-powered Wireless SAW Sensor

Abstract

Statistics shows that main engine damage is a frequent and expensive problem, accounting for 46% (USD 69 million) of all claims. Even the most modern and reliable ship engine parts require maintenance and can be subject to wear and break down. Monitoring system is required to reduce the risk of high cost damage and to increase overall safety level. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors can be operated in a non-power and non-contact condition, which is suitable for remote temperature measurement applications. This paper presents a method for the development of a temperature monitoring system using a wireless SAW sensor, as well as discusses about the RF signal characteristics of the system. The temperature monitoring system consists of a temperature reader module, an SAW temperature sensor, and PC-based monitoring software. The temperature reader module is an RF burst signal system, which uses a switching circuit for the transceiver operation. The PC monitoring software is developed using LabVIEW software, which can display the temperature data at a rate of 1 reading per second. A development methodology for temperature monitoring system that can measure temperatures ranging from 0°C to 110°C with an accuracy of ±2°C has been conducted.