Signal propagation studies for wireless sensor network (WSN) in building energy management

• Main Author: Ong, Ruskin Zhi Sheng
• Other Authors: Law Choi Look
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/67904
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Research into the deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) using various methodologies in buildings to monitor environmental parameters is an established field. The efficiency of a WSN in a building environment has always been challenged by multipath propagation, attenuation, etc. Through the study of the received signal strength (RSS), this project aims to investigate the wave propagation characteristics of 2 transceiver systems: narrowband UHF and UWB Impulse based radio. Various locations were selected both inside and outside of Delta Lab where RSS measurements were conducted. Key results included the non-requirement of a LOS path for narrowband UHF and a high dependence of LOS path for UWB Impulse in a building environment. Additionally, narrowband UHF had larger operational distances across multiple levels while UWB Impulse was limited to indoor environments. This report would review key literature related to signal propagation in a building, showcase the methodologies employed for the investigation of the RSS of both systems, analyse and discuss the results, compare each system’s pros and cons before suggesting potential future areas of research.