Projects:2019s1-206 Smart Busbar Temperature Sensor

Abstract here

Introduction

This project involves the monitoring of Busbar temperatures. These are the main power supply rails, which consist of large pieces of copper.
The temperature of these, and how it changes over time, can be an indication of errors that are arising in the system.
The solution to this problem should involve a wireless way to measure the busbar's temperatures, be it by power harvesting, some form of passive sensor, or a sensor that can read the temperature from a distance away.
Furthermore, the final product would keep temperature readings of the busbars over a long time, and be able to give warnings if temperatures begin to trend up.
Temperature readings, both current and history, should be visible on connected screens and from an external monitoring software.
The ambient temperatures should also be measured, from both internally and externally of the cabinet.
Upon design, the product would be refined such that it could be sold as a commercial product and service.
The current plan:
To build a Raspberry Pi based system, utilizing IR sensors for the busbar, with regular ambient temperature sensors also connected.
The Raspberry Pi will be able to interface with local screens, and additionally connect to an external server, which can generate alerts, and allow for remote monitoring of temperatures.
This project is industry sponsored by Sage Automation, a division of SAGE Group

Dr Said Al-Sarawi (EEE) Prof Ross Bensley (Mech)

Set of objectives

[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...