A sensor network for real-time windsail aerodynamic control

This paper presents the system level design of a sensor network targeted to acquire pressure data from aerodynamic surfaces using a wireless communication system. Each node is power-supply autonomous system able to collect data so as to introduce lower perturbation on testing structures compared to wired and standard mechanical acquisition systems. Each sensor node is composed of a polymeric membrane based pressure sensor for weak pressure field (+/-250Pascal), an electronic readout managed by a microcontroller, a commercial transceiver, a printed circuit board integrated antenna and a battery. The device targets a wide class of fluidynamic applications, being non-invasive, conformable and smart for placement. As a proof of concept, the whole system has been tested to monitor of pressure on the top of a mainsail for sailboats.