Design of a dual-function antenna for microwave gas detection and communication in industrial wireless sensor network applications

In this research project, a novel concept of integration of microwave gas sensing into industrial wireless sensor network is introduced. It is proposed that the antenna of the wireless sensor node can be made dual-function, where the antenna does not utilize the microwave signal only to transmit and receive data, but also to detect the presence of gas. Therefore, the primary objective of the research project is to design a dual-function antenna that meets both the relevant requirements of an industrial sensor network and a gas sensor. Relevant industrial specifications have been studied and additional specifications to yield feasible implementation has been deduced. A novel design of the antenna, a stacked disk hybrid monopole-dielectric resonator antenna, is proposed to meet the specifications.