Abstract
The paper presents the design and implementation of an autonomous multi-sensor system powered by multi-source energy harvesting for structural health monitoring applications. This system monitors the strain of steel structures on ships while collecting environmental data to assess the correlation with steel degradation. It operates autonomously, using both photovoltaic and electromagnetic energy harvesters, and includes an advanced energy management algorithm to optimize power consumption and ensure continuous operation. The paper details the system’s architecture, including energy capture, storage, and distribution strategies, and highlights its efficiency and adaptability to variable environmental conditions. It also explores the power consumption of individual components and discusses the results of simulations and bench experiments conducted to validate the system’s energy harvesting capabilities. The findings offer valuable insights into energy autonomy for long-term operation in harsh environments, with implications for future advancements in self-powered monitoring systems.
