wilamowski-b-m-irwin-j-d-industrial-communication-systems-2011

Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks 6-3
time, and time-critical information such as the arrival of raw materials can be communicated to the
remote control center. For example, General Motors has implemented a real-time tracking system [14],
in which the tracking process starts from the component suppliers to the assembled cars in the factory,
and to the car buyers. This system improves the visibility of materials, its location, and asset utilization,
leading to improved supply-chain efficiency.
6.1.5 Utility Automation
Due to several reasons such as equipment failure, lightning strikes, accidents, and natural catastrophes,
power disturbances and outages in electric systems occur and often result in long service interruptions
[13]. Thus, electric systems need to be properly controlled and monitored to take the necessary
precautions accurately and timely. In this respect, IWSNs provide cost-effective, real-time, and reliable
monitoring system for the electric utilities. Efficient monitoring systems constructed by smart sensor
nodes reduce the time for detection of faults and resumption of electric supply service in distribution
and transmission networks.
6.1.6 automatic Meter Reading
IWSNs can be used in remote reading of utility meters, such as water, gas, or electricity, and then transmit
the readings through wireless connections [13]. Wireless collection of electric utility meter data is a very
cost-efficient way of gathering energy consumption data to the billing system, and it adds value in terms
of new services such as remote deactivation of a customer’s service, real-time price signals, and control of
customers’ applications and demand response applications. The present demand for more data in order
to make cost-effective decisions and to provide improved customer service has played a major role in the
move toward wireless automatic meter reading (WAMR) systems.
6.2 Standardization Activities
Several standards for IWSNs are currently either ratified or under development. In this section, major
standardization efforts related to IWSNs, such as ZigBee, Wireless Hart, IETF 6lowPAN, Bluetooth,
Bluetooth low energy, and ultra-wideband (UWB), are briefly described.
6.2.1 ZigBee
ZigBee is a mesh-networking standard based on IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology targeted at industrial
control and monitoring, building and home automation, embedded sensing, and energy system automation.
Zigbee is promoted by a large consortium of industry players. The advantages of ZigBee are
extremely low energy consumption and support for several different topologies, which makes it a good
candidate for several sensor network applications [1]. However, in [7], it is reported that ZigBee cannot
meet all the requirements for at least some industrial applications. For example, it cannot serve the high
number of nodes within the specified cycle time. Note that in 2007, the ZigBee Alliance has approved
the ZigBee PRO profile stack, which adds advanced features and greater flexibility to the original specification,
particularly related to ease-of-use and support for larger networks [54].
6.2.2 Wireless Hart
Wireless HART is an extension of the HART Protocol and is specifically designed for process monitoring
and control. Wireless HART was added to the overall HART protocol suite as part of the HART 7
specification, which was approved by the HART Communication Foundation in June 2007 [20].
© 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC