Application of novel wireless technologies to improve rolling performances (ROLLWITECH) : final report

Wireless self-powered micro sensors were developed and constructed, allowing new measurement locations in the mill (WP1). Most suitable energy harvesting systems were selected according with sensors locations. A wireless portable vibration device was constructed which allow making vibration measurements in an easy way To check sensors viability, a work roll with embedded sensor was designed. After Finite Element Method calculation (FEM) that confirms designed roll is able to afford pilot mill rolling conditions (WP2), rolls were constructed and self-powered sensor was embedded on it. Assembly was tested in a pilot mill and roll inner temperature was merged with other process variables. As a second way of checking sensors viability in harsh industrial environment, an auto monitoring chock was designed (WP3). FEM calculations was used to assure that work roll chock modifications do not affect chock strength, in this case trials will be made under real rolling mill conditions. Work roll chock was constructed, and self-powered sensor was embedded on it. Thermal energy harvesting was selected as most suitable one. A database with all frequencies of rotating parts of the mill was fulfilled (WP4). Wireless portable accelerometer was tested and data compared with wired ones. Output-only modal analysis was performed and relationship between process parameters and vibration occurrence was found Wireless networks are spreading quite fast in steel industry and the not interference among different technologies was analysed (WP5). Also the problem of moving sensors around the mill was taking into account in order to avoid data collisions.