Power supply for a wireless sensor network: Airliner flight test case study

In this paper we present hands-on experience related to on-going implementation in aircraft of power supply for a wireless sensor network deployed for aerodynamic flight tests. This autonomous battery-free power supply is capturing, managing and storing primary energy from the environment, using solar light and photovoltaic cells. For practical purposes, it is also equipped with an auxiliary power input. The specifications are detailed, the general architecture is presented and justified, and test results are discussed.