Performance characterization of a wireless sensors network system (WSNS) for measurements of hurricane wind effects on structures

Abstract

This paper presents a new wireless sensors network system (WSNS) designed for high-resolution absolute pressure measurements, wind speed, and direction. The system is tailored to assess the impact of hurricane winds on residential structures, both in laboratory settings and field environments. Importantly WSNS stands out for its unique ability to provide waterproof, surface-mounted external pressure measurements. The system's performance is evaluated during deployment on a full-scale house model at the Wall of Wind facility. The WSNS sensors were installed on different surfaces of a single-story residential building model. The sensor locations mirrored the locations of surface pressure taps connected to a Scanivalve differential pressure measurement system. Due to the size and shape of the WSNS pressure module, a casing effect was observed, which may result in pressure offsets under certain wind speeds and directions, depending on the sensor's location and the conditions, including dry and light rain (50 mm per hour). The comparison between WSNS and Scanivalve indicates that the sensor's casing geometry does not cause significant differences in the time-averaged measurements for low-turbulence regions. Conversely, this is not true for high-turbulence regions, which should be marked for future deployments using smaller surface-mounted pressure taps.