Using a Sensor Network for Energy Optimization of Paper Machine Dryer Sections

This paper presents a case study with regard to using a low cost low power sensor network to save energy in paper machines. By using wireless sensors for measuring temperature and humidity in the dryer section of a paper machine it is possible to optimize energy consumption by adjusting heating and air flow. Because the sensors need to be battery powered with the data sent almost in real time for monitoring purposes, a low power network technology is needed, in this case ZigBee. A prototype installation with a small number of sensors was set up, running over a period of six weeks. First results show an ad hoc optimization and energy savings of some 80.000 ? per year for a single machine.