ZigBee-based parameter monitoring and controlling scheme for multiple DC motors

Objective/aim: This study suggests a safe and economical wireless control and monitoring system for multiple DC motors based on ZigBee wireless communication.

Methods: A set of sensors is used to control and monitor the information regarding the multiple DC motors parameters such as voltage, speed, temperature, and over-current and then transmit this information through the wireless ZigBee Protocol. A microcontroller is used for information collection and storage. According to monitored information, the DC motor will be stopped or started by the control signal via the computer interface produced with ZigBee when a certain condition is accomplished.

Findings: The developed system can perform various operations like the automatic on/off of multiple DC motors, forward & reverse, speed control, checking overload condition, current measuring, and voltage measuring. The parameters: voltage, current, temperature, revolution per minute (RPM) can be detected in real-time by sensors and transferred to the host computer, displayed and store in an excel file. A ZigBee device is used to receive and transmit data efficiently from microcontroller to the PC and vice versa. In the past, similar systems were used for a single DC motor which was expensive such as PLC and Wi-Fi. In this work, a cost-effective ZigBee-based system is used for multiple DC motors.

Applications/improvements: The proposed system can be further improved and modified for the real-time measuring system for AC machines. Moreover, the proposed wireless monitoring system can be enhanced with artificial intelligence.