Design and verification of a novel self-powered sensing system for intelligent bearings

Abstract This paper presents the development of a novel self-powered sensing system for roller bearing NU208. The system was designed based on an analysis of the bearing’s structural parameters and service condition monitoring signals. Through the selection of appropriate hardware and the design of a suitable circuitry, the power supply circuit, the main controller circuit, the parameter monitoring circuit, and the wireless data transmission circuit have been constructed. Additionally, the wireless data receiving module program and the upper computer software interface program have been developed. The upper computer software interface enables the real-time display of bearing vibration, cage speed, inner ring speed, and temperature signals. The self-powered sensing system is integrated and encapsulated within the roller bearing NU208, and its performance is verified on a small bearing test bench. The test results are precise and the data accuracy and output frequency meet the anticipated requirements. The self-powered sensing system developed in this paper fulfills the criteria for intelligent bearings that do not require an external power source or monitoring signals via cable transmission. It has significant scientific value and engineering significance for the study of intelligent bearings’ autonomous decision-making and self-regulation.