Towards Industry 5.0 Metrology: Traceable self-calibrating networks of non-removable smart sensors in hydraulic flow conduits
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the concept of metrological traceability in smart sensor networks used in hydraulic systems, which are fundamental for managing water, energy, and environmental resources. It particularly targets smart sensor networks permanently installed in flow conduits, analysing challenges related to sensor placement, in situ calibration, and long-term maintenance in complex, dynamic, and hard-to-access environments. Emphasising the need for application-specific strategies, the paper proposes harnessing recent advances in digital technologies, metrological frameworks, and autonomous systems. It outlines a hybrid strategy that integrates both fixed and mobile measurement standards with semi-blind in situ calibration methods and real-time monitoring capabilities implemented at the intelligent edge. These advancements aim to enhance measurement accuracy, system reliability, and traceability by allowing autonomous real-time recalibration, anomaly detection, and automated traceability management. This reduces reliance on human intervention while supporting the efficient and resilient operation of smart sensor networks in hydraulic systems. A central element of the proposed framework is the integration of Digital Metrological Twins, which would serve as virtual representations of measurement processes and support SI-traceable uncertainty propagation. The approach advocates deploying reduced-order models at the edge, synchronised with high-fidelity reference models in the cloud, to facilitate efficient, self-validating metrological workflows. By integrating perspectives from multiple disciplines, this work seeks to promote discussion and drive progress in achieving reliable measurement traceability for permanently embedded smart sensor networks in hydraulic systems.
Source: Measurement
Authors: J. dos Reis, A.S. Ribeiro, P.M. Ferreira, C. Simões, G.E. Coelho
Institution: National Laboratory for Civil Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,760
OpenAlex ID: W4415112083