Performance Evaluation of a Wireless Sensor Network System and Deployment During Recent Hurricanes
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This study presents the performance analysis and field deployment results of the Florida Institute of Technology’s fourth-generation Wireless Sensor Network System (WSNS) for measurements of absolute pressure measurements on low-rise buildings subjected to hurricane-level winds. The system was evaluated through a full scale wind tunnel experiments at the Wall of Wind (WoW) facility, where WSNS units with aerodynamic casings were deployed and compared to differential pressure taps connected to a Scanivalve (SCV) system. Results indicate that WSNS performs comparably to SCV in low-turbulence zones, while biases occur due to effects on the shape of the sensors, especially near corners at selected angles. Field deployments during Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Milton extended the system to real storm conditions. Continuous 10 Hz pressure records captured critical loading on roof corners, ridge corners, and soffits, while the measurements with less casing effects remained within ASCE 7-22 provisions. Hardware reliability was maintained throughout storm durations, with improved ultrasonic anemometer in Milton enhancing wind speed characterization. Together, the tunnel and field results demonstrate that WSNS provides robust, high-resolution pressure data in both controlled and extreme environments, supporting its use in hurricane resilience studies.