LPWAN Star Network for Landfill Gas Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in landfill gas extraction systems face challenges with high energy consumption, complex software requirements, and the need for each communication node device to function as a repeater, leading to increased costs and potential system shutdowns due to power depletion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a low-power wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol, such as LoRaWAN, in a star network configuration, where communication node devices communicate directly with a gateway device, which then connects to a server, eliminating the need for nodes to act as repeaters and reducing energy consumption and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If each communication node device functions as a repeater in existing systems, then communication coverage is extended, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between communication node devices and the server. The gateway handles complex communication protocols and data routing, while node devices can operate with simpler, lower-power transmitters. This mediator approach allows extended coverage without requiring each node to consume high power for repeater functions.
2Area of stationary object
If each communication node device functions as a repeater, then communication coverage is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary that handles complex communication protocols, data routing, and network management. Node devices can use simpler software since the gateway manages the complexity of mesh networking and server communication, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the complex functions of protocol handling, data routing, and network management into the gateway device. This consolidation allows node devices to have simpler software, reducing individual device complexity while maintaining extended coverage through the gateway's centralized management.
3Ease of operation
If existing communication systems are used, then monitoring and control functions are implemented, but operational costs increase due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission where node devices transmit landfill gas characteristic data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action significantly reduces power consumption and operational costs while maintaining the ability to monitor and control extraction processes effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the communication network automatically manages data collection, transmission, and server communication with minimal human intervention. The low-power design allows devices to operate autonomously for extended periods, reducing operational costs while maintaining monitoring and control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, there is provided systems and methods for monitoring extraction of landfill gas from a landfill having a plurality of wells by using a communication system configured to transmit information using a low-power wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol, the communication system comprising one or more gateway devices including a first gateway device and a plurality of communication node devices including a first communication node device. Further, there is provided methods for configuring a communication system comprising one or more gateway devices including a first gateway device and multiple communication node devices including a first communication node device.