Wireless Soil Gas Sensing Network for 2D Hydrogen Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to provide easy measurement of fluid concentration in soil, particularly dihydrogen, and do not allow for the creation of two-dimensional maps, requiring manual data reading and lacking long-term monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, automated measuring device with a sensor, clock, and communication module that synchronizes measurements and transmissions using low-power wireless links, enabling synchronized data collection and transmission to a concentrator for generating two-dimensional maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual spot measurements are performed with the GA5000 device, then dihydrogen concentration can be detected at specific points, but it requires operator presence and cannot provide long-term monitoring or two-dimensional maps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedihydrogen concentration detectionVSAvoidoperator presence required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is equipped with autonomous capabilities including onboard storage and wireless communication modules that enable it to automatically transmit measured characteristics without operator intervention. The device can store measurements in internal or external memory and wirelessly transmit data to external devices, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for continuous operator presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic systems. The wireless communication module substitutes for manual data collection and transmission, while the autonomous measurement system replaces the need for operator-driven mechanical sampling and reading processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If manual spot measurements are performed at multiple locations, then two-dimensional maps of dihydrogen concentration can be constructed, but it requires operators to be present at each measurement point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial distribution dataVSAvoidmultiple operator deployments

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring task into multiple independent measurement units distributed across the region. Each device operates autonomously at its location, and the collective data from segmented locations forms the complete two-dimensional map, eliminating the need for coordinated operator deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple identical measurement devices are deployed across the region, each performing the same measurement function. These copies of the measurement system collect data simultaneously at different locations, enabling comprehensive spatial mapping without requiring operators at each site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Duration of action of moving object

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then long-term changes in dihydrogen concentration can be detected, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring periodVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs measurements and transmissions at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The clock triggers measurements during predetermined measurement ranges and transmissions during predetermined emission ranges, allowing the system to monitor long-term changes while consuming energy only periodically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous monitoring capability through periodic operations. By continuously resetting and repeating measurement and transmission cycles, the device achieves long-term monitoring effectiveness while managing energy consumption through the periodic nature of actual measurement and communication activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables automated, long-term monitoring and synchronized data collection, reducing energy consumption and facilitating the creation of two-dimensional maps of fluid concentration in soil.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of a gas, the characteristic being the concentration of the gas in the soil of a region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas concentration detection:

Implementation Method 2

a wireless communication module configured to transmit the measured characteristic of the gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3921634B1Device for measuring the concentration of a gas in the soil of a region, in particular dihydrogen

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 GDF SUEZ SA

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AI summary

The invention concerns a detection device, comprising: - a sensor (101) for detecting a fluid of interest receiving the fluid, the sensor (100) delivering a concentration of the fluid of interest, - a wireless communication module (103) configured to transmit said concentration of the fluid of interest. The device can include a tubular cane (205) equipped with a plurality of orifices (206) passing through the wall of the tubular cane (205). The invention also concerns an assembly with a plurality of devices and a facility with devices arranged within a region.