Wireless Ground Hydrogen Measurement for Long-Term Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to provide automated, long-term measurement of hydrogen concentration in the ground, hinder the creation of two-dimensional maps, and are ineffective in detecting hydrogen without seismic vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, battery-powered measurement device with a sensor and communication module, synchronized by a real-time clock, that transmits hydrogen concentration data through a low-power wide-area network, allowing synchronized measurements and transmissions to create two-dimensional maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual measurement devices like GA5000 are used, then hydrogen concentration can be detected, but operator presence is required and long-term monitoring is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated measurementVSAvoidoperator presence required

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is equipped with autonomous capabilities including onboard storage, wireless communication, and automated operation. The device can independently measure hydrogen concentration, store data in memory, transmit results via wireless module, and operate for extended periods without human intervention, effectively making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic and wireless systems. Instead of operators manually reading devices and recording data, the system uses electronic sensors, microcontrollers, wireless communication modules, and automated data transmission to eliminate the need for physical human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If qualitative methods like vegetation observation are used, then large areas can be surveyed, but quantitative information on gas concentration is not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvey areaVSAvoidquantitative concentration data

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large survey area into multiple discrete measurement points distributed across the region. Each point has an autonomous device that provides quantitative data, and collectively these points cover extensive areas while maintaining precise measurements at each location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device is designed to be universally applicable across different locations and conditions. Each device can operate independently at any measurement point, providing both the quantitative precision needed for scientific measurement and the scalability to cover large geographic areas through deployment of multiple units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple devices are deployed for two-dimensional mapping, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The devices employ periodic measurement and transmission cycles rather than continuous operation. The microcontroller activates the sensor and wireless transmitter at scheduled intervals, allowing the device to enter low-power states between measurements and data transmissions, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including measurement frequency, transmission intervals, and sleep modes based on battery status and environmental conditions. This allows the device to optimize power consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage across the deployment area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hydrogen concentration monitoring with reduced power consumption, facilitating the creation of precise two-dimensional maps without requiring continuous human presence.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor measuring a characteristic of a fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12449411B2Measurement device, in particular for detecting hydrogen in the ground of a region

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 GDF SUEZ SA

AI summary

A detection device, includes: a sensor for detecting a fluid of interest receiving the fluid. The sensor delivers a concentration of the fluid of interest, and a wireless communication module is configured to transmit said concentration of the fluid of interest. An assembly is provided with several devices and a installation with the devices arranged within a region.