Wireless Mesh Network for Underground Hazardous Area Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems for underground and hazardous areas, such as coal mines, are unreliable and lack the ability to provide redundant paths, location information, and integration with wired communications, posing challenges during emergencies and normal operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring, scalable RF wireless data and voice communication system using a multi-waveform wireless mesh network with fixed and mobile nodes, gateway nodes, and sensor nodes, optimized for signal strength and traffic profiles, to ensure reliable and flexible communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Leaky Feeder systems are used for underground communications, then voice and data communications can be provided to personnel, but the system is unreliable during disasters due to cable damage and automatic shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication network into multiple independent wireless nodes distributed throughout the mine. Each node operates autonomously, so if one node fails due to damage or hazard, others continue functioning. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized Leaky Feeder systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless mesh network dynamically adapts its topology and routing paths based on real-time conditions. When hazards are detected or nodes fail, the network automatically reconfigures to maintain communication, unlike static Leaky Feeder systems that shut down automatically.
2Area of stationary object
If wireline RF repeater systems are used, then communication coverage can be extended, but the wired infrastructure is damaged during disasters preventing communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired infrastructure (coaxial cables, physical repeaters) with a wireless mesh network of distributed nodes. This eliminates vulnerability to physical cable damage while maintaining extended coverage through multiple wireless hops between nodes.
3Reliability
If wireless repeater systems are used, then link reliability may improve, but all communications are controlled by aboveground base stations losing underground communications if connection is missing
Solution Approach 1:
Each wireless mesh node is self-configuring and autonomously routes communications. Nodes below ground can communicate directly with each other and with surface without requiring centralized control from aboveground base stations, enabling independent underground communication networks.
4Ease of operation
If current communication systems are used, then normal operations can be supported, but the systems lack redundant paths and location information capabilities during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh nodes perform multiple functions: voice communication, data transmission, personnel location tracking, environmental sensing, and emergency alerting. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support both normal operations and emergency response without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects and transmits feedback information including personnel locations, environmental conditions, and network status. This real-time feedback enables dynamic decision-making during emergencies and provides situational awareness that current systems lack.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for reliable wireless voice, data and location communication for deployment in underground, industrial and other hazardous environments using a wireless mesh network. The network includes protocol for dispatch operation, emergency operation, remote supervision, remote status, asset control, machine state of health and operational management. The architecture is based on localized clusters of autonomous nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes. The resulting network is an ad hoc mesh topology comprised of fixed mesh nodes with approximately 50% coverage overlap between nodes. This provides a reliable communication network for mobile nodes carried by personnel and sensor nodes that are fixed or mobile that supports voice, data and tracking/situation awareness. Each cluster of nodes transfers digital voice and data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions.