PermaSense Networked Sensing Technology
The PermaSense networked sensing architecture is based on ultra low-power networked sensor nodes. All components are ruggedized for durability in the high-alpine environment and target a minimum reliability and system lifetime of 3 years. The system architecture is modular and consists of the four tiers Sensors, Wireless Sensor Network, Base Station and Data Backend.
Requirements
- ~25 nodes
- Different sensors
- −40 to +65° C
- Sustainable inrockfall, snow, rime, ice and avalanches
- 1-30 min. sensor duty-cycle
- 3 years unattended lifetime
Sensors
A multitude of sensors, both with analog or digital interface are supported.
- Sensor rod with 4x thermistors and 4x resistivity measurements
- Earth pressure cell
- Crack meter
- Water pressure sensor
Sensor Nodes
The sensor nodes are based on the Shockfish TinyNode 584 and are running the Dozer low-power protocol implemented on TinyOS. In the current implementation the average power consumption is measured to be 148 uA.
Sensor Node Protective Packaging
Outdoor Mounting
Base Station
The PermaSense Base Station is based on Gumstix Verdex minicomputers and are running Linux. Different communications options exist: WLAN, GSM/GPRS, Satellite. The base station architecture is split into the actual computer and wireless system and a support system containing battery, photovoltaic charger and backup communications.