Energy self-sufficient systems for monitoring sewer networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel energy harvesting system for underground sewer monitoring that utilizes ambient sources like temperature differences and residual light to power sensors and data transmission, enabling continuous, energy self-sufficient monitoring.

Contribution

It introduces a new energy harvesting approach combining TEG and solar cells for sewer monitoring, with a prototype and real-world validation demonstrating feasibility and reliability.

Findings

Prototype successfully powered ultrasonic sensors using ambient energy

Field trials showed satisfactory power output and system performance

Extrapolation indicates reliable operation throughout the year

Abstract

Underground infrastructure networks form the backbone of vital supply and disposal systems. However, they are under-monitored in comparison to their value. This is due, in large part, to the lack of energy supply for monitoring and data transmission. In this paper, we investigate a novel, energy harvesting system used to power underground sewer infrastructure monitoring networks. The system collects the required energy from ambient sources, such as temperature differences or residual light in sewer networks. A prototype was developed that could use either a thermoelectric generator (TEG) or a solar cell to capture the energy needed to acquire and transmit ultrasonic water level data via LoRaWAN. Real-world field trials were satisfactory and showed the potential power output, as well as, possibilities to improve the system. Using an extrapolation model, we proved that the developed solution could work reliably throughout the year.