Experiences with Sub-Arctic Sensor Network Deployment and Feasibility of Geothermal Energy Harvesting

TL;DR

This paper details the deployment of low-power wireless sensor networks in Iceland's sub-Arctic regions to monitor soil temperature and assess geothermal energy harvesting potential, highlighting practical deployment experiences and initial findings.

Contribution

It presents novel insights into deploying low-power sensor networks in remote, geothermally active areas and evaluates the feasibility of geothermal energy harvesting from temperature gradients.

Findings

Successful deployment of functional sensor networks since 2021

Real-time data collection from remote, power- and internet-inaccessible sites

Initial analysis indicates potential for geothermal energy harvesting

Abstract

This paper discusses the experiences gained from designing, deploying and maintaining low-power wireless sensor networks in three geothermally active remote locations in Iceland. The purpose of deploying the network was to collect soil temperature data and investigate the impact of global warming on (sub)Arctic climate and subsequent carbon release. Functional networks from three sites with no direct access to power and the internet have been providing researchers with insight into the warming impacts since 2021. The network employs low-power wireless sensor nodes equipped with DASH7 communication protocol, providing real-time data and remote access to sensors and instruments deployed in the field. In addition to discussing the architecture and deployment of the network, we conduct a primary analysis using models and methods to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting energy from the temperature gradient between geothermally active soil and air.