RTEPMS: Real-Time Environmental Parameters Monitoring System Using IoT-Based LoRa 868-MHz Wireless Communication Technology in Underground Mines

Abstract

In underground mining, the real-time monitoring of environmental parameters plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of mining operations and personnel. This article explores the integration of Long Range (LoRa) wireless communication technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to bolster safety measures and prevent potential accidents within underground mines. The environmental parameters in underground mines include Oxygen (O2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Methane (CH4), Nitric Oxide (NO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Ethylene Oxide (EO), Temperature and Humidity. Currently, underground mines in India use portable multi-gas detector devices to measure environmental parameters. HPD13A LoRa 868 MHz based Real Time Environmental Parameters Monitoring System (RTEPMS) is designed and developed to facilitate real-time data collection in underground mines. In addition, the developed RTEPMS system is tested and evaluated at the open surface level and in one of the underground mines in India. The experimental results represent successful LoRa-based wireless communication established in an underground mine with data acquisition and real-time processing. Major parameters exceeding threshold limits in the underground mine environment include O2, CO, CO2, NO2, and EO. The data correlation between LoRa-based RTEPMS and multi-gas detector devices is 69.47% for CO2 and 72.38% for CO, while the values for CH4 and H2S are nearly zero, indicating their presence in underground mines is almost negligible. The RTEPMS is an affordable solution for smaller and less affluent underground mines. It alerts mine workers if environmental parameters exceed threshold limits during emergencies. © 2013 IEEE.