A Radio-Triggered Wireless Sensor Platform Powered by Soil Bacteria

Abstract

Abstract:In the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), where data sensing is expected anywhere and anytime, important issues about energy autonomy of sensors and acquisition systems are still open. This work addresses the problem of powering sensors and transmitting efficiently data on request in a multitude of outdoor/indoor applications, where the presence of soil is considered (e.g., smart farming, home surveillance, smart cities …). We present an ultra-low power wireless architecture, supplied directly by colony of bacteria naturally present in any kind of soil on Earth. The ultra-low power challenges limit the use of wireless communication at the minimum (receiving radio off). Nevertheless, the system is still ready to promptly start any incoming communication thanks to a radio-trigger sub-circuit capable of detecting receiving messages at nearly-zero power consumption.

Microbial Electrochemical Technologies

“…Connecting several cells to one system also diminishes the change of a sensor becoming inactive due to failure or lack of current generation of a single Plant-MFC and thus increases its stability (Liu et al 2015). Many have developed a so-called power management system (Donovan et al 2008;Donovan et al 2011;Donovan et al 2013;Liu et al 2015;Piyare et al 2017;Rossi et al 2017;Brunelli et al 2017). Such a system often uses a dc-dc converter to increase the potential of the electric current coming from the Plant-MFC.…”

“…Radio data transmission behavior can be adapted to the actual available electricity by adding a capacitor to the system that will store the electricity to be used intermittently. Both Piyara et al (2017) and Brunelli et al (2017) developed a remotely triggered wake-up receiver that allowed for minimal energy use when the system was not in use. This system could be triggered from a distance to sense or transmit data.…”

“…Bombelli et al (2016) were able to power an LCD desktop weather station continuously and directly for over a week with a moss MFC system. Brunelli et al (2017) were able to measure, store and transmit (on command) data on temperature, humidity and light intensity with their energy-neutral sensing system powered by a Plant-MFC that generated enough electricity for six months.…”