WIRELESS UNDERGROUND SENSOR NETWORKS

Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

CPEG 678 - Advanced Wireless Sensor Networks Design - Phase1

Spring 2013

Department of Computer Science and Engineering,

University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA

NisargRathod, ShivakumarMuddam,Alduraym Ahmed

{nrathod,smuddam,aalduray}@bridgeport.edu

Abstract - This paper presents the design of a water leakage monitoring system which includes wireless networked sensors monitored from a Windows based PC. The purpose of such system is to detect possible water leakage for residential water pipes. Utilizing three small Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) s, data from remote sensors of different types (acoustic, pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.) are collected and monitored on a PC for further processing and analysis. ZigBee technology, which is built on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, is used for wireless communication in the network.

1. Introduction

Increases in residential plumbing, treatment and operational costs make the losses associated with underground water system leakage prohibitive. To combat water loss, many utilities are developing methods to detect, locate, and correct leaks.  

In fact, accurate and efficient residential leak detection technology encompasses a wide range of  benefits including but not limited to: economic benefits, increased knowledge about the distribution system, more efficient use of existing supplies, delayed capacity expansion, improved environmental quality, reduced property damage, reduced legal liability, reduced insurance and reduced risk of contamination[1]. 

Hence, this paper strives to delineate design of a water leakage monitoring system to detect possible water leakage for residential water pipes. To that end, the system collects and monitors data on a PC from remote sensors-located next to pipes for further processing and analysis to detect water leakage. Reliable communication within the network is provided by ZigBee technology, which is built on top of IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

More specifically, to collect and monitor data on a PC, three Printed Circuit Board (PCB) s, populated with the ZigBit 900 RF modules and a matched antenna are used. The ZigBit module featuring ultra small size and superior RF performance enables the board's wireless connectivity and facilitates its functionality a as a node in the ZigBee network. The PCBs include temperature sensor. In addition, these PCBs support standard extension connectors to connect to external sensors such as acoustic sensor, pressure sensor and etc. The PCBs are powered by one C-sized battery.

Importantly, this paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents the basic concepts of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Section 3 elaborates on WSN standards including IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee standard. Section 4 elucidates the ...