Voltree Power Successfully Demonstrates First Wireless Sensor Network Powered By Trees
Voltree Power announced the successful trial demonstration of its climate sensor network, one that can be powered by energy harvested from living trees. The three-day test and system installation not only proved Voltree’s technology but also demonstrated the successful integration with already existing "Remote Automated Weather Stations" network, transmitting air temperature, humidity, and diagnostic data utilizing the preexisting satellite infrastructure.
Using low-power radio transceivers, sensors, and its patented bioenergy-harvesting technology, Voltree states that it has provided a new, efficient, and green means for fire prediction and detection. Developed under the oversight and guidance of the United States Forest Service as well as the Bureau of Land Management, the system employs sensors for air temperature, relative humidity, voltage and is capable of generating alerts in the event of a fire. In such cases, Voltree’s wireless mesh network transmits data signals from one unit to another until they reach a Vaisala-built central monitoring station. These stations subsequently provide a satellite microwave uplink connection that allows the collected information to be shared with numerous government agencies and many other users worldwide.
"The Voltree solution for remote forest monitoring provides a reliable and cost-effective method of collecting microclimate, ‘under-the-forest-canopy’ weather data that will serve as a valuable tool for weather and climate modeling as well as climate change research. This predictive approach will enable strategic resource allocation and prioritization. Hence by better pre-positioning resources the government land agencies can maximize public and firefighter safety as well as reduce losses and lower costs," added Stella Karavas, CEO of Voltree Power.
