Wireless Communication System Design for Underground Mine

Abstract

Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and wireless communication system has become indispensable for better real-time data acquisition from the ground monitoring devices, gas sensors, and equipment used in the underground mines as well as to locate the miners. The conventional methods i.e. use of wire for communication is found to be inefficient and ineffective at the time of mine hazards such as roof falls, fire hazard etc. Before the implementation of any wireless system, the variable path loss indices for different workplace should be determined. This helps in better signal reception and localization of sensor nodes. This also enhances the way of tracking the miner carrying the wireless device. An attempt has been made for the determination of parameter of a suitable radio propagation model. It includes the results of an experiment carried out in GDK-10A incline, SCCL, India. The path loss indices at different areas along with other essential parameters for accurate localization have been determined using XBee module and ZigBee protocol at 2.4 GHz frequency