Inductively Powered Underground Wireless Communication System

Abstract

Underground Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) is a newly emerging technology that is capable of replacing existing traditional wired connections. Research has proved that magnetic induction based communication performs better than electromagnetic wave communication, especially in the dynamic underground environment. Currently, data recorders are being used to collect the data from underground sensors. Data recorders have a few disadvantages such as the inability to produce data on time and the difficulty to deploy them. Many problems related to data recorders can be solved using UWSNs magnetic induction technique. Some of the main challenges are efficient power transfer and communication to underground sensors when distance between transmitter and receiver coils increases. This paper introduces a unique technique where both wireless power transfer and communication are achieved simultaneously for sensors which are present underground. A high frequency square pulse is used for inductive power transfer between transmitter and receiver coils. The same square pulse is pulse code modulated and is used for wireless communication between the transmitter and the receiver coils with a suitable data rate. Experimental results to prove the feasibility of this novel technique for concurrent wireless power transfer and communication make the paper different from its counter parts.