Loading...
Energy harvesting in LoRaWAN for space communication
Author(s)
Nxumalo, Yolanda Dolly
Date Issued
2024
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The application of LoRa in Internet-of-Things (IoT) and remote sensing improves data
collection, connection, and monitoring over wide geographic areas. Its low-power,
long-range communication characteristics have resulted in its widespread adoption in
industries including asset tracking, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and
healthcare, especially in remote and infrastructure-constrained regions. Applications
include soil moisture monitoring, wildlife tracking, and precision agriculture. However,
terrestrial LoRa communication has coverage limitations due to line-of-sight
constraints wherein sparse population density or complex terrain might block or reflect
the signal. In addition, the devices require recurrent recharging or battery replacement
which poses significant operational challenges and increases costs. To address these
challenges, satellite-based LoRa communication emerges as a potential solution for
global coverage. However, robust power management techniques are required due to
the power requirements of direct-to-satellite communication and the challenging
environmental conditions that are frequently encountered in remote regions. This
research introduces a novel Ambient Energy Management (AEM) system designed for
energy harvesting to power LoRa Internet of Things (IoT) devices operating in a Directto-
Satellite (DtS) communication environment. This study explores how duty cycle,
signal design, and energy harvesting techniques interact while tackling the difficulties
of energy optimization in this setting. The objective of the research is to increase
energy efficiency, prolong system lifespan, and broaden the possible uses of LoRabased
IoT systems while complying with regional regulatory standards, including those
described by ICASA (Independent Communication Authority of South). This study
contributes to the advancement of energy-autonomous IoT systems by introducing
novel algorithms and insights into the management of harvested energy for satellite
communication.
collection, connection, and monitoring over wide geographic areas. Its low-power,
long-range communication characteristics have resulted in its widespread adoption in
industries including asset tracking, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and
healthcare, especially in remote and infrastructure-constrained regions. Applications
include soil moisture monitoring, wildlife tracking, and precision agriculture. However,
terrestrial LoRa communication has coverage limitations due to line-of-sight
constraints wherein sparse population density or complex terrain might block or reflect
the signal. In addition, the devices require recurrent recharging or battery replacement
which poses significant operational challenges and increases costs. To address these
challenges, satellite-based LoRa communication emerges as a potential solution for
global coverage. However, robust power management techniques are required due to
the power requirements of direct-to-satellite communication and the challenging
environmental conditions that are frequently encountered in remote regions. This
research introduces a novel Ambient Energy Management (AEM) system designed for
energy harvesting to power LoRa Internet of Things (IoT) devices operating in a Directto-
Satellite (DtS) communication environment. This study explores how duty cycle,
signal design, and energy harvesting techniques interact while tackling the difficulties
of energy optimization in this setting. The objective of the research is to increase
energy efficiency, prolong system lifespan, and broaden the possible uses of LoRabased
IoT systems while complying with regional regulatory standards, including those
described by ICASA (Independent Communication Authority of South). This study
contributes to the advancement of energy-autonomous IoT systems by introducing
novel algorithms and insights into the management of harvested energy for satellite
communication.
Additional information
Thesis (MEng (Satellite Systems and Applications))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
Nxumalo, YD_221589902.pdf
Size
1.58 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):46ef1e974b7d1e7f02cc5c661bedf15f