Infrasonic Wildfire Detector

The goal of the project is to create a MESH Network of Infrasonic Wildfire Sensors.

=Problem Definition= Wildfires ravage through the forests and destroy ecosystems and economies, yet still, our best means of detection is by seeing and smelling smoke. The ability to provide a signal to firefighting services when the fire is still small could save countless homes and wilderness areas. In order to modernize this detection process, we propose a device that uses infrasonic detection and signal processing to detect wildfires. Our aim is to set up a mesh network of smart nodes and dumb nodes that can detect infrasound waves (0 – 20 Hz) and communicate this information wirelessly. This technology has the potential to drastically improve our ability to mitigate wildfires by allowing us to detect the problem sooner.

Background

 * Wildfires produce a sound signature in the infrasonic range.
 * Detecting sound in that frequency indicates the presence of a wildfire.
 * Cheap communication electronics has made it possible to create a distributed sensing network.
 * Affordable and resilient sensors for infrasound are now a possibility.

Deliverables
3 sensor devices, capable of detecting infrasonic sound waves and networking with each other and the internet.

Specifications

 * Detect infrasonic sound waves.
 * Creates a mesh network of similar devices to transmit fire status.
 * Has a rugged enclosure capable of surviving drops and impacts, as well as surviving the elements.

Project Learning

 * Fire Infrasound - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929188/
 * LoRa Range and Reliability - https://medium.com/home-wireless/testing-lora-radios-with-the-limesdr-mini-part-2-37fa481217ff
 * LoRa Mesh Example - https://nootropicdesign.com/projectlab/2018/10/20/lora-mesh-networking/
 * Simple LoRa Library - https://github.com/sandeepmistry/arduino-LoRa

Final Design
In Progress.

Validation
SolidWorks Simulation Performed LoRa GPS Test
 * 5N load on sharp end of object
 * Notice stress concentrations
 * Red dots where packets were received
 * 1 mile range for line of sight

Additional Documentation
Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes



Presentations



Client Interview



Hardware Datasheets & Description Sheets