Architecture of a hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node for underground environmental monitoring

A novel hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node enables autonomous, real-time monitoring of underground environmental conditions without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from flowing water using a watermill principle, making it ideal for deployment in historic underground aqueducts like Siena's 'Bottini.' This innovation minimizes maintenance and supports the preservation of ancient sites by providing continuous data on environmental parameters. Tested at 'Fontebranda,' one of the largest fountains in the network, the node integrates power generation, data acquisition, and wireless transmission, demonstrating its feasibility for long-term, independent operation.

Mecocci, A., Peruzzi, G., Pozzebon, A., & Vaccarella, P. (2017). Architecture of a hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node for underground environmental monitoring. IET Wireless Sensor Systems, 7(5), 123–129. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-wss.2016.0103