The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing various industries, including commercial landscape irrigation, through the use of innovative technologies like wireless long-range soil moisture sensors, wireless flow sensors, and wireless irrigation pressure sensors. A notable player in the public IoT field is the Helium Network, a decentralized wireless infrastructure that offers coverage for low-power IoT devices.
Helium Network Overview
The Helium Network represents a significant shift in decentralized wireless infrastructure. It operates by allowing individuals to deploy Helium Hotspots in various locations, which in turn provide wireless network coverage for low-power IoT or cellular devices. Users earn Helium tokens for their contributions to the network. Helium boasts the world's largest LoRaWAN network, supporting numerous companies and developers. This network is built on Open Source technology and is managed by a worldwide community under the guidance of the Helium Foundation. It offers an affordable and scalable solution for IoT connectivity, where running a sensor could cost just cents per year.
Helium Network in New York City
In New York City, the Helium Network has seen significant expansion through a combination of Senet-owned infrastructure, roaming deals with partner networks, and integration with the Helium network. This has resulted in one of the largest and densest metropolitan deployments of public LoRaWAN connectivity in North
America, with approximately 27,500 Helium-compatible hotspots. This extensive coverage has benefited various sectors, including utility operations, smart building management, and municipal utility services. A major customer in New York experienced a 25% increase in outdoor connected asset reporting due to Helium coverage.
Wireless Soil Moisture Sensors
Wireless soil moisture sensors are crucial for effective irrigation management, helping in understanding soil moisture and drying trends, compared to old-fashion evapotranspiration technology which uses historical weather data instead of real-time site data. These wireless soil moisture sensors vary in price and accuracy, but the development of low-cost sensors is changing the landscape. For instance, what if every zone of irrigation was controlled by a soil moisture sensor? The water gains in water efficiency could be significant, and with the lower-cost, more affordable, wireless soil moisture sensors, the landscape industry could see an explosion of sensors.
Application in Green Infrastructure
In the context of green roofs, walls, and green infrastructure, sensor technology, particularly LoRaWAN sensors, plays a pivotal role. These IoT devices transmit signals over a low-power local area network, ideal for urban environments where cable distances can be a challenge. The affordability and low power usage of these technologies are driving more high-quality monitoring, essential for understanding the performance of green infrastructure. Smart controls are another vital aspect, using algorithms based on data like soil moisture, soil temperature, water pressure, and water flow to optimize irrigation systems.
In The End
The integration of Helium's IoT network with advanced sensor technologies is proving to be a game changer in the landscape irrigation market, especially in metropolitan areas like New York City. The combination of extensive network coverage, affordable and efficient sensor technology, and smart, soil moisture based irrigation control systems is paving the way for more sustainable and efficient green infrastructure management.
Interested in learning more about Helium and what wireless IoT sensors can do for you? Contact Harmony Analytica to get started.