Avaliação de utilização de uma rede LoRa para transmissão de dados aplicada a um sistema de minetracking

Abstract

The mining industry needs to increase its productivity, control its costs and reduce the environmental impacts caused by its activities. This study presents the viability of applying the LoRa® network and its LoRaWAN® protocol for truck fleets and excavator management in the mineral exploration activity of an open pit mine. LoRa modules can be used for remote management because it provides a wide coverage area and low power consumption. The idea of the work is to equip the fleet with GPS (Global Positioning System) modules connected in a LoRa device to send location data over long distances, making possible real-time control of transport and exploration equipment routes. These data can be used for process optimization through a Minetracking system, making possible the control of performance indicators, such as fuel consumption and vehicle wear according to the distance traveled by the fleet, since transportation costs are quite high. In addition, the vehicle tracking system enhances operator safety. The prototype created using the Lora network enabled the generation and delivery of location data and the analysis of the data transmission behavior.