Satellite connection for solar-powered forest wildfire sensor network
Dryad Networks has signed a deal to provide direct satellite connection to its forest wildfire sensor network.
The deal with French satellite operator Kinéis will integrate satellite communication direct from the Dryad solar powered next-generation Silvanet wildfire sensor system, as disclosed by eeNews Europe back in March: LoRa satellite links for AI wildfire monitoring
The first products based on this integration are expected to be available before the end of the year and Dryad and Kinéis aim to deploy hundreds of thousands of these IoT terminals worldwide over the next three years.
The Dryad solar-powered gas sensors, equipped with AI, monitor and detect early signs of wildfires by analysing air quality and identifying unique gas patterns indicative of fires. When integrated with the Kinéis constellation of 25 LoRa satellites to relay critical alerts, this network will overcome terrestrial limitations, ensuring near real-time global connectivity.
This provides early detection of wildfires even in remote areas without terrestrial network coverage, enhancing emergency response capabilities and aiding in the preservation of natural areas and protection of critical infrastructure.
Power line and rail companies in particular face key wildfire risks due to their linear assets spanning vast, remote areas. Previously, deploying comprehensive sensor coverage in these scenarios could be challenging due to limitations in terrestrial network coverage. The satellite integration provides a simplified and cost-efficient direct sensor-to-satellite communication for unparalleled wildfire detection and prevention along critical corridors.
Installations for linear infrastructure such as powerlines or railways, or in difficult terrain such as mountainous regions will benefit from direct-to-satellite connectivity. With a significantly simplified installation, Silvanet wildfire sensors will become even more cost-effective. Direct-to-satellite connectivity ensures continuous, reliable detection in remote areas, crucial for wildfire mitigation efforts.
Large forest fires ravage thousands of hectares of forest across the planet, accounting for 20% of global carbon emissions every year.
When deployed in combination with the Silvanet LoRaWAN Mesh Gateways, which provide additional capabilities, the Kinéis space IoT connectivity will guarantee uninterrupted service even if terrestrial connectivity is disrupted or sensors are placed outside of the range of gateways.
“T his partnership not only broadens our technological capabilities but also aligns with our mission to provide comprehensive wildfire protection,” said Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks. “Integrating Kinéis’s satellite technology with our Silvanet sensors adds a vital layer to our detection ecosystem, especially for linear infrastructure, while reinforcing our commitment to the LoRaWAN mesh networks.”
“Dryad Networks is at the forefront of ultra-early fire detection, making them the ideal partner for this expansion,” said Alexandre Tisserant, CEO of Kinéis. “By combining our satellite capabilities with Dryad’s innovative sensors, we are creating a truly global, adaptable solution to fight the growing threat of wildfires all over the world.”
The Silvanet solar-powered gas sensors continuously monitor for signs of wildfire using embedded AI to analyze air quality and detect the unique gas patterns produced by fires, even during their smoldering phase, and then communicate alerts in real-time, ensuring ultra-early detection and significantly reducing response times.
The Kinéis’ space IoT constellation is based on forty years of expertise from the Argos system, founded by the CNES (French Space Agency) and historically operated by CLS (Collect Localization Satellites). The software stack also runs on the STM32WL wireless microcontroller from ST Microelectronics.
www.dryad.net; www.kineis.com/
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