Clean Maritime Technologies
Fuels powering shipping and wider port activity have historically been among the most polluting across all transport modes. The maritime sector globally needs to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants to mitigate profound environmental impacts and combat accelerated climate change.
The University of Plymouth has a robust track record of clean maritime research in the UK. Our Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy plays a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. Our work supports the sector in adopting novel technologies for zero-emission shipping, aligning with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets for net zero emissions. 
 
This project aims to deploy environmental sensors across the south coast of England to monitor and assess the current environment and the potential impacts of electric vessels (e-vessels). The primary objectives include: 
  • Deployment of sensors 
    Installing up to 16 sensors per site to ensure comprehensive data coverage. 
  • Telemetry via LoRaWAN Network 
    Utilising LoRa radios in a LoRaWAN network for efficient telemetry and remote data collection. 
  • Remote data collection
    Implementing robust mechanisms for the remote collection of environmental data. 
  • Long-term data collection 
    Establishing systems for the long-term collection and analysis of environmental data to track changes and trends over time. 
  • Impact analysis 
    Understanding the current environmental conditions and assessing the potential impact of e-vessels on these conditions.
 

Devices used for the project

Air quality monitor
The enLink OAQ LoRaWAN outdoor air quality monitor accurately measures up to 10 key outdoor air quality parameters with class-leading accuracy. Measured parameters are temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter, CO2, NO2, VOCs, barometric pressure and internationally approved Air Quality Index (AQI).  
Does not include batteries.
Air Quality Monitor
 
Solar power supply for air quality monitor
The enLink OAQ LoRaWAN outdoor air quality monitor is powered by solar power supply which provides a combined solar panel and rechargeable lithium-ion battery as a power source.
Includes lithium-ion batteries that comply with UK/EU standards.  
Solar Power Supply for Air Quality Monitor
 
LoRaWAN gateway
The Tektelic Kona Enterprise IOT Gateway is a fully integrated eight-channel outdoor gateway for Enterprise deployments utilising LoRaWAN radio communication technology. This device is powered by 802.af/at PoE. Power consumption is under 7W. It is IP67 rated and lightning protected. 
Does not include batteries.  
LoRaWAN Gateway
 
Water probe
Custom-designed water potential difference monitor. Developed by the University of Plymouth, this device is installed under a pontoon beside the electric charger to monitor water potential difference. It is used to establish whether the electric charger system creates an induced electric field in water when it is in use. 
Includes lithium-ion batteries that comply with UK/EU standards.
Water probe
 

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