Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The U.S. Forest Service uses a network of automated stations to track weather conditions, especially during fire season. But the solar-powered remote network needs large forest clearings so the Sun can reach collectors. At the same time, Forest Service officials wish they could install sensors on more trees. Now, researchers say that by harnessing the voltage difference between a tree and the ground new ultralow-power sensors can transmit sensor data from almost any tree. The approach would also elimate the need to clear the forest floor for solar power.
Posted by R. Colin Johnson at 6:17 AM