Design of wireless sensor networks using embedded Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC) as applied to community-based flood early warning systems (CBFEWS)

Abstract

The objectives of this project were to design, develop, install, and test a stand-alone and unmanned network of effective, reconfigurable, low-power, low-cost, long distance by multi-hop, and sustainable CBFEWS. This system aims to monitor and detect through sensors, and communicate early warning data by wireless telemetry to disaster risk-reduction centers. This gives risk-reduction managers of local communities the critical information and sufficient lead-time to affect early warning dissemination; and execute evacuation of the vulnerable population to safer grounds. CBFEWS is a tool designed to help save lives and properties by sending early warnings when threat of flooding is imminent. The CBFEWS network is a combination of four types of stations: Rain-gauge (RG), Water-level (WL) sensor, Repeater (RP), and Data Center (DC). A common set of platform is used, such as solar-battery power source, a data acquisition and telemetry controller, a low power data logger, a digital transceiver, an antenna, and an all-weather instrument housing and support. These stations are strategically installed in areas wherein the collected data truly represent the characteristics of the river channels near the flood-prone areas. The data collected by the computer at each data center provides three distinct warnings based on hydrographic threshold values for Alert, Alarm, and Critical levels. The DC computer also generates a database where charts and reports are created; and utilized by risk-reduction managers to effectively plan the timely evacuation, preparation of relief efforts, and information when it is safe to return to their houses.