Asset Tracking for Smart Ports by b-konnet

The Challenge

The project itself is a straightforward one. The goal is to implement an asset tracking solution to be used in the management of assets by port operators.

The desired outcome for the solution is that it should offer the following features:

Coverage, both in the port area and in the bay area

Reliability in asset tracking via accurate data collection

Solution must be battery-powered only

Little-to-no maintenance

Choosing equipment and testing the concept

The gateway, b-konnet decided to use was the RAK7249 WisGate Edge Max for its durable casing and great characteristics. They installed it in the central area of Valparaiso bay, on a building, about 30 meters above sea level. In this position, they have verified coverage up to 10 km offshore and all the coastal areas of the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.

The RAK7205 WisNode Track devices (with the RAK5205 WisTrio LPWAN Trackers inside) were chosen for their 3400 mAh battery and 5V solar panel. With this configuration, it is possible to have independent power, even on cloudy days. Ideally, the battery would never require recharging via the mains and the node will operate autonomously indefinitely.

Navigations tests were carried in the bay, and uninterrupted coverage and reporting of the positions were achieved.

Range tests were carried out, in which b-konnet obtained connectivity results up to 10 km offshore with very high reliability, without losing data. In the distance tests carried out in the bay, a range of more than 12 km was achieved.

Modifications and customization

It can be said that creativity means to have something and modify it to fit perfectly in your concept. b-konnet took the RAK7205 as a base and developed another tracker with a 5.5V panel to speed up battery charging and allow for a longer run time in even harsher environments with only batteries.

Not only that, they took things further with their other equipment modifications, designed to be implemented in assets that have their own energy provision and therefore have the option of an external 12V power supply. They even added an external antenna for both the GPS and LoRa, thus boosting the great device range even further.

Deployment period

This project is under development, as field tests are still ongoing. As the matter with coverage is dealt with, the team is testing if the equipment can remain powered only with battery and solar panel and for how long, given the periodic tracking requirements demanded by customers.

As mentioned, in parallel, other power options were explored: larger solar panels, batteries with more capacity, and even equipment that can be powered directly from the monitored assets.

The solution that b-konnet is presenting took them approximately 3 months to develop to this stage.

Data collection and management

For data collection and management purposes, a custom platform is used. Here’s a sneak-peek:

Implementation

Everything was put to the test in a real working environment, with some tests in a real port operation, where tracking container trucks that work throughout the port area were transporting containers for the loading and unloading of ships. The challenge was to gain full coverage despite the high stacks of containers in the port area, which block the signal.

The result was very satisfactory. There were no dead spots in the coverage of any area of ​​the port and the monitoring could be carried out continuously without problems.