Development of Vibration and dust Monitoring Technology in Underground Mines using ZigBee-based Wireless Sensor Network

In this study, ZigBee-based low-cost and low-power modules, using accelerometer and dust sensor, were developed to monitor vibration and dust density in underground mines. At the Taeyoung EMC's Samdo mine in Dogye-eup, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, 19 vibration modules, 9 dust modules, and 6 additional router modules, were installed. The values of vibration and dust density, before and after blasting, were obtained from the coordinator module. As a result, it was possible to establish a wireless sensor network in an underground mine. The vibration at the time of blasting was detected and the change in dust density, before and after blasting, was monitored. To solve the problem of unstable network connection in some modules, changes in module settings and line of sight analysis were required. This study is expected to be a basic research towards realizing a safe environment in relatively small underground mines with harsh conditions.