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Telemetry, analysis and wireless data communications for a measuring

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Conference Paper · May 2014

DOI: 10.1109/ELEKTRO.2014.6847885

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 Telemetry, Analysis and Wireless Data
Communications for a Measuring Station
Vasilios Zarikas1, Theofilos Chrysikos2, K.E. Anagnostou1, Stavros Kotsopoulos2, P. Avlakiotis1, C. Liolios1, T.
Latsos1, G. Perantzakis1, A. Lygdis1, D. Antoniou1, Asimakis Lykourgiotis2

1 ATEI of Central Greece, Department of Electrical Engineering, Lamia, Greece, vzarikas@teilam.gr

2 University of Patras, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Patras, Greece, kotsop@ece.upatras.gr

Abstract—The present work describes the telemetric wireless measurements in order to extract statistically significant
communication system of a measuring station, implemented at inferences.
the hot water source place. The telemetric unit of the measuring
station collects continuously data of various physicochemical
factors. The integrated systems is able to continuously measure,
process and transmit via a radio transmitter data regarding
radon, OPR, conductivity, water temperature and PH. An
Data System Communica
additional unit receives and stores data in convenient form for Sensors logger manager tions
data analysis. The second part of the work presents a statistical
study of the transmitted data with a novel general linear model
analysis that selects the best fitting polynomial model for future
prediction. Power
manager
220V Power
Keywords—component: Telemetric communication system,
Path Loss models, Measuring station, Hydrogeology Engineering, Grid Inverters –
Pv DC Power
panels
Modeling/Statistics ) accumulators
Control-data

I. INTRODUCTION
This work describes the first outputs from a research
concerning a measuring station collecting continuously data of
physicochemical characteristics from ground thermal waters.
This research project is a major research program that has
received so far two national and EU research grants.
The present work reports a) the novel telemetric module of
the measuring station and b) a novel statistical analysis of the
transmitted data based on a new best for prediction fitting
model technique. The physical layer concerns the simultaneous
measurement of natural parameters and indicators of thermal -
metallic sources of Thermopylae hot water springs. Some of
the measured parameters are the concentration levels of radon
in water, the water temperature to study the flow rate and depth
variations, PH to study the acidity variations, Redox potential
to study the biologic load variations, and electrical conductivity
to study the salinity variations.
The main objective of the whole project is to develop an
innovative apparatus i.e. a collection of equipments; hardware
and software modules capable to perform environmental
measurements and collect maintain and transmit data. The
whole dataset of the measurements will be available in the
local authorities, decision policy makers and the scientific
community in general. A secondary objective is to perform a
modern statistical analysis of the data derived from
Fig. 1. The measuring station with its telemetric sytem
A quite general platform, has been built responsible for the
collection, pretreatment, broadband transmission and storage of
data. This platform includes an independent source of energy
via photovoltaic elements and a power management electronic
module, see Fig. 1
II. TELEMETRIC SYSTEM AND OUTDOOR PATH LOSS
MODELS
The data collection measuring station, transmits the digital
data through a wireless radio network (using the radio modem).
The receiver main unit for data processing has been placed in
the campus of Technological Educational Institute (ATEI) of
Central Greece, Lamia, Greece. A functional and a schematic
representation of Thermopylae data collection station can be
seen in Figures 1.
In order to find the best location for placing Thermopylae
measuring station for optimal operation, we have also
considered the following tasks: data sampling frequency
distance between the two stations (transmitting and receiving),

978-1-4799-3721-9/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE 122

access in energy networks, access in telecommunications
networks, easy access to the station and security.
For the Line of Sight [LOS] wireless system a study was
performed in order to find out the link budget parameterization
according to the peculiarities of the geographical area that is
going to operate. The used operating frequency of the system
was arranged by the Regulatory Authority Hellenic
Telecommunications and Post Commission. In this task, both
the software package ArcGIS and the software of the RF
wireless channel characterization that is developed by the
research team of the Wireless Telecommunications laboratory
of the University of Patras, was used. The digital geographical
data was taken from the Greek Geographical Military Service.
Moreover, an investigation was performed on the Fresnel
Zones of the involved physical and/or technical objects that are
located on the LOS line. Moreover, the interference level was
investigated within the framework of maximization of Carrier –
to – Interference (CIR). The status of the wireless channel
characterization was studied on theoretical basis and the
theoretical reliability was tested by performing a scenario of
outdoor measurements using the portable broadband measuring
device Narda Selective Radiation Meter – SRM 3006. The
measurement experimental scenario followed the guidelines of
the recommendation ΕΛΟΤ ΕΝ 61566, IEC 61566 [26-02-
1999]. Based on this analysis, the main technical
characteristics of the transmitter output, receiver input and
antennae electrical & electromagnetic characteristics was
estimated.
Path loss modeling in outdoor propagation topologies
requires, in order to provide reliable predictions of the local
mean value of the received signal power, knowledge of the
geographical irregularities and intrinsic channel characteristics
[1]-[3]. By incorporating these phenomena into the
mathematical formulae of path loss models, their impact on
signal propagation is estimated and taken into consideration,
thus providing a more reliable prediction of signal reception at
various locations throughout the topology in question (local
mean values). Validation of these models via extended on-site
measurements allows for these predictions to be error-checked
as proven in various published works [4]-[8].
Path loss can be considered as a sum of two independent
processes: the distance-dependent path loss which is a
deterministic loss due to free space propagation (provided by
the idealistic Friis equation) [9], and the ‘excess path loss’,
defined by Jakes as “the difference (in decibels) between the
computed value of the received signal strength in free space
and the actual measured value of the local mean received
signal” [10].
In this work two fundamental path loss models will
employed in order to predict the local mean value for distances
beyond 20 km concerning the transmitter-receiver (T-R)
separation: the Free Space and the Log-Distance model.
As already mentioned, the Free Space model assumes that
no obstacles or other terrain irregularities meddle with the
signal path. The model does not consider any antenna height
for either transmitter or receiver and idealistic propagation in
three-dimensional plane is considered. The average path loss
(in dB) is provided by the following formula [10]:
123
PL = 32.45 + 20 log10 f ( MHz ) + 20 log10 d (km) (1)
The Free Space model can be applied to any given
propagation topology as no distance or frequency limitations
exist. The model assumes an inverse-square law for the
attenuation of received power over distance.
The Log-Distance path loss model is yet another theoretical
(semi-empirical) [2] model that can be employed for open-rural
areas and provide results that take into consideration, in a more
sophisticated manner than the Free Space model, attenuation
caused by geographical irregularities and intrinsic channel
characteristics such as shadow fading [9]. Both models are
suitable [1] for open areas unlike other models which are more
practical for urban areas, such as the Hata and Okumura model
[11]-[12].
The mathematical expression of the Log-Distance path loss
model is given by [3]:
⎛d ⎞
Ltotal = PL(d 0 ) + N log10 ⎜ ⎟ + X σ (2)
⎝ d0 ⎠
Where PL( d 0 ) is the path loss at the reference distance,
usually taken as (theoretical) free-space loss at 100 m, for
outdoor propagation scenarios, N is the path loss distance
exponent and Xs is a Gaussian random variable with zero mean
and standard deviation of σ dB. N and σ are derived from
experimental data. During our work a coverage probability of
95% was assumed and thus:
Χσ = z × σ (dB) = 1.645 × σ (dB) (3)
In the case examined in this work, the path loss exponent
assumes a value of 2 so as to express the free-space distance-
dependent attenuation phenomena without incorporating any
other losses. The zero-mean Gaussian variable is employed to
express the ‘excess path loss’ and is set, in this paper, to a
value of 12 dB so as to reflect both obstacle-based losses and
losses due to terrain irregularities.
By assuming a distance of nearly 38 km separating the
transmitter and the receiver, Fig. 2 is produced where the
average path loss (in dB) is estimated by Free Space and Log-
distance models.
It can be seen that the free space model is much more
idealistic and generic in terms of path loss calculation whereas
the log-distance model incorporates Jakes’ excess path loss.
In order to validate the robustness of path loss models, it is
imperative to produce empirical data via extended sets of
measurements and compare estimated values of local mean
strength of the received signal provided by the model versus
empirical data derived from the set of measurements. Such
measurements have been conducted in both urban and open
topologies [1]-[9] and it has been deemed that the free space interval will contain. If the first value (how sure) is equal to
model is suitable for LOS (Line-of-Sight) open areas, whereas 50%, then the tolerance interval is the same as the prediction
the Log-Distance model can be employed in both open and interval. If it is set to a higher value then the tolerance interval
urban scenarios, as well as in suburban topologies, due to the is wider.
zero-mean Gaussian variable that allows for a more reliable
prediction, taking into consideration the site-specific conditions The most popular statistical criteria in model selection for
every time in its mathematical formula. applications [13], are designed to the target: find the model,
which "best", under some criteria, fits the data. However, these
160
Free Space vs. Log-distance path loss model for open/rural areas criteria are, in principle, functions of the residual sum of
squares [14]. Nevertheless, these best fitting studies are applied
140
for prediction too, although these “distance” criteria have not
designed for this purpose.
120 In the present data analysis a new method for best for
prediction fitting model is followed [15],[16],[17],[18]. The
path loss (dB)

100 derived models of the transmitted physicochemical parameters

are therefore models optimized for future prediction. They are
80 capable to best predict on the average the future value, which
lie on a certain interval with some probability. This is achieved
60 since the method we have followed is using beta expected
Free Space tolerance regions. While the ordinary regression oriented
Log-Distance
40
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
prediction is based on the extrapolation or interpolation of the
distance (km) best model fitting the data, the proposed method is based on a
probabilistic reasoning and provides that model which best
Fig. 2. Path loss as a function of the distance predicts next value within experimental region.

Path loss modeling is necessary in order to provide reliable It should be mentioned that the cross validation method
estimations for the average signal strength in distances up to 40 [19] should not be confused with the technique in use. In this
km, such as the one in this case study, separating the base method the framework is completely different since the
station and the receiver. algorithm tests how well a polynomial performs for prediction
using a portion of data. On the other hand, the used algorithm
utilizes all data and selects the best polynomial for prediction.
The well known general linear model (GLM), can be
III. ANALYSIS expressed as
First it is necessary to give a brief remind of the three
distinct intervals that appear in statistical analysis of data. For
Y = Xθ + σ ε (4)
the problem of fitting a parameter to a model, the accuracy or
precision may be described as a confidence interval, a
prediction interval or a tolerance interval which are quite where Y∈ ℜ
n×1
is the observed vector of responses,
distinct. n×( p +1)
X∈ ℜ is a matrix of known constants based on the p
Information coming from confidence intervals concerns
input variables, θ ∈ℜ
( p +1)×1
how well the best-fit parameter determined by regression has
θ is a vector of unknown
been estimated. If one analyzes many samples from a Gaussian parameters that the least squared will determine and
distribution it is expected that about 95 % of those intervals to ε ∈ ℜn×1 is an unobserved random vector of errors, σ2>0
include the true value of the population best fit parameter. The unknown and with ℜ
k ×l
being the set of k × l matrices. The
important feature is that confidence intervals provide unobserved random vector of errors ε satisfies
information regarding the likely location of the true population
parameter.
Prediction intervals are quite different since they inform E(ε ) = 0, E(ε ε ') = I n (5)
where next data point sampled is expected to be found.
Considering many samples (Gaussian distribution), it is with 0 ∈ℜnx1 a vector of zeros and In= diag(1,1,…) is the unit
expected next value to lie within that prediction interval in 95% matrix. It is a common assumption, when statistical inference is
of the samples. The crucial point is that the prediction interval performed, that errors follow a normal distribution.
refers to the distribution of values, not the uncertainty in
determining the population parameter.
However the richest interval is the tolerance interval. It is ε ~ N(0, I n ) (6)
defined with the help of two different percentages. The first
ratio determines “how sure” it is required the value to be and The algorithm we are a going to follow in the present work
the second percentage expresses what fraction of the values the is based on the concrete method described in [15][16][17][18].
In simple steps it consists of three steps.

124
 The first step is to read transmitted data X=T concern time
intervals. The time interval that will be analyzed has to be
normalized in the range [-1,1]. Next transmitted data Y that
concern PH, Radon, Redox and conductivity are inserted in the
algorithm in the form of matrix.
The second step is to evaluate vector θ with the estimators
of GLM model of p-th order polynomial. For every p=0 to k
we should evaluate
θˆ = (T' Τ)-1 T' Υ (7)
The third step is to evaluate the length Lp at the point to
L p (t o ) =
(8)
2t n-p;1-β/2 (n-p)-1/2 s p1/2 {( I-T'op (T'T+T'opTop )-1 Top )-1}1/2
where
s p = RSS = (Y-T θˆ)' (Y-T θˆ) (9)
with the point to being the point that gives maximum value as
follows
Max[T'op (T' Τ) -1 Τop ] with − 1 ≤ t ≤ 1 (10)
Then, choosing the minimum of the stored maximum
“lengths”, we find the corresponding p value which is the
degree of the response function for the best predictive model.
In order to compare with the ordinary best fitting model
finally we also evaluate RMS for the best fitted polynomial of
p-th order
RSS (11)
RMS =
n-p-1
The best fit model according to the conventional method is the
one with the minimum RMS.
For all measured quantities we have applied the method for
evaluating the best for prediction polynomial for several
different time durations. Results reveal that for many datasets
the best fitting for prediction polynomial is different from the
one suggested in the ordinary method
As an example we present the best fitting model for the
case of Redox potential for a randomly chosen time interval of
two days. A detailed analysis based on the explained algorithm,
using as models, up to 7th order polynomials, provides
interesting results. Based on the procedure, the value
min{ max [L p (x)] }= 135 for p = 5 is estimated and
hence the corresponding best model for future prediction is the
fifth order polynomial:
125

Y = − 274.4 − 192.8t + (12)
+192.8t 2 + 489t 3 − 155.5t 4 − 364.2t 5
This is the model which according to the proposed
prediction criterion (based on tolerance regions framework)
“best” predicts the future observation, see Fig. 3. However, this
is not the model according to the traditional distance RMS
criterion. The latter criterion selects the seventh order
polynomial. Most of the methods which use a distance criterion
for choosing the most appropriate polynomial have a tendency
to peak the largest possible order polynomial. It is obvious that
even for this very simple case the proposed method suggests a
non trivial difference. If the designer of an experiment wills to
peak a polynomial that best fits data, as far prediction is
concerned, then the discussed method gives distinctive and
correct results.
The applied algorithm differs nontrivially from all other
methods that best fit the data with a distance criterion.
Furthermore, it was demonstrated that it suggests in many
cases different models than those derived with the ordinary
method. (6)
In summary, the numerical study of the methodology
reveals that the selected polynomial model according to the
best prediction criterion does not have as inherit property to
peak the largest order polynomial as the best model. This is a
well known problem associated with methods using distance
criteria (RMS). Furthermore, the analysis shows that for data
with large dispersion, the proposed method peaks always a
polynomial of different order from this suggested by an RMS
criterion.
0
-50
-100
Redox Potential
-150
-200
-250
-300
-350
-1.0 - 0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0
Normalised Time
Fig. 3. Two days data for Redox Potential ans their best fitting model for
prediction.
IV. COCLUSIONS
In the present work first results are reported concerning the
integrated measuring station placed at Thermopylae, Greece. In
particular the path loss modeling of the communication unit is
analysed and presented in detail as it plays a central role in the
whole functioning.
For the LOS wireless system a study was performed in
order to find out the link budget parameterization. The analysis
of the path loss modeling was presented. Path loss modeling in
outdoor propagation topologies required, in order to provide
reliable predictions of the local mean value of the received
signal power, knowledge of the geographical irregularities and
intrinsic channel characteristics. Two fundamental path loss
models were employed in order to predict the local mean value
for distances beyond 20 km concerning the transmitter-receiver
(T-R) separation: the Free Space and the Log-Distance model.
The study of the transmitted measurement data revealed an
affirmative conclusion for using the proposed method in the
case under study. There is a strong theoretical background
[15][16][17][18], that ensures the success of the method to any
applied field. It was found that for several datasets the selected
polynomial differs from the commonly selected one, if the
choice respects the criterion of “the best predictive model”.
As a result, in cases such as the ones outlined in this study,
it is not considered reasonable and correct modeling to find a
curve as closely as possible to the data. Instead, it is desirable
to guarantee that a curve is going to fit to the given set of data
based on a best fit polynomial that is most adequate for the
prediction of the Y value for a certain X (within the
experimental region), establishing a specific degree of high
probability.
In future, it would also be interesting to generalize the
proposed method for problems with multiple independent
variables or for cases like [20], [21]. Another interesting
investigation is to develop a prescription handling extrapolation
and time series analysis. Extrapolation needs attention for the
proposed method since an extension of the
experiment/measurement space is needed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Authors acknowledge that this work has been financially
supported by the research program, entitled: “Measurement of
Environment Physical-Chemical Parameters by Development
Autonomous Data Collection Processing Transmission
Systems with use of green Power and most optimal
management”, MIS 380360, within the research activity
“Archimedes III”, funded by the NSRF 2007-2013.
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