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Prospective Environmental and Economic Assessment of a Sensor Network

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco Portillo

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • Rosa María García

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • Alfredo Alcayde

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • José Antonio Gázquez

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • Manuel Fernández-Ros

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

  • Nuria Novas

    (Department of Engineering, University of Almeria, ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain)

Abstract

Sustainability is becoming of vital importance in project management, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) can ensure a body of knowledge to bear in mind the environmental burdens the project involves. In this study, two different ways of supplying energy to a sensor network are analyzed. Firstly, we analyze the environmental impact of the devices connected to the public grid. Secondly, we analyze the completely full off-grid system, with the sensor connected to a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Our findings show that the off-grid option has a greater number of benefits than the grid-connected option in terms of environmental impacts, although it is less economically advantageous. In a detailed analysis of the off-grid scenario, it can be observed that the battery is the component with the highest impact, so actions to try to reduce consumption, and, therefore, the battery size and its negative impact are taken. After reducing the battery size, the break-even point was reached, providing a net economic benefit of EUR 0.23 sensor/year. However, this analysis refers to a single sensor, and although the environmental and economic benefits seem low, in an economy of scale, this could result in large savings if these types of sensors are massively installed.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Portillo & Rosa María García & Alfredo Alcayde & José Antonio Gázquez & Manuel Fernández-Ros & Nuria Novas, 2021. "Prospective Environmental and Economic Assessment of a Sensor Network," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10306-:d:636029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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