LoRa as an Alternative for Data Transmission in Direct Current Microgrids in the Amazon

The implementation of renewable energy-based solutions in isolated communities in the Brazilian Amazon faces several challenges, including the maintenance and operation of energy systems. Many of these technologies require ongoing operational management and specialized technical knowledge, which are not always available locally and can compromise the sustainable operation of these systems. Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) have emerged as a solution to this problem, allowing a qualified team in an urban center to manage these resources remotely. Connectivity is crucial to the success of these systems. This study investigated whether Low-power Wide-area Networks (LPWAN) can enhance the connectivity layer of a DERMS installed in the Amazon. The LPWAN technology evaluated was LoRa. The metrics analyzed on the LoRa link included radio signal strength (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The tests were conducted at two different geographical locations within the forest, in different seasons. They installed a mobile node to collect environmental information and assess the transmission quality metrics. Aspects such as the range, reliability, and robustness of wireless communication were analyzed, focusing on resilience to adverse weather conditions and considering environmental variables such as temperature and humidity. The tests showed significant differences in signal quality between the two locations evaluated and correlations between environmental variables and signal strength. The findings of this research contribute to the operation of DERMS in isolated communities in the Amazon and help maintain their functionality with low maintenance and exposure to rainforest conditions.