In order to safeguard Lake Chini’s biosphere, researchers from the UK’s Center for Electronic Communication and Communication (PEKET), Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FKAB) have developed an innovative wireless communication platform technology, the Airborne Internet of Things Network (AIN).
Chini Lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and rugged terrain and is challenging the scientists at the Chini Lake Research Center (PPTC) to perform their tasks easily.
Led by an Associate Professor, the innovation will monitor water quality parameters, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, temperature and depth.
The professor noted that the project focused on the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) involving high-altitude platforms using balloons, machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless networks, sensor technology and data analysis.
To ensure its sustainability, the sensors used are powered by traditional batteries and solar power. “Balloon platforms” are an excellent alternative to remote monitoring of water quality compared to regular communication towers, he said.
Before being brought to Lake Chini, AIN’s innovation testing was carried out at the UKM Engineering Lake after all the integration and verification had been completed.
The AIN research project is expected to benefit the people around Lake Chini by providing information on water quality and conserving the ecosystem and biodiversity of the species that depend on the lake as a habitat and food network.
The AIN had the advantage of being more flexible and less costly than manual monitoring by scientists involved in human resource management and operation as well as the construction of permanent control towers costing thousands of dollars.
The research carried out under the RM80,000 UKM University Research Grant (GUP) grant also received cooperation from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) Japan and Mimos Bhd.
Pushing Greentech in Malaysia
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the Malaysian state of Kedah was inviting investors to develop more green technology-based projects in the state, especially those relating to solar power.
The state’s Chief Minister said this would not only create more jobs but also establish many new business opportunities in terms of the handling, maintenance and installation of solar panels at commercial and residential premises.
The Chief Minister noted that the state government is also evaluating the entry of several new solar projects, seeing as similar solar projects are now becoming increasingly popular not only in Malaysia but around the world.
It is hoped that more Kedahans will take the opportunity to get involved.
This announcement was made after the opening of the 50-Megawatt Quantum Solar Park in Malaysia recently. Quantum Solar Park’s Chief Executive Officer was also present.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister stated that the construction of the solar plant in the Pendang district had indirectly made Kedah one of the leaders in the country’s solar industry and would help strengthen the state government’s ‘green’ efforts.
It was noted that the project is also among the initiatives to support the objectives of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC) in increasing the use of renewable energy in Malaysia.
MESTECC operates as the collection and dissemination centre for strategic Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) information in the country.
The agency also provides access to STI information from various institutions and acting as a linking mechanism among the policymakers, fund providers, researchers/developers, the industries and end-users. Our core business is to collect and disseminate strategic information related to STI activities.