Sustainable urban noise monitoring network with renewable bioenergy sources: An energy cost–benefit analysis

• Published in: Sustainable cities and society 2024-09, Vol.111, p.105526, Article 105526
• Main Authors: Castillo-Atoche, Alejandro, Maile, Naemi, Estrada-Lopez, Johan J., Osorio-de-la-Rosa, Edith, Palma-Marrufo, Orlando, Vázquez-Castillo, Javier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost–benefit analysis; Energy harvesting; LoRa network; Renewable bio-energy sources
• ISSN: 2210-6707; 2210-6715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2024.105526

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as solutions for developing financially viable, and environmentally friendly monitoring systems in line with the sustainable development goals. However, their long-term operating costs are commonly neglected in literature. In this study, a novel framework for analyzing the cost–benefit trade-offs of urban noise monitoring systems is presented. The framework employs a comparative analysis of WSNs powered by bioenergy plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs), solar photovoltaic cells, and battery sources. The network sustainability and cost–benefit effects are evaluated through the deployment of ten wireless nodes in Merida City, Mexico. The analysis of the network operational cost, the cost of upgrading technology, the system maintenance, and the battery disposal, as well as, waste savings with the bioenergy source, are considered. The analysis shows that when assessing a Long Range (LoRa) network with a PMFC bioenergy source over a 3-year period, and with a service cost set at $0.01 USD per month for each single data packet transmitted every 5 min, the investment return is attained in 8 months and delivers a profit of approximately 30% within the first year. Compared to conventional battery-powered systems, the PMFC offers significant cost savings, reducing the system cost up to 29%. •Cost–benefit analysis of LoRa networks powered by P-MFCs for urban noise monitoring.•The model reveals an investment return of ∼8 months per $0.01 USD transmitted packet.•A profit of around 30% is achieved during the first year with the bioenergy source.•Comparative cost–benefit analysis presented for alternative power sources.•The sustainable LoRa network achieved an investment return within three years.