Routing Algorithm for Sensor Network Monitoring the Condition of Mining Equipment

This paper presents a concept of a routing algorithm for a network of sensors monitoring the condition of machinery and equipment operating in areas at risk of methane and/or coal dust explosion. It was assumed that the proposed algorithm would find application in sensor networks monitoring, among other things, oil pressure in powered roof supports and the position of powered roof support elements. The results of a literature analysis were presented, which included the simulation of sensor network routing algorithms, including, among others, reactive algorithms, proactive algorithms and algorithms based on so-called swarm intelligence (SI). As a result of the analyses, several algorithms were selected and implemented in a prototype sensor network. The characteristics of each of these algorithms are described. The article includes a description of the commissioning work of the network, which consisted of between 3 and 30 nodes. An analysis of the collected measurement data obtained for each criterion of the performance evaluation of the routing algorithms is presented.