Environmental Monitoring Systems
Project Background
In 1999, a rapidly growing company in Ireland emerged as a leader in the environmental monitoring industry. Over the years, they played a crucial role in establishing regulations for environmental pollution control while developing advanced monitoring technologies.
To support global research, the company built a centralized data center that receives environmental data on habitats of endangered species—collected in collaboration with international environmental organizations. This system provides scientists and researchers with reliable, actionable insights.
Beyond wildlife protection, the company also focuses on safeguarding workers exposed to hazardous environments such as air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, radioactive exposure, and water contamination. The same protective principles used for humans are also applied to animals.
Their monitoring system integrates multiple sensors to detect various pollution indicators. For previous generations, the system was primarily designed for indoor use and relied on mains electricity, requiring constant power connection and limiting outdoor applications.
By 2023, they discovered a growing demand for wireless, portable solutions suitable for short-term outdoor environmental testing, including:
- Targeted field inspections conducted by Environmental Protection Agencies.
- Habitat testing by animal protection organizations to reduce environmental stress on endangered species.
- Outdoor work scenarios (e.g., logging, chemical processing) where companies require real-time monitoring to protect worker health and prevent accidents.
To meet these emerging needs, the client turned to us for help in developing a portable outdoor power supply for their environmental monitoring system.
Key Challenges
- Large Battery Requirement: The customer needed a high-capacity battery pack that was no longer suitable for handheld or backpack use.
- Outdoor Portability: Equipment must be easy to transport across rugged terrain and remote environments.
- Waterproof Design: The casing must ensure the power supply remains fully protected from rain, moisture, and accidental submersion.
- High Power Consumption: Multi-sensor operation drains energy quickly, requiring an extended operating time.
- Renewable Charging Option: Some field tasks occur in remote areas without electricity access.
Our Solution
Battery System & Portability Design
To address the large battery requirement, our engineering team proposed a suitcase-style power supply equipped with durable wheels and a telescopic handle. This design ensures easy mobility in forests, mountains, construction zones, and wildlife habitats. The portability challenge was fully resolved.
Waterproof Casing Development
The customer required the power supply to remain dry in all conditions.
We provided:
- Full industrial casing design
- Custom mold development
- Comprehensive waterproof verification tests
The final product achieved IP68 waterproof rating, exceeding the customer’s expectations and ensuring reliable outdoor use even in extreme weather.
MPPT Integration for Extended Runtime
Because multi-sensor systems consume power quickly, the client worried about limited working time.
Our technical team proposed integrating an MPPT solar charging module inside the power supply:
- When needed, users can connect an external solar panel, enabling power storage during fieldwork.
- This significantly extends operational time, making it ideal for remote or off-grid environments.
Results & Value Delivered
- The new outdoor systems and power supplies first launched in Northern Europe, receiving highly positive market feedback.
- The client has already formed partnerships with multiple labor unions, while several governmental organizations are currently evaluating the solution.
- The waterproof suitcase design and MPPT-enhanced runtime greatly improved operational flexibility for environmental field teams, wildlife agencies, and industrial safety departments.
Next Steps
The customer aims to expand the deployment of their outdoor environmental monitoring systems across Europe and North America within the next two years, supporting worker well-being, ecological research, and wildlife protection organizations worldwide.
We will continue providing technical support and exploring future upgrades to help them achieve their long-term development goals.
“The portable power supply allowed us to conduct environmental testing anywhere we needed—reliably, safely, and without technical limitations.
