Technical configurations of the Internet of Things for environmental monitoring at large-scale coal-fired power plants

The environmental Internet of Things (IoT) can be applied in real-time monitoring of environmental factors by using automation and information technology to achieve science-based environmental management. For large-scale energy bases, the environmental IoT can help realize the normalization of environmental monitoring and facilitate an immediate response to emergency events. Moreover, continuous observations are beneficial for the analysis of long-term environmental changes caused by the development of large energy bases. The Victory coal-fired power plant in Xilinhot has been equipped with the environmental IoT technology. The real-time data collected by this IoT facility can be combined with environmental models for developing a decision-support system for environmental protection at large energy bases. Here, we propose a pattern of environmental monitoring and management for large-scale energy bases using IoT. We consider IoT architecture as a general approach. The sensor layer, transmission layer, and power supply, however, will vary with the specific installation. The data storage layer and application layer should take the standardized and service-oriented trends of model analysis and data application as the goals of their design. This will facilitate the sharing of environmental information and environmental analysis models.