Using Wireless Sensor Networks in Special Applications for Mining with Accident Potential Location

In this paper, the properties and perspective of wireless sensor networks (WSN) used in special applications is approached. For a better understanding of such a problem the first part of the paper treats a short evolution and developing of WSN as ubiquitous computing together with his important properties and performances. In the next part of the paper the special applications are defined, for potentially aggressive environments to ensure the health and safety of the staff. Three conditions can be considered (1) If there is an unfriendly environment that facilitates the risk of accidents, (2) If there are aggressive equipment in that location that can compete to cause accidents, (3) If there are work security breaches for staff that can cause accidents. These conditions define the Triangle of accidents. If any of the first two conditions may occur defines an Potentially Accident Location is defined. The presence of all three conditions defines an Accident Risk Location. Work is only allowed in secure locations by intervening on all three factors as follows Ensuring a nonhazardous working environment, using safe equipment and removing security breaches. This is the duty of employers and managers of those activities. Properties of WSN can help the monitoring of environments with Accident potential, using a combined solution consisting of WSN and SCADA systems when exists in such locations. In the last part of the paper an example of using WSN in underground mining extracting coal was develop. This example is validated by modeling and simulation using CupCarbon software environment with good results.