One of Leading Edge’s most recent projects is working in collaboration with RADIX Base Systems to provide bespoke off-grid communication masts for Smart Rural in the agricultural sector. Digital connectivity is now making it possible to build all sorts of value driving applications in rural settings. From monitoring soil conditions, temperature, water levels, moisture content and more; track all assets, livestock or personnel; manage everything more effectively and remotely using the data collected or bring new levels of automation with agricultural robotics. The technology behind the system is harnessing the power of Long Range Wide Area Networks (LoRaWAN) that can be installed anywhere and set up for an infinite number of applications and tasks within a range of 10-20km.
The various array of sensors transmits data over a mesh network of LoRaWAN gateways deployed on RADIX BASE STATIONS, developed in partnership with Leading Edge. Powered by solar and wind, and installed on innovative RADIX ground screw foundations, BASE STATIONS can be located even in the most rural and hard-to-access areas, ensuring 100% coverage across entire networks. All sustainable and without damage to the environment and the complete solution can be installed and be up and running in just one day.
As the more efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional concrete bases, BASE STATIONS are deployed on ground screw foundations where possible. Ground screws open up hard-to access areas and overcome sloping, uneven ground – the perfect match to off-grid solar and wind. No need for heavy excavation and unlike concrete ground screws can be installed any time of the year, in any weather and ready to build on immediately, ensuring there is minimal disruption to business operations. Leading Edge and RADIX have designed and manufactured bespoke vertically mounted solar modules, combining beautiful aesthetics with a practical function ensuring maximum power.
“Leading Edge have proven to be an engaging, proactive and responsive company, meeting the challenges of collaboration with energy, ideas and a solution-focused approach to great success with RADIX.” Callum Milne - Managing Director RADIX
The clever vertical solar design provides less opportunity for snow or dirt to cover the surfaces, optimising solar yield to give a consistent power charge during the day (weather dependent), in combination with the LE-300 wind turbine creating a hybrid solution which will deliver battery charging throughout the year. A bespoke control board and cabinet containing all the control equipment and battery storage has been specifically designed and assembled for the harshest of climates ranging from 60°C to -20°C by Leading Edge. The LE-300’s excellent power production stems from an exceptionally low start-up wind speed and superb high wind speed output. The LE-300 wind turbine has a heritage that is based around reliability and durability and is precision engineered with only two moving parts so little maintenance is required during the turbine’s operating life. For harsher climates, the LE-v150 Extreme vertical axis wind turbine will be installed due to the turbines reliability and ability to survive wind gusts of 35m/s (80mph) or if the temperatures drops down to -40°C.
