Innovative wireless sensor framework for enhanced characterization of oil and gas reserves in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This research will develop a broad foundation in support of innovative wireless smart sensing strategies and technologies that can provide high-resolution subsurface seismic surveys to enable more effective exploration of the oil and gas reserves in Kazakhstan. The hypothesis is that next generation wireless smart sensor networks, coupled with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technologies, can create an autonomous seismic survey system that is scalable to large geographical regions and terrains of interest. The UAV will be employed as an airborne base station to provide cooperative wireless transmission for sensor nodes and data harvesting. Digital mapping of the exploration area will take advantage of the UAV's mobility, onboard computational power, and image processing capabilities. A key benefit of the proposed solution is its ability to scale to mega-node networks, yielding an unprecedented level of resolution for seismic surveys.