EXXN has begun the installation and deployment of an advanced SAMS (Sensor-Based Aquatic Monitoring Systems) consisting of 15 smart buoys and one virtual buoy (coastal station) to monitor water quality across 16 beaches in Calvià. This comprehensive turnkey project spans from project development to the installation of buoy anchors, buoy placement, and radio engineering for the real-time reporting system using NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) technology, with the aim of promoting the digitalization of high-quality tourism in the region.
The distributed aquatic sensor system is dedicated to collecting multiple water quality parameters at the beaches, including temperature, pH, salinity/conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and hydrocarbon concentration. This data is transmitted to the EXXN IoT platform, where it undergoes advanced processing and is distributed to beach information systems operating via informational panels.
Javier Cortés, Director of EXXN Engineering, stated during the solution's launch event: "At EXXN, our mission is to drive innovation and sustainability. This project represents a crucial step forward in the digitalization of the tourism sector in Calvià, by offering visitors accurate, real-time data on water quality, which will enable a safer and more responsible tourism experience."
Similarly, Javier Olivito, Technical Director of EXXN, remarked during the same event: "From a technical standpoint, this project in Calvià represents an exciting challenge and an opportunity to showcase EXXN’s capability in the development and integration of advanced technologies. We have designed a robust and efficient system that combines the precision of cutting-edge sensors with the connectivity of Movistar's NB_IoT network, ensuring real-time data transmission to our IoT platform with low electronic consumption."
The discreet smart buoys from EXXN used for this project present an additional innovation: Unlike traditional solutions with angled panels on masts, which suffer from dirt accumulation, require constant maintenance, and are vulnerable to marine conditions, the EXXN buoys feature a custom-designed solar panel positioned at the base of the buoy, in a horizontal position. This arrangement allows for natural self-cleaning with the movement of the waves, minimizing the accumulation of salt, algae, and other debris, ensuring consistent performance throughout all hours of sunlight and drastically reducing the need for maintenance during the tourist season.
It is expected that the first buoys will be installed in the coming weeks. The system is estimated to be operational by August 2024.
