Design and Performance Evaluation of a LoRa-Based Data Transmission System  for Micro Smart Grid Devices in Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Jarun  Khonrang; Pairoj  Duangnakorn; Seksan  Winyangkul; Thanapon  Saengsuwan; Suppat  Rungraungsilp; Kamol  Boonlom

doi:10.69650/rast.2026.263801

Authors

Jarun Khonrang Faculty of Industrial Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3001-7212
Pairoj Duangnakorn Faculty of Industrial Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Seksan Winyangkul Faculty of Industrial Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Thanapon Saengsuwan Faculty of Industrial Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Suppat Rungraungsilp School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
Kamol Boonlom Faculty of Industrial Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69650/rast.2026.263801

Keywords:

LoRa IoT Network, Micro Smart Grid, Water Quality Monitoring, Solar-Powered IoT, Groundwater Quality

Abstract

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a LoRa-based Internet of Things (IoT) communication system for water quality monitoring integrated with a micro smart grid. The system operates at 923.2 MHz with 125 kHz bandwidth using the SX1276 transceiver and FHSS modulation to achieve long-range, low-power communication. A single-channel LoRa gateway, built on a Raspberry Pi 3, forwards sensor data to the ThingSpeak cloud platform through a LoRa Network and Application Server for real-time visualization of environmental and electrical parameters. Theoretical modeling with the Free-Space Path Loss (FSPL) model and Keysight ADS simulation predicted a received power of –72.8 dBm at 2 km. Field measurements recorded –108 dBm, showing an extra 35 dB attenuation from Fresnel obstruction, multipath, and ground reflection. Despite this, the system achieved a 95% packet delivery ratio (PDR) with a measured SNR of +9 dB, consistent with link budget analysis. With a 30-byte payload, the time-on-air was ~4.8 ms, yielding an effective throughput of 47.5 kbps. Results confirm the system’s reliability, efficiency, and suitability for solar-powered monitoring stations, supporting smart grid and water management applications.

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