Method for distributing energy harvesting geophones

A method for distributing geophones around a seismic data source, the method comprising:

• distributing one or more first geophones in a first region in which the seismic data source is located, each of the first geophones including a first piezoelectric system;
• and
• distributing one or more second geophones in a second region surrounding the first region, each of the second geophones including a solar cell, a second piezoelectric system and a thermoelectric generator,
• wherein each of the second geophones comprise:
• a housing having a top surface, a flat bottom surface, and a lateral surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the lateral surface is in the form of a cylinder having a top circumferential edge at a top junction of the top surface and a bottom circumferential edge at a bottom junction of the bottom surface with a bottom end of the cylinder;
• a spike provided on the bottom surface of the housing;
• a sensor provided inside the housing, the sensor configured to sense seismic data;
• a processor provided inside the housing and coupled to the sensor, the processor configured to process the seismic data;
• a transceiver provided inside the housing and coupled to the processor, the transceiver configured to transmit the processed seismic data and receive radio frequency (RF) signals wirelessly;
• and
• a power device coupled to the sensor, the processor and the transceiver, the power device configured to harvest energy from an environment where the geophone is located to power the sensor, the processor and the transceiver;
• wherein the solar cell is disposed on the top surface and a portion of the lateral surface of the housing;
• wherein the second piezoelectric system is disposed on the top circumferential edge of the housing adjacent to the top surface and extends outward from the housing perpendicular to the lateral surface;
• and
• wherein the thermoelectric generator is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and a surface of the spike.