WHY?

TECHONOLGY  IN TROPICS 

In the world of technology development, we often have less concern about the weather condition of the areas. Especially in tropical climate, temperatures and rain hugely affect the performance of the technology. This impacts day to day technology, and hampers further development. Some of the cause for declining performance of the modern day technology.

Heat and Overheating:

    Example: Mobile phones and laptops used in northern India during the scorching summer months often suffer from overheating issues. Processors may throttle to prevent overheating, leading to reduced performance, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage batteries and other components.

Humidity and Corrosion:

    Example: Telecommunication towers along the coast of India are exposed to high humidity and saltwater spray. The corrosion caused by these conditions can affect the performance of antennas and communication equipment, leading to reduced signal strength and coverage. Especially biometric sensor performance reduces due to wet hands.

Monsoons and Flooding:

    Example: Smart city infrastructure, such as sensor-based flood monitoring systems in cities like Chennai, can be vulnerable to damage during monsoons. If these sensors and monitoring equipment are not properly waterproofed or elevated, they may fail when inundated by heavy rains.

Power Fluctuations and Outages:

    Example: Data centers in regions with unreliable power supply, like parts of Uttar Pradesh, often require advanced uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) systems to ensure continuous operation. Without these systems, power fluctuations and outages can lead to data loss and service interruptions.

Insect and Wildlife Interference:

    Example: Rural agricultural technology, such as automated irrigation systems, can be vulnerable to insect infestations. Insect damage to sensors and control systems can disrupt efficient water management on farms.

Fungal Growth and Mold:

Example: Hospitals and healthcare facilities in high-humidity areas like Kerala need to carefully manage medical equipment to prevent fungal growth and mold. For instance, X-ray machines and electronic health records systems must be kept in climate-controlled environments.

Natural Disasters:

    Example: Emergency communication systems and weather monitoring technologies used in coastal areas of Odisha must be engineered to withstand cyclones. Specialized infrastructure is needed to ensure that these technologies continue to function during and after a storm.

Resource Limitations:

    Example: Solar power installations in remote regions of northeastern India often face challenges due to the lack of access to quality materials and consistent power. Dust accumulation on solar panels and limited access to spare parts for maintenance can reduce energy production.

Health and Safety Concerns:

    Example: Wearable health technology, such as fitness trackers and medical monitoring devices, must be designed with the well-being of users in mind, particularly in hot and humid conditions. Straps and materials should be comfortable, breathable, and sweat-resistant.

Environmental Considerations:

    Example: The expansion of 4G and 5G networks in India, which require the installation of numerous cell towers, has raised environmental concerns about deforestation and habitat disruption. Regulators have urged the telecom industry to adopt eco-friendly tower designs and locations to minimize ecological impact.

Addressing these technology-specific challenges often involves custom design and engineering solutions to adapt to the unique conditions of tropical climates in India. It also necessitates regular maintenance and proactive measures to protect technology assets from environmental and wildlife threats.