Green Final Project Proposal: Smart Gas Leak & Level Monitor 

A device that can be attached to or integrated with a Butagas vessel to detect gas leaks and measure the remaining gas level. This Smart Gas Leak & Level Monitor device is designed to ensure safety by providing both gas leak detection and real-time monitoring of remaining gas levels. With the help of MQ sensors for leak detection and ultrasonic sensors for gas measurement, the device offers a comprehensive safety solution. The smartphone app would keep users informed about the gas cylinder’s status, while automatic alerts and notifications make sure they never run out of gas unexpectedly or encounter dangerous gas leaks.

SDGs tackled in project: 

• Good Health & Well-being

• Affordable & Clean Energy

Social Impact: 

My design could enhance the QoL and provide extra protection for its target audience by helping them be more certain and feel more safe when dealing with Butagas vessels at home or work. In terms of inclusivity and accessibility, the alarm systems can be both visual and auditory to ensure people with different sensory limitations/ disabilities can be alerted. The mobile application design can also follow the digital accessibility guidelines to allow everyone to interact easily with the functions regardless of their abilities.

Economic Impact:

The product is relatively small and the technology integrated in it (sensors) should not make it highly expensive in relation to its safety however it is not cheap because of the pressure sensor. As for the mobile application, it should also be for free or the cost would be included in the product's costs. As for local economic growth, the product could lead to more job opportunities for workers, delivery drivers, and maintenance technicians. This can be further achieved with the current urban expansion across the country as many new urban cities are in a transitional phase and currently lack access to the gas network. Moreover, this solution helps the individuals in these neighborhood blocks and compounds save money by avoiding uncalculated leakages in their vessels.

Nature Resources:

As mentioned before, the product's service design is made not to be discarded. In case it is damaged or malfunctions, the maintenance technician would collect it to be fixed and/or replaced. On the other hand, the product itself helps maintain a better and more controlled consumption of Butane gas.

Environmental Impact:

The product would most probably be made of heat resistant plastic. Recycled plastic would be used in case it is available, affordable and has the properties needed to make a strong and heat-resistant product. 3D printing can also help in reducing material waste in production. As for the product's life cycle. It would be ensured that damaged products would be returned to the manufacturer to be reused or recycled. Rechargeable batteries can be used if possible to limit or at least reduce hazardous waste. The product targets individuals using Butagas vessels which in itself is not a renewable source of energy however it helps them avoid leakages which can cause health issues and a certain degree of pollution in their household.

How It Works:

1. Gas Leak Detection:

• Gas Sensor (MQ-6 or MQ-9):
  The device would use MQ-6 or MQ-9 gas sensors, which are designed specifically for detecting gases like propane and butane in the air. These sensors can detect even small leaks of LPG around the cylinder.
  
  

  • When the sensor detects a concentration of Butane gas (above a predefined threshold), it immediately activates an alarm or sends a notification to the user’s smartphone.

  • Alarm System: The alarm could be audio (a loud buzzer) to ensure the user is alerted immediately. This would be especially useful for users who might not be around the gas cylinder.

2. Gas Level Measurement:

• Pressure sensor for Gas Level:
  To measure the remaining gas in the cylinder, you can use an pressure sensor (like the RS Pro- Pressure Sensor). This sensor could be placed on top of the gas cylinder. It senses pressure by sending out a voltage proportional to that pressure.

3. Smart Notification & App Integration:

• The device would be connected to a smartphone app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The app could have the following features:

  • Leakage Alerts: Immediate push notifications if a gas leak is detected.

  • Gas Level Alerts: Notifications when the gas level is running low (user can set a threshold, such as when gas falls below 20%, for example).

  • Battery & Device Health Monitoring: The app can also monitor the health of the sensor and battery, notifying users when maintenance is needed.

Smart Features:

1. Mobile App Interface:

   • Gas Level Dashboard: Displays the remaining gas level in percentage or in weight (kg or litres).

   • Real-Time Alerts: Sends push notifications or text alerts to the user when a leak is detected or when the gas level is low.

   • Maintenance Reminders: Reminds the user to check the device or replace the battery.

2. Data Logging:
   The app could log the history of gas usage and leak events, helping users track their gas consumption and avoid running out unexpectedly.

3. Multiple Device Support:
   If you use multiple cylinders, the app can support several devices simultaneously, allowing you to monitor multiple cylinders at once.

4. Safety Features:

• Automatic Shut-Off (Optional):
  If the gas leak is detected and continues to rise, the system could be linked to an automatic gas shut-off valve. This could be installed between the Butagas vessel and the appliance (e.g., stove). In case of a detected leak, the valve would automatically shut off the gas flow to prevent further risk.
  
  

• Manual Override:
  Users could manually disable the alarm or reset the system if they have addressed the leak or refilled the gas cylinder.
  
  

5. Power & Sustainability:

• Low Power Consumption:
  The device could run on low-power electronics (like an Arduino Uno) and could be powered using a rechargeable battery
  
  

• Energy-Efficient Operation:
  The gas sensor could be activated intermittently, only turning on when needed (e.g., when the gas cylinder is in use), to conserve battery life.

6. Installation & Compatibility:

• Easy to Attach:
  The device would be designed to be easily attached to any standard LPG cylinder via a magnetic base or Velcro straps, making it portable and compatible with most gas cylinders.

• Universal Fit:

Since Butagas vessels come in various sizes, the pressure sensor would have an adjustable mount to fit different cylinder sizes. It could be calibrated via the app.

Cost Considerations:

• Low-Cost Sensors: Both MQ gas sensors and are relatively inexpensive, making the core technology affordable however the same cannot be said to the pressure sensors.

• App Development: Developing can be done relatively inexpensively with the right tools (e.g., using platforms like Blynk or MIT App Inventor).

• Power Supply: If the system uses a rechargeable battery, the overall cost remains low. Solar panels can be an additional cost but would add a sustainability benefit.

Potential Features for Future Upgrades:

1. IoT Integration: It could be integrated into a home automation system (such as Google Home or Alexa) for voice notifications.

2. Gas Refill Reminder: The system could send reminders when it’s time to replace or refill the cylinder based on usage patterns.

The Project will be as compact as possible and use recycled plastic/acrylic would be used in case it is available, affordable and has the properties needed to make a strong and heat-resistant product. 3D printing can also help in reducing material waste in production. As for the product's life cycle.  Rechargeable batteries can be used if possible to limit or at least reduce hazardous waste. 

Arduino will be used to connect between the inputs and outputs. When the MQ6 sensor is subjected to butane gas above a certain range, it will send a signal or frequency to the board. Said signal will be translated by the board as another signal to view a certain message on the LCD screen indicating there is a leakage.

For the monitoring, The sensor works by sending a small voltage that responds to the gas pressure. If the full vessel is at 150 psi then the voltage would be 4.5 (for example) which will be calibrated as 100%. As the pressure decreases, the voltage will decrease. This voltage is sent to the board which will then be translated by the board as another signal to view a certain message on the screen indicating there is a decrease to a certain percentage.