IoT-Based Intelligent Gas Leakage Detector Using Arduino

This guide will walk you through creating an IoT-based gas leakage detector using Arduino. The system will detect gas leaks and send notifications or alerts when a gas leak is detected, providing a crucial safety measure for various environments.

Components Required

• Arduino Uno or similar microcontroller
• MQ-2 Gas Sensor (for detecting gases like LPG, methane, carbon monoxide)
• GSM module (e.g., SIM800L) or Wi-Fi module (e.g., ESP8266) for sending notifications
• Power supply (for Arduino and GSM/Wi-Fi module)
• Connecting wires and breadboard
• Enclosure to house the electronics
• SIM card (if using GSM module) or Wi-Fi network

Setting Up the Hardware

Follow these steps to set up the hardware:

1. Connect the MQ-2 Gas Sensor to Arduino

   Wire the MQ-2 gas sensor to the Arduino. The sensor will detect gas levels and provide analog output. Connect the sensor's output pin to an analog input pin on the Arduino.

2. Connect the GSM/Wi-Fi Module

   Connect the GSM module or Wi-Fi module to the Arduino using serial communication. This module will be used to send alerts when a gas leak is detected. Ensure that the module is properly powered and connected.

3. Power the System

   Provide power to the Arduino and the connected modules. Ensure stable power supply to avoid disruptions in detection and communication.

4. Encase the Electronics

   Place the assembled components in an enclosure to protect them from environmental factors and ensure a clean setup.

Programming the Arduino

Write the Arduino code to read data from the gas sensor and send alerts if a gas leak is detected. Here is a basic outline of the code:

                #include <SoftwareSerial.h>

                #define GAS_SENSOR_PIN A0
                #define THRESHOLD 300

                SoftwareSerial gsmSerial(10, 11); // RX, TX

                void setup() {
                    pinMode(GAS_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
                    gsmSerial.begin(9600);
                    Serial.begin(9600);
                    
                    sendAlert("Gas leakage detection system initialized.");
                }

                void loop() {
                    int gasLevel = analogRead(GAS_SENSOR_PIN);

                    if (gasLevel > THRESHOLD) {
                        sendAlert("Alert: Gas leakage detected!");
                    }

                    delay(5000); // Check every 5 seconds
                }

                void sendAlert(String message) {
                    gsmSerial.println("AT");
                    delay(1000);
                    gsmSerial.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS mode to text
                    delay(1000);
                    gsmSerial.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with your phone number
                    delay(1000);
                    gsmSerial.println(message);
                    delay(1000);
                    gsmSerial.write(26); // Send SMS
                }
            

This code reads gas levels from the MQ-2 sensor and sends an SMS alert if the gas concentration exceeds a predefined threshold.

Testing the System

Test the gas leakage detector system to ensure proper functionality:

1. Simulate Gas Leak

   Expose the MQ-2 sensor to a controlled amount of gas to verify that the system detects it and sends an alert.

2. Check SMS Alerts

   Ensure that SMS messages are received on the specified phone number and contain the correct alert information.

3. Adjust Sensitivity

   Modify the gas level threshold in the code if needed to better match the sensitivity required for your application.