IoT-Based Manhole Detection and Monitoring System

This guide provides instructions for creating an IoT-based system to detect and monitor manholes. The system will use sensors to monitor conditions such as movement, temperature, and gas levels, and will transmit data to a remote server for analysis and alerting.

Components Required

• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32)
• Accelerometer sensor (for detecting movement)
• Temperature sensor (e.g., DS18B20)
• Gas sensor (e.g., MQ-2 for detecting gases like methane)
• LoRa module or GSM module (for IoT connectivity)
• Battery pack (for power supply)
• Enclosure for housing the sensors and electronics
• Mounting hardware (to secure the sensors in place)
• Cloud service account (for data collection and analysis)

Setting Up the Hardware

Follow these steps to set up the hardware:

1. Connect the Sensors

   Attach the accelerometer, temperature sensor, and gas sensor to the microcontroller. Ensure proper wiring for power and data connections. Use pull-up resistors if needed for the sensors.

2. Install the IoT Module

   Connect the LoRa or GSM module to the microcontroller for remote communication. Configure the module to connect to your network or communication gateway.

3. Power the System

   Ensure all components are properly powered using a suitable battery pack. Verify that the power supply is adequate for the sensors and microcontroller.

Programming the Microcontroller

Write code to handle sensor readings and transmit data to the remote server. Here’s a basic outline of the code:

                #include <Wire.h>
                #include <Adafruit_Sensor.h>
                #include <Adafruit_BME280.h>
                #include <Adafruit_LSM303_U.h>
                #include <SoftwareSerial.h>

                #define GAS_SENSOR_PIN A0
                #define TEMP_SENSOR_PIN A1

                Adafruit_BME280 bme;
                Adafruit_LSM303_U accel = Adafruit_LSM303_U();
                SoftwareSerial loraSerial(10, 11); // RX, TX

                void setup() {
                Serial.begin(115200);
                loraSerial.begin(9600);
                
                if (!bme.begin(0x76)) {
                    Serial.println("Could not find a valid BME280 sensor, check wiring!");
                    while (1);
                }

                if (!accel.begin()) {
                    Serial.println("Could not find a valid LSM303 sensor, check wiring!");
                    while (1);
                }
                }

                void loop() {
                float temperature = bme.readTemperature();
                float humidity = bme.readHumidity();
                float pressure = bme.readPressure() / 100.0;
                sensors_event_t event;
                accel.getEvent(&event);

                int gasLevel = analogRead(GAS_SENSOR_PIN);

                String data = "Temperature: " + String(temperature) + " C, Humidity: " + String(humidity) +
                                " %, Pressure: " + String(pressure) + " hPa, Acceleration: X=" + String(event.acceleration.x) +
                                ", Y=" + String(event.acceleration.y) + ", Z=" + String(event.acceleration.z) +
                                ", Gas Level: " + String(gasLevel);
                                
                loraSerial.println(data);

                delay(60000); // Wait 1 minute before the next reading
                }
            

This code reads data from the sensors and sends it to a remote server via the LoRa module. Customize it based on your specific sensors and network configuration.

Setting Up the Server or Cloud Service

Configure a web server or cloud service to receive and process the data. Set up endpoints for receiving manhole condition data and create a user interface for monitoring and alerting.

                # Example for setting up a simple server using Python Flask

                from flask import Flask, request, jsonify

                app = Flask(__name__)

                @app.route('/manhole-monitor', methods=['GET'])
                def monitor():
                    temperature = request.args.get('temperature')
                    humidity = request.args.get('humidity')
                    pressure = request.args.get('pressure')
                    acceleration = request.args.get('acceleration')
                    gasLevel = request.args.get('gasLevel')
                    # Process and store data from the monitor
                    return jsonify(success=True, temperature=temperature, humidity=humidity, pressure=pressure,
                                    acceleration=acceleration, gasLevel=gasLevel), 200

                if __name__ == '__main__':
                    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)
            

This example shows how to set up a simple server to handle incoming data. Adapt it to fit your needs and infrastructure.

Testing and Calibration

Before deploying the system:

1. Test the Sensors

   Ensure that all sensors are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings. Calibrate the sensors if necessary.

2. Verify Data Transmission

   Check that data is correctly sent to and received by the server. Test the system in different conditions to ensure reliable performance.

3. Implement Alerts

   Configure alerting mechanisms for critical conditions, such as gas levels or unusual sensor readings, to notify relevant personnel.