Design of a methane monitoring system based on wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless sensor prototypes have varying hardware architectures and distinctive sensing principles. In this study, a prototype is developed for the purpose of monitoring leaks of methane (CH4), which has explosive properties and is the main constituent of the natural gas, in the refineries or buildings and work places heating. The prototype can be mounted on the walls as well as it is portable. System is composed of the integration of methane gas sensor module NGM2611 to MicaZ mote. The sensor module is pre-calibrated and is a product of FIGARO firm. The MICAz is a 2.4 GHz, IEEE/ZigBee 802.15.4; board used for low-power, wireless and sensor networks. By means of the designed sensor prototypes, wireless sensor networks are established indoors; hence, methane gas leaks are detected and sent to the base stations. Data received by base station is monitored by the software on a computer connected to the base station. This study explains the system structure, parts of hardware and software design in detail. The aim of the system is to implement a wireless methane gas platform. This platform can be used to real time monitoring of the methane leaks which would be crucial for critical conditions and helpful to decrease risk of death due to those leaks. Key words: Wireless sensor network, methane sensing system.