The utilization of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has become a critical component in both domestic activities and the commercial sector. However, despite its functionality, the risk of technical failures in cylinder valves or pressure regulators can precipitate gas leaks, potentially leading to fire incidents.

Addressing this urgency, students from the Electrical Engineering Program at Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) have developed an early detection system for gas leaks, extreme temperatures, and fire. This system integrates a sensory network with an Arduino Uno microcontroller serving as the central processing unit for the preventive management of gas leakage risks.

During the development phase, the Arduino Uno was selected as the primary microcontroller platform. This selection was predicated on its real-time data processing capabilities, an open-source architecture that facilitates peripheral integration, and programming efficiency utilizing the C language. These characteristics enable further scalability of the system into an Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.

Prior to the assembly stage, a field observation study was conducted in Kampung Ciketing Tenggilis, Bekasi. This initiative aimed to analyze environmental parameters and social conditions to determine the strategic and effective mapping of sensor placement.

The system integrates three primary sensor modules with specific functions:

1. MQ-2 Sensor: Acts as a multifunctional gas detector sensitive to propane, methane, alcohol, and smoke. This sensor operates based on changes in material conductivity due to gas exposure, which are subsequently converted into electrical signals for analysis by the microcontroller.

2. Flame Sensor: Functions to detect infrared radiation from flames. Upon detecting significant fluctuations in infrared waves, the system automatically transmits an interrupt signal to trigger safety protocols, such as disconnecting the heat source.

3. DHT11 Sensor: Utilized for monitoring thermal parameters and air humidity. This sensor features a temperature measurement range of 0°C to 50°C and a humidity range of 20% to 80%.

Changes in environmental parameters trigger resistance variations within the DHT11 sensor, which are then transmitted as digital data to the Arduino via a single-wire protocol. Although each sensor possesses a sensing range limitation, the employment of an MCU (Micro-computer Unit)-based processing unit ensures efficient data transmission, where data processing is prioritized to guarantee rapid system response.

The integration of the Arduino Uno with the MQ-2 sensor, Flame Sensor, and DHT11 yields a reliable early mitigation system. Through a case study approach in Kampung Ciketing Tenggilis, this research demonstrates that an efficient and cost-effective technical solution can effectively address real security challenges within the community. Based on the intensity of the temperature and fire, the system triggers specific responses ranging from a buzzer alarm indicating a leak to the activation of a hydrant pump to suppress the fire.

It is anticipated that this innovation will extend beyond the prototype stage to be implemented on a massive scale, thereby supporting the creation of smart settlements secure from energy-related disaster threats. The innovation delivered by one UNDIRA Electrical Engineering Student also shows that Engineering isnt only limited to comodifiable based outputs, but also for the safety and livelihood of others around us. 

Source of Reference:

Sugiharjo, B. (2024). Rancang Bangun Alat Pendeteksi Kebocoran Gas, Api dan Suhu Berbasis Arduino Uno Menggunakan Sensor MQ2, Flame Sensor dan Sensor DHT 11. Universitas Dian Nusantara.