Development of IoT Based Monitoring System for CNG Cylinder Safety

Abstract

The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria due to the sharp increase in the price of petrol and their environmental benefits. However, car owners who have recently converted their vehicles from petrol to CNG are increasingly concerned due to numerous reports of cylinder explosions across the nation. These explosions are primarily caused by high temperatures, excessive humidity, and gas leaks, posing significant safety risks. As a result, addressing these safety concerns has become an urgent priority. This research presents a smart IoT-based monitoring system designed to enhance the safety of CNG vehicles by continuously monitoring critical parameters such as cylinder temperature, car boot temperature, humidity, and gas leakage. The system utilizes real-time data collection and alert mechanisms to detect hazardous conditions early, enabling timely interventions and preventing potential explosions. The hardware includes an ESP8266 microcontroller, an MQ-4 gas sensor for detecting CNG leaks, DHT11 and DHT22 sensors for monitoring temperature and humidity of the car boot and the cylinder respectively. These components are integrated with a mobile app that delivers real-time monitoring and alerts, enhancing overall safety. By combining sensors with wireless communication, this IoT-enabled solution offers an effective and scalable approach to addressing CNG-related safety hazards, improving user safety while boosting public confidence in CNG technology.