CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND FEASIBILITY STUDY 2.

1 Introduction This chapter

presents an in-depth review of literature related to gas leakage detection systems and the application of emerging
technologies such as the Internet of Things, mobile computing, and intelligent systems. The purpose of this
chapter is to critically analyze what has been done both locally and globally in relation to the project topic,
identify existing gaps, and justify the development of the proposed system. In addition, the chapter evaluates the
feasibility of the proposed Gas Leakage Detection and Alert System by examining its technical, operational,
economic, and security aspects. This ensures that the system is not only innovative but also practical, scalable,
and sustainable within real-world environments. 2.2 Literature Review 2.2.1 What Has Been Done Locally In
Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region, the adoption of emerging technologies such as IoT ,
artificial intelligence, and embedded systems has been gradually increasing across sectors such as agriculture,
healthcare, and education. However, the application of these technologies in safety-critical systems, particularly
gas leakage detection, remains relatively underdeveloped. Most locally developed systems focus on basic
embedded solutions that utilize gas sensors and microcontrollers to detect leaks and trigger alarms. These
systems typically rely on simple alert mechanisms such as buzzers and light indicators, which are effective for
immediate detection but lack advanced functionalities such as remote monitoring and real-time communication.
Although Zimbabwe has made progress toward digital transformation under national initiatives such as Vision
2030, infrastructural challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity, limited access to advanced hardware,
and high costs of smart technologies continue to hinder the adoption of intelligent safety systems. In industrial
sectors such as mining and manufacturing, gas monitoring systems are sometimes used; however, these are often
imported solutions that are expensive and not customized for local environments. Furthermore, studies in the
region indicate a low level of awareness and adoption of automated safety technologies among households and
small businesses. Many users still rely on manual detection methods, which are unreliable and pose significant
risks. This highlights a critical gap and creates an opportunity for the development of affordable, locally
adaptable systems that integrate IoT and mobile technologies to improve safety. 2.2.2 What Has Been Done
Globally Globally, significant advancements have been made in gas leakage detection systems through the
integration of IoT , cloud computing, and intelligent technologies. In developed countries, gas monitoring
systems are increasingly incorporated into smart home and smart city infrastructures, where sensors continuously
monitor environmental conditions and transmit data in real time. These systems typically use sensor networks
connected to microcontrollers and cloud platforms, enabling remote monitoring through mobile applications.
Users can receive instant alerts and notifications when gas levels exceed safe thresholds, allowing for rapid
response and risk mitigation. In industrial settings, advanced systems utilize predictive analytics to analyze
historical data and detect potential leaks before they occur, thereby preventing accidents. In addition, intelligent
technologies such as chatbot systems are being integrated into safety applications to enhance user interaction.
These systems provide real-time guidance, answer user queries, and assist in emergency response, thereby
improving usability and reducing response time. Despite these advancements, global systems are not without
limitations. Many are expensive and require sophisticated infrastructure, making them less accessible in
developing countries. Additionally, their complexity can make them difficult for non-technical users to operate
effectively. These limitations highlight the need for simpler, more affordable, and user-friendly solutions that can
be adapted to different environments. 2.2.3 What New Idea Is Being Introduced The proposed Gas Leakage
Detection and Alert System builds upon existing technologies by integrating embedded systems, IoT , mobile
applications, and intelligent interaction into a unified platform. Unlike traditional systems that focus only on
detection and local alerts, this project introduces a comprehensive solution that enhances accessibility, usability,
and functionality. A key innovation of this project is the integration of a mobile application that allows users to
monitor gas levels remotely in real time. The system also incorporates multi-channel alert mechanisms, including
push notifications, SMS alerts, and automated voice calls, ensuring that users are informed immediately in case
of emergencies. Furthermore, the inclusion of a supervised chatbot introduces an intelligent component that
provides instant responses to user queries and offers guidance during gas-related incidents. This feature improves
user interaction and reduces dependence on technical expertise. Another important contribution is the
implementation of data logging and analytics, which enables users to track gas usage patterns and system
performance over time. This supports preventive maintenance and enhances decision-making. By combining
these features into a single system, the proposed solution addresses the limitations of existing systems and
provides a more effective and innovative safety solution. 2.3 Feasibility Study of the Proposed System 2.3.1
Technical Feasibility The proposed system is technically feasible as it utilizes readily available and well-
established technologies. Components such as gas sensors, microcontrollers, and mobile development platforms
are widely accessible and have been successfully applied in similar systems. Gas sensors such as the MQ series
are known for their sensitivity and reliability in detecting combustible gases, while microcontrollers such as
Arduino and ESP32 provide efficient data processing capabilities. Mobile application development platforms
enable the creation of user-friendly interfaces for monitoring and interaction. In addition, the system’s modular
design allows for scalability and future enhancements, such as integration with cloud computing and advanced
analytics. The availability of technical expertise in embedded systems and software development further supports
the successful implementation of the project. 2.3.2 Operational Feasibility The operational feasibility of the
system is high, as it is designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate. The mobile application provides an
intuitive interface that allows users to monitor gas levels, receive alerts, and access safety information without
requiring advanced technical skills. The system can be integrated into existing environments such as homes,
restaurants, and institutions with minimal disruption. Users will require basic training to understand system
functionality, while administrators can manage system operations effectively. Overall, the system is practical,
adaptable, and suitable for real-world deployment. 2.3.3 Schedule (Project Plan and Timeline) The project will
be implemented in several phases, including planning and design, development and implementation, testing and
evaluation, and deployment and maintenance. Each phase will involve specific tasks that contribute to the overall
development of the system. The planning phase will involve requirement analysis and system design, followed
by the development phase, which includes coding and hardware integration. The testing phase will ensure system
functionality and reliability, while the deployment phase will involve installation and user training. A Gantt chart
will be used to illustrate the project timeline, showing task sequencing, concurrency, and the critical path to
ensure timely completion. 2.3.4 Economic Feasibility (Cost-Benefit Analysis) The proposed system is
economically viable as it offers a cost-effective solution compared to existing commercial systems. The cost of
implementation includes hardware components, software development, and labor ; however, these costs are
relatively low due to the use of affordable components and open-source platforms. The benefits of the system
include improved safety, prevention of accidents, reduction in property damage, and increased user confidence.
In the long term, the system can result in significant cost savings by preventing disasters and reducing
maintenance expenses. Financial evaluation techniques such as Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Period
indicate that the benefits of the system outweigh the initial costs, making it a viable investment. 2.3.5 Threats to
Security and Controls Security is a critical aspect of IoT -based systems, as they involve data transmission and
connectivity between devices. Potential threats include unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber-attacks. To
address these risks, the system will implement security measures such as data encryption, authentication
mechanisms, and continuous monitoring. Secure communication protocols will be used to protect data
transmission, while access control mechanisms will ensure that only authorized users can interact with the
system. Additionally, the adoption of standard security practices ensures that the system remains reliable, secure,
and resilient against potential threats. 2.4 Summary This chapter reviewed existing literature on gas leakage
detection systems, both locally and globally, and identified key limitations in current solutions. It also introduced
the innovative aspects of the proposed system and demonstrated its feasibility across technical, operational,
economic, and security dimensions. The next chapter will present the system design and architecture of the
proposed Gas Leakage Detection and Alert System.