Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Indoor Environments Using Nano Quadcopter

The dispersion of chemical gases poses a threat to human health, animals, and the environment. Leaks or accidents during the handling of samples and laboratory materials can result in the uncontrolled release of hazardous or explosive substances. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor gas concentrations in environments where these substances are manipulated. Gas sensor technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering increasingly precise and reliable solutions. However, there are still challenges to be overcome, especially when sensors are deployed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This article discusses the use of UAVs to locate gas sources and presents real test results using the SGP40 metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor onboard the Crazyflie 2.1 nano quadcopter. The solution proposed in this article uses an odor source identification strategy, employing a gas distribution mapping approach in a three-dimensional environment. The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach for detecting gases in areas that are difficult to access or dangerous for humans. The results obtained show that the use of drones equipped with gas sensors is a promising alternative for the detection and monitoring of gas leaks in closed environments.