MethaSense - Multisensory Drone-Based Methane Detection in Landfill Environments
MethaSense is a research and development project focused on developing an intelligent solution for multisensory drone-based methane detection in landfill environments. This innovative solution combines cutting-edge drone technologies (robotics) with innovative sensor technology for gas detection and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to continuously and precisely capture anomalies in landfill environments, thereby increasing the quantity and quality of emissions data for validation and early implementation of prevention and utilization strategies.
Motivation and Background
Methane (CH₄) is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas on Earth after carbon dioxide (CO₂). According to current IPCC figures, the internationally recognized indicator GWP100 for methane is 27, meaning a certain mass of methane is 27 times more harmful than the same mass of CO₂ over a 100-year period. The waste management sector is a major contributor to global methane emissions, accounting for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. About 90% of methane emissions from the waste sector are attributable to landfills and wastewater systems, contributing to around 18% of anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide.
Germany currently has around 1,000 landfills that cause approximately 288 kt of methane emissions annually, equivalent to about 7.78 million tons in CO₂-equivalent per year. Germany has joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. However, since methane emissions are often still estimated rather than measured, they are underestimated by up to 200%, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of existing methane reduction approaches.
MethaSense addresses these challenges by significantly increasing the data quantity through intelligent, multisensory drone-based detection, enabling effective and early implementation of prevention and utilization measures. The project aims for a medium-term potential increase in the methane capture rate at landfills by up to 50% compared to the reference system.
Technological Innovation
At the core of MethaSense is the integration of advanced technologies:
AI-Supported Multisensor System
The system combines multiple sensor technologies including high-sensitivity gas sensors, LiDAR, camera systems, and specialized methane detection modules. AI algorithms enable real-time sensor fusion, continuous calibration, and automatic correction of environmental influences such as temperature.
Autonomous Drone Platform
A highly automated drone platform capable of navigating complex landfill environments with adaptive flight patterns. The system includes obstacle avoidance, terrain-following capabilities, and can operate in challenging environmental conditions typical of landfill sites.
Real-Time Data Processing and Visualization
AI-powered data processing enables real-time detection and localization of methane leaks, quantification of emission rates, and geographic distribution analysis. An interactive dashboard provides intuitive visualization of methane concentration hotspots and measurement trends.
Smart Sample Collection
Innovative sampling methods are being researched, including tube systems for gas aspiration, sensor modules that can be lowered from the drone, and autonomous sensor modules that can be deployed and retrieved by the drone.
Key Technologies
- Gas Sensors: Digital metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors and other advanced sensors for methane, hydrogen, and VOCs
- Optical Systems: LASER systems (1.8 µm wavelength) for methane detection at greater distances via reflection
- LiDAR-SLAM: For precise navigation and 3D mapping of landfill terrain
- AI/ML Models: CNNs, LSTMs, RNNs, Autoencoders, and GANs for anomaly detection, prediction, and optimization
- Cloud-Based Fleet Management: Ground control system with trajectory planning, 2-way telemetry, live streaming, and visualization
- Temperature Control: For maintaining sensor accuracy under varying environmental conditions
Environmental and Societal Significance
Climate Impact
By achieving a 50% increase in methane capture at German landfills, MethaSense could potentially prevent the emission of approximately 50 kt CH₄ annually, equivalent to a GWP100 savings potential of about 1.3 million tons CO₂-equivalent per year – matching the annual emissions of a medium-sized city (approximately 200,000 inhabitants).
Environmental Benefits (Annual potential for Germany)
Economic Benefits
Based on CO₂ pricing
From captured methane
Better cost-benefit analysis
Health and Social Impact
Methane contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can cause respiratory inflammation and asthma. Air pollution, to which methane contributes, is responsible for 400,000 premature deaths annually in Europe. MethaSense increases societal acceptance and competitiveness of landfills by enabling operators to proactively contribute to emission reduction and sustainable energy production.
Applications
Landfill Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of methane emissions from active and closed landfills
Early Leak Detection
Identification of emission hotspots and potential leaks before they become major issues
Compliance Monitoring
Support for regulatory compliance with environmental standards
Energy Recovery Optimization
Data-driven optimization of landfill gas capture and utilization systems
Environmental Management
Enhanced data quality for environmental impact assessments
International Applications
Potential for deployment in countries with higher methane emissions from landfills
Project Details
Basic Data
- Funding
- Digital GreenTech – BMFTR
- Duration
- 2 years (Oct 2025 - Sep 2027)
Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3: Good Health and Well-being | 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 13: Climate Action | 14: Life Below Water | 15: Life on Land
Project Consortium
The MethaSense project brings together leading research institutions, engineering companies, and technology experts:
Gravionic GmbH (Project Lead)
Geoservices and customization of dynamic systems, drone platform development and system integration
Deposerv Ingenieursgesellschaft mbH
Engineering services, landfill operations expertise, definition of measurement scenarios and safety measures
Autrik UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Software development, cloud-based fleet management, ground control system, dashboard development, and flight operations coordination
August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut (AWSi)
Research institute, AI/ML model development, intelligent data processing, sensor fusion, and anomaly detection
Öko-Institut e.V.
Research institute, environmental impact assessment, life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040/14044
Universität des Saarlandes
Chair of Measurement Technology - Sensor module development, calibration, laboratory validation, and field testing
For more information about MethaSense or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us.