International Journal of Applied Power Engineering (IJAPE)
Vol 15, No 2: June 2026

Development of groundwater level sensor for internet of things-based peatland fire monitoring

Abdul Muid (Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Nina Siti Aminah (Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Maman Budiman (Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Mitra Djamal (Institut Teknologi Bandung)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

Monitoring groundwater levels in peatlands is crucial for mitigating forest and land fires, which frequently occur in tropical regions. Current peatland groundwater level monitoring systems generally have limitations in their sensing range. Additionally, the lack of electricity and internet infrastructure around the monitoring sites presents another challenge. To address these issues, in this study, we developed a groundwater level sensor based on a float integrated with an optocoupler as a rotary encoder to monitor changes in water levels in real-time. The system is connected to an internet of things (IoT) platform through a LoRa communication module, powered by solar panels, enabling continuous wireless data transmission over a large range. To overcome the sensing range limitation, we developed a rotary encoder with a pulley driven by a long rope. Testing was conducted using transparent pipes with varying water levels to evaluate the sensor's performance. Experimental results showed that the sensor could measure water levels with a resolution of ±3.33 mm. This research provides a technique for measuring groundwater levels with an extended measurement range. Additionally, it produces a peatland fire risk monitoring system based on groundwater level parameters. It is expected can support peatland fire mitigation efforts more efficiently and effectively.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJAPE

Publisher

Subject

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Description

International Journal of Applied Power Engineering (IJAPE) focuses on the applied works in the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution, sustainable energy, applications of power control in large power systems, etc. The main objective of IJAPE is to bring out the latest practices in ...