Abstract: A remote methane detector is described herein. The remote methane detector includes an external shell defining an interior cavity. The remote methane detector also includes an airflow aperture. The remote methane detector also includes a methane sensor disposed within the interior cavity, wherein the methane sensor is adapted and configured to receive airflow from the airflow aperture and to detect methane within the airflow. The remote methane detector also includes a rechargeable power source. The remote methane detector also includes a low-energy telecommunications transceiver chain. The remote methane detector also includes an energy collector adapted and configured to collect renewable energy and to power at least the methane sensor and the low-energy telecommunications transceiver chain.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an electric heater including: a resistive heating element; a current transformer positioned around a portion of the resistive heating element or a lead thereto, the current transformer adapted and configured to produce a secondary induced current proportional to a primary current flowing through the resistive heating element; and a controller communicatively coupled to the resistive heating element and the current transformer. The controller is programmed to either: (i): detect a deviation between the secondary induced current and a reference value; and in response to the deviation, generate an alert; or (ii) communicate to a remote server programmed to detect a deviation between the secondary induced current and a reference value.