1. Overview:
1.1 Background
1.1.1
Statement of problem
Water
scarcity is one of the major problems facing major cities of the world. Unexpected
shortage of water supply is common phenomena especially in dense population
such as in metro cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc. and to deploy computing
techniques in creating a barrier to wastage in order to not only provide more
financial gains and energy saving, but also help the environment and water
cycle which in turn ensures that we save water for our future.
Water
supply at this area is usually drawn from tank at the roof top of the
building. Apparently there is no early
warning system to monitor the tank water level when it has reached the critical
level. Due to the busy life it is common that the tank usually overflows without
notice. One has to keep on observing his tank water level to switch off the
motor once it is switched on. And sometimes this also can happen that the motor
coil burns because of absence of water in the sump. The situation worsened when
there is no personnel or technician in-charge to do the maintenance at the time
it is needed. It becomes worst
especially at the weekends and public holidays. Peoples have to wait for
couples of days for the water supply to resume.
The water level of the tank reduces drastically and within short period
of time the water runs out. Unexpected water shortage does occur any time if
the tank is not properly monitored. So these are the everyday problem that
motivated us in coming up with an affordable, user friendly and durable
automatic water level control system that doesn’t need any attention once it is
installed. The prototype is tested and functioned properly as a mean to reduce
the risk of unexpected shortage of water supply, Protection of motor running in
dry condition, halt condition and others.
1.1.2
Solution
We
presented our research in embedding a control system into an automatic water
pump controller through the use of different technologies in its design,
development, and implementation. The system used microcontroller to automate
the process of water pumping in an over-head tank storage system and has the
ability to detect the level of water in a tank, switch on/off the pump
accordingly and display the status on an LCD screen. Our
system will automatically manage the problems of waiting the time to switch on
the motor. There will not be the problems of burning of motor and overflow of
water. The system will automatically manage the filling the water on the tank.
This will save time as well as the money that will be on wastage due to
overflow of water and burning of motor.
1.2
Basic concept:
The technique of water level
monitoring and controlling system concentrated with some basic parts which are
softly aggregated together in our proposed method. Basic descriptions of some
parts are described below.
1.2.1 Water Level Indicator:
For water level indication unit we can use some LED light which will work for
water level indication. As per the data signal received by microcontroller LED
will glow on /off where different water levels are indicated. These types of
indicators are suitable for people who are illiterate or facing poor vision
problems. Our system also shows the level of water using LCD display making
monitoring easier and efficient.
1.2.2 Water Level Sensor: To
make special water level sensor (ultra-sonic Sensor) we would like to introduce
some convenient materials such as ultra sonic sensor, module and transmission
media (CAT 6) etc. ultra sonic sensor is placed at top of the roof so we make sensor
water proof and outdoor use cable is used to increase the durability of
transmission media.
1.2.3 Water pump controlling system: We can
control the water pump by connecting it with a system which consists of a
transducer that is placed at the overhead tank from where data signal is send
to pin of microcontroller via a motor driver circuit. When microcontroller
sends a positive signal (+5v) or a ground signal (0v) to the motor driver
circuit, then the water pump become on or off respectively. We also would like
to use a manual switch on the motor driver circuit which is supposed to use for
controlling it manually. It makes this system more users friendly.
1.2.4
Microcontroller: Microcontroller
is a computer on a chip that is programmed to perform almost any control,
sequencing, monitoring and display the function. Because of its relatively low
cost, it becomes the natural choice to the designer. Microcontroller is
designed to be all of that in one. Its great advantage is no other external
components are needed for its application because all necessary peripherals are
already built into it. Thus, we can save the time, space and cost which is
needed to construct low cost devices.
1.2.5
Others: We use varieties or other
components making our system competent, efficient, economic and durable.
1.3Final
Product
1.3.1 Product:
Microcontroller
based water level control and monitoring system would be beneficial to address
the current issues of effective utilization of the electricity and the water
supply in urban and rural sectors. It would prevent the wastage of nonrenewable
resource. This would be beneficial in implementing the automated system for
controlling water supply. Conversion of analog signals into digital system
would let the customers know about the level of water supplied. Manual system
for water supply would create the possibility of overflow of water and over use
of electricity which could depreciate the life of motors. Digital system for
the monitor of water supply would lead to effective and efficient use of
resources.
The
major purpose of business plan is to create a system that;
·
Minimizes the electricity consumption
level functioning at 0v.
·
Controls the wastage of water than
manual controls.
·
Monitors water supply and facilitates
customers through automation.
·
Expands the durability of electric
motors
The
system would constitute the following components.
·
Transducer
·
Microcontroller
·
Relays
·
LCD Displays
·
LED Indicators
·
CAT 6 Wires
·
Resistors
·
Capacitors
·
Inductors
·
PCV Board
·
Casing (as per customer demand)
Expected
Performance:
·
Removal of manual works.
·
100% accuracy through the use of system.
·
Reduce electricity consumption.
·
0% of water wastage.
·
Complete protection of motor.
Utilization:
Microcontroller
Based Automatic Water Level Control and Monitoring System would function on
Digital signals. Thus the automation would be able to achieve the designed
capacity and functioning criteria. Customers would be attracted towards its
functioning abilities and the accuracy it attains.
The
digital system for the control and monitor of water supply through the use of
microcontroller would be applicable in various forms of consumption level and
they are:
·
Household Sector (water tank overhead
and underground).
·
Industrial Sector (water tank overhead
and underground).
·
Hydropower Water Level Control and
Monitoring.
·
Government Water Supply (Boring System).
1.3.2
Final Product Design:
Fig. Functional Block diagram
Individual
Circuit description:
a)
Sensor/
Transducer:
i)
A sensor is a device which measures a
physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an
observer or by an instrument. In this project we use the ultrasonic sensor
which work on a principle similar to radar or sonar which evaluate attributes
of a target by interpreting the echoes from radio or sound waves respectively. Ultrasonic
sensors generate high frequency sound waves and evaluate the echo which is
received back by the sensor. Sensors calculate the time interval between
sending the signal and receiving the echo to determine the distance to an
object. We will use the Ultrasonic ranging module HC - SR04 provides 2cm -
400cm non-contact measurement function, the ranging accuracy can reach to 3mm.
The modules includes ultrasonic transmitters, receiver and control circuit.
b)
Amplification and isolation: when
the transmission distance is increases there should be difficult to correct
sending end signal and receiving end signal so there should be better to
amplify the transducer circuit.
In
isolation circuit there should be an isolator which deals with circuit
separation and amplify the input signals and given into microcontroller. So
that the protection is present for the microcontroller with fluctuation of
water level with its dynamic resistance.
c)
Microcontroller:
A
microcontroller is a compact standalone computer, optimized for control
applications. Entire processor, memory and the I/O interfaces are located on a
single piece of silicon so, it takes less time to read and write to external
devices. In this project we use The ATmega32 which is a low-power CMOS 8-bit
microcontroller based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture. By executing
powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, the ATmega32 achieves
throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz allowing the system designed to optimize
power consumption versus processing speed.
d) Control and protection: it
is necessary to control the level of lower tank because when the motor runs on
dry condition motor is overheated. This condition is also occurs when lower
tank is empty. So for the proper operation of the device there should be a
sequence to operate the motor properly and which are to be maintain for the
system to operate in the good condition.
Sequence:
1. When
the water level decreases immediately send a command to the control pin which
starts the motor
2. Start
the motor for 2-3 minutes and check the outlet of the water pipe at upper tank.
3. If
it senses the water then the process continues until the tank is 100% filled.
4. If
not then stop the motor for 4-5 hrs delay.
e)
Temperature
control: There should be temperature sensor attached with
the motor which immediately the temperature of motor and sends signal o
microcontroller to stop the motor.
f)
Under
and over voltage protection: It is also given into
the same PTs it is a microcontroller sense the every break even voltage which
is required to operate properly.
g)
Display
unit: In display unit there should be a fundamental LCDs
like (16x2 or higher) which shows the all the output information which the
microcontroller process. For example 100% of water, 42 degree Celsius of motor temperature,
motor is on, warnings, reason of stoppage of motor etc.
i) LED (Light Emitting Diode) LED
is an extension of the Light Emitting Diode (light-emitting diodes) of a type
of diode that can emit light energy when the energy out as heat. LEDs are
widely used as indicator lights and displays (display). The LEDs emit a variety
of different colors like red, yellow and infrared (invisible) by using elements
such as gallium, arsenic and phosphorus.
ii)
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) is a viewer module which is widely used because it
simple looks. The most widely LCD module used today is M1632 LCD because the
price is quite cheap. M1632 LCD display is an LCD module with 2x16 (2 rows x 16
columns) with low power consumption. The module is equipped with a
microcontroller specifically designed to control the LCD, HD44780.
h)
Motor
drives and motors: It is also essential part of our
projects where the heavy inductive loads are start with reactive power. Due to
the fluctuation of voltage there should be a separation of the motor operation.
So our circuits will properly work.
1.4
Resource:
1.4.1 Technology
Technology and Working Procedure:
As
we discuss earlier the major problem in Nepal is scarcity of water supply and
our system is the solution for that. We uses latest technology i.e.
microcontroller based controlling system which create accuracy in comparison to
traditional system.
According
to our research most of the people in Nepal are building underground tank for
storage of water and have overhead tank for continuous supply. Our system is
monitored by microcontroller where signal coming from transducer (similar as
sensor but constructional different) is received. When overhead tank is empty
our transducer find the signal that there is no water present as the set
position and send signal to microcontroller at the same time microcontroller
seek its status to another transducer present at underground tank for
availability of water. As both the signal is checked by microcontroller, then
it gives command to motor to start if there is water in underground tank by
operating relays. As upper tank is completely filled then transducer again flow
signal to microcontroller via CAT6 cable to turn off the motor.
In
case if there is not sufficient water at underground tank the no command will
be given to motor via relays to operates which protect motor from overheating.
Similarly same case will be happen in case of low voltage/power which often
occurs in Nepal.
1.4.2 Competitiveness
Efficient
use and water monitoring are potential constraint for home or office water
management system. Last few decades several monitoring system integrated with
water level detection have become accepted. However they are unable to meet the
requirements of the clients.
Some of the
systems that are implemented in the market are seen to be failure within 6
months time span. The main problem they faced is electrolyzation of water and
decomposition of tiny particles on the outer surface of sensor which ultimately
results system failure. In this context our system is completely isolated from
water resulting to overcome the limitation of our competitor. Some competitors
are using the manual system using the electric rod with a bulb. The durability
of their product is low. i.e. maximum of
1 year. Automation through the use of transducer is a new concept in
Nepal, so don’t possess a threat from competitors.
Main difference between our system and competitor
are:
Ø Our competitor uses contact type of sensor resulting
water contamination, decomposition of particles at sensor causes system
failure. Our product is completely non contact types overcoming all limitations
of competitors
Ø Single sensor controls and monitor both underground
and overhead tank where competitor uses different sensor for each tank
resulting untidy and misplace of wires.
Ø Our system will operates on approximately at 0v,
where there is no risk of electric shock, fire hazard and other short circuited
related problems which is on in our competitor.
Ø Our system will implement microcontroller based
technology where competitor uses conventional technology.
Ø Using our system client can save their motor from
overheating due to dry run and halt condition which is not applied in case of
our competitor.
Ø Low voltage protection, protection from lightening
is another key advantage of our device over our competitor.
Ø User selection choice for starting value makes our
system distinguishable form competitor.
2.2.1
Differentiation
Factors and Strong Point:
·
Removal of manual works.
·
100% accuracy through the use of system.
·
Minimizes the electricity consumption
level functioning at 0v.
·
Controls the wastage of water than
manual controls.
·
Monitors water supply and facilitates
customers through automation.
·
Expands the durability of electric
motors
3. Marketability
3.1. Target Market
´ Household
sector
Regarding the market of our product
we have found that almost all of the houses, malls, hotels, industries,
hospital, and offices are our targeted group. Our target groups also include
water supply offices which is government based and community based. According
to our initial survey we found that there are around 436,344 houses with some
housing apartments in Katmandu valley and around 125,673 households and some apartments in
Pokhara valley. Most of the customers are facing a lot of problems regarding
water. Therefore
our product would be a perfect choice with lots of benefits like digital microcontroller
based system with motor protection from all hazards, manual control system,
user friendly and the most perfect portable system with high durability.
Overall house hold in Nepal are
about 5,427,302 and they all are
our customers as we are planning to work in co-operation with Government of
Nepal in the sector of conservation of water.
´ Hotels
There are 457 tourist
standard hotels in Kathmandu, 10.92 percent more than last year. The Kathmandu
area includes Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Dhading,
Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Dolakha districts in the survey whereas there are 456
hotels in Pokhara. Every hotels in Pokhara valley we have
visited is eager to implement our system. They hire single personnel to manage
the water supply system. Hotels constitute a flow of customers, thus there is a
necessity of implementing the automated water supply system.
´ Institutions/
Offices/ Malls/ Hospitals:
There are 14 two-five star hotels in Pokhara. In
addition, Pokhara have 300 tourist standard and 200 ordinary hotels.
There are 157 travel and 204 trekking agencies in this touristy city.There are
28 colleges in Pokhara. Out of them, 16 colleges are under Tribhuwan
University, nine under Pokhara University, one each under Purbanchal University,
Kathmandu University and Singapore University. There are 15
hospitals in Pokhara. The western region zonal hospital, Manipal medical
college and Gandaki medical college are the main big hospitals. Pokhara Trade
Mall one of the largest mall with some other malls like bhatbhateni all are our
client who are facing the water problem regularly.
´ Community
Water Reservoir and Supply
5.
Social Impact
Environment:
´ Doesn’t create adverse effect on environment.
´ Protects the wastage of water resource.
´ Creates balance on water supply management in
environment.
´ Tourism
Development
Health
Care:
´ Nearly operates at 0v,
´ Comprises of higher safety or minimizes the
level of risk.
´ Provides safety to customers.
Energy:
´ Reducing
the unnecessary running of motor automatically leads to the efficient
management of energy and water resource.
Human
Rights:
´ Doesn’t
harm any disciplines of human Rights.
CONCLUSION:
Water is one of the most important basic needs
for all living beings. But unfortunately a huge amount of water is being wasted
by uncontrolled use. Some other automated water level monitoring system is also
offered so far but most of the method has some shortness in practice. We tried
to overcome these problems and implemented an efficient automated water level
monitoring and controlling system. Our intension of this research work was to
establish a flexible, economical and easy configurable system which can solve
our water losing problem. We have been used a low cost atmega32 microcontroller
in this system which is the key point to reduce cost. We have successfully
experiment the system in lab and therefore we can assure all that our system is
motor independent it can even work with different type of devices. This could
have a substantial benefit from this product work for efficient management of
water and motor. This product successfully provide an
improvement on existing water level controllers by its use of calibrated
circuit to indicate the water level and use of DC instead of AC power thereby
eliminating risk of electrocution.
