Sample Proposal

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.