1.1 Introduction
The existing automated method of level detection is described and that can be used to make a switching device. Moreover, the usual method of level control for home appliance is simply to start the feed pump at a low level and allow it to run until a higher water level is reached at the water tank. Liquid level control is a very common application in the process industry such as in food processing, pharmaceutical industry, water purification, chemical industry, and many more. The system is controlled with a custom designed graphical user interface (GUI) that allows for two control methods; namely, ON/OFF Controller and PID Controller. The designed system is used as laboratory equipment for training students in the process control area. Automatic control systems have been developing in the course of the last 150 years (Wagoner et al., 2006).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In last few decades several monitoring system integrated with water level detection have become accepted. Measuring water level is an essential task for government and residence perspective. In this way, it would be possible to track the actual implementation of such initiatives with integration of various controlling activities. Therefore, implementation of water controlling system makes potential significance in home applications (Khaled et al., 2010; Oghogho et al., 2013; Sadeque et al., 2012).
The Water Level Controller System is an Electronic Equipment which when electrically connected to the starter of any given pump -set motor will control the operation of the pump- set depending upon the water level in the Source and Destination Storage Tanks. It Switches ON the Pump-set when Water level drops below pre-set level in Overhead Tank, Switches OFF the Pump-set when Water level in Overhead Tank becomes full, Switches OFF the Pump-set when Water level is low in tank , and Switches ON the Pump-set when there is sufficient water in the tank.
Automatic water level controller circuit is an engineering project. It can automatically switch ON and OFF the domestic water pump set depending on the tank water level. You can implement this motor driver circuit at your home or college using less costly components. The main advantage of this water level controller circuit is that it automatically controls the water pump without any user interaction.
The automatic pump controller eliminates the need for any manual switching of pumps installed for the purpose of pumping water from a reservoir to an overhead tank. It automatically switches on the pump when the water level in the tank falls below a certain low level, provided the water level in the reservoir is above a certain level. Subsequently, as the water level in the tank rises to an upper level (M), the pump switched off automatically. The pump is turned on again only when the water level again falls below level in the tank, provided the level in the reservoir is above R. This automated action continues.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the design and construct a Micro-Controller Based Liquid Level Detecting System.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the problem of the existing system is quietly related to poor water allocation, inefficient use, and lack of adequate and integrated water management. Water is commonly used for agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. Therefore, efficient use and water monitoring are potential constraint for home or office water management system (Khaled et al., 2010; Oghogho et al., 2013; Sadeque et al., 2012).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to design and construct a Micro-Controller Based Liquid Level Detecting System. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To design a microcontroller based water level controller device monitors and controls the level of water in the overhead or underground tank which composes of four indicating LEDs (red, orange, blue and yellow) for lower, medium, upper and full level; and
- To construct a system that will determine the level of water if it is full or not. If the three LED goes OFF, then if it goes below high level, yellow is ON. Now, if it goes below medium level, blue would be turned ON, and it pumps automatically. This work was built using 89c52 microcontroller.
1.5 Significance of Study
An Automatic Water Level Controller (AWLC) will automatically START the pump set as soon as the water level falls below the predetermined level (usually kept half or 2/3rd tank) and shall SWITCH OFF the pump set as soon as tank is full or water level in the lower tank is at below minimum level.
This system provides you the flexibility to decide for yourself the water levels for operations of pump set in upper/lower tanks. The system ensures no overflows or dry running of pump there by saves electricity and water. Also, it will consume very little energy, ideal for continuous operation.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Design and Construction of a Micro-Controller Based Liquid Level Detecting System. This water controller will give you a heads-up the instant over-head tank and underground tank is full or goes below the required level, hopefully giving you time to close windows and bring in possessions.
The circuit draws virtually no current when the sensors are dry and the current consumption is low when the buzzer is activated. Alternately, a molded power supply with a simple voltage regulator to drop the voltage to 3 volts could be used. When the circuit is triggered, the buzzer is pulsed about once per second for a very short time.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- System Failure: Sensors used are built with conductive material, which means that they are subject to rusting or corrosion. When rusting occur the sensors will stop conducting thereby causing this device will stop working.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Project Work Organization
The various stages involved in the development of this project have been properly put into five chapters to enhance comprehensive and concise reading. In this project thesis, the project is organized sequentially as follows:
Chapter one of this work is on the introduction to Water level controller. In this chapter, the background, significance, objective limitation and problem of Water level controller were discussed.
Chapter two is on literature review of Water level controller. In this chapter, all the literature pertaining to this work was reviewed.
Chapter three is on design methodology. In this chapter all the method involved during the design and construction were discussed.
Chapter four is on testing analysis. All testing that result accurate functionality was analyzed.
Chapter five is on conclusion, recommendation and references.
