Development of Water Tank System with Volume Control and Turbidity Alert
1Adetunji, M. O. 1Ajayeoba, A. O. 2Akinrinade, N. A. 1Mobolaji, O. J. and 1Taiwo, I. T..
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/5202.51.0150
Abstract
Water is a vital part of everyday activities and is available in nature. The quality of water, especially its turbidity, varies over time, raising significant concerns about ensuring its safety for use after contamination. The study aimed to develop a real-time monitoring and alerting mechanism that detects changes in water clarity and controls water volume. Copper Clad Board (CCB), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and Microcontroller (ATmega 328) chip were used for the relay board, display of the readings, and coding of the system function, respectively. The turbidity levels and volume of water were measured using a turbidity sensor (HCSR04) and an ultrasonic sensor, respectively. Computer code was written in the C++ programming language and integrated into the microcontroller for the control and coordination of the system functions. The water stops pumping when it reaches a maximum and picks up again when the water volume is reduced to a minimum. The minimum and maximum water levels in the tank were predetermined to calculate the required volume. The tank is cleaned up when the turbidity level displayed on the LCD is above 5 NTU, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Water samples were obtained from five sources (distilled, rain, borehole, well, and stream water) and tested for turbidity. The turbidity levels of distilled, rain, borehole, well, and stream water samples were 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 2.2, and 2.7 NTU, respectively. A prototype water tank container of 0.03005 m3 was used, and the predetermined heights of the water level for minimum and maximum readings were 0.15 m and 0.31 m, respectively, with their corresponding volume of 0.0035m3 and 0.0287 m3. A Tank with the developed water volume controller and turbidity alert system is effective for industrial and domestic uses.
Keywords: Pumping machine, water, turbidity, water tank, water volume control