Design Of A Hybrid System For Automated Monitoring And Control Of Water Levels In Tanks Utilizes PIC16F877A HC-SR04 And LCSA6 Sensors

Abstract

This paper presents the design, simulation, and evaluation of a monitoring and automatic control system utilizing the PIC16F877A microcontroller. The simulation is offering a system for monitoring and managing the level of water in both the overhead and lower tanks. The ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) and the conductive probes (LCSA6) are attached to the overhead and lower storage tanks respectively. This hybrid sensing method affords accuracy and reliability across several applications. The liquid crystal display (LCD) provides the situation for both tanks in real-time. It displays in the first line the continuous upper sensor readings "water level" of the overhead tank and the second line demonstrates the discrete values of water level of the lower storage tank. An automated pumping mechanism ensures the overhead tank continues at the desired level (10% - 100%), with consideration stopping dry running of the pump by tracking the lower tank's water availability (water level >2%). The system's design emphasizes efficiency, reliability, and protection of pumping infrastructure. The PIC16F877A microcontroller serves as the important processing unit, managing sensor records acquisition, processing, and controlling a liquid pump via a transistor-relay circuit. The firmware is written in C language using MikroC Pro for the PIC, and the simulation is performed via Proteus software. The simulation shows the system's capacity to reveal the water level in tanks, respond directly to adjustments, and successfully alter the water pump, thereby preventing overflow and depletion. This paper details the design technique, including hardware interfacing and software. The paper additionally provides recommendations to enhance performance and expand applicability.