CHAPTER I: BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Flood detection commonly involves the use of a level sensing device which is
designed to measure the level of substances, including liquids. Water sensors of several types are
used to detect the water level that is reached. Some of these include ultrasonic sensors, pressure
transducers, bubblers, and float sensors. Level sensing devices, including water sensors have many
applications. For example, sensors are used for measuring the amount of gasoline left in the fuel
tank, as well as measuring the amount of engine oil, cooling water, and brake/power steering fluid
left in an automobile. Furthermore, industrial applications involve water level sensing in transport,
storage, and water treatment tanks. Given that these sensors are used to measure the level that
water, or a liquid, has reached, water sensors can be essential in detecting floods.
Ultrasonic sensors operate by measuring the time interval between transmitted and
received signals from transmitted sound waves that reflect from the liquid surface. The time
interval is then converted into distance measurement through the use of electronic circuits within
the sensor which thereby gives the measurement of the level of the liquid. Float sensors work based
on the change in resistance of a potentiometer within the sensor, which happens in the turning of
a pulley or a spring loaded shaft. Meanwhile, bubbler sensors measure water level by detecting the
pressure of air-filled tubes with an open, submerged bottom end. When the water level is high,
there is more pressure at the end of the tubes. Therefore, more air pressure is required to fill the
tube.
The group decided to plan a research on how to manage the outgoing flood rage
during a typhoon or heavy rainfall especially on low lying places near a creek or river. This
research is very timely because of the disasters caused by different typhoons just like the recent
one Typhoon “Ompong”.
The Philippines was rattled by the effects brought by this super typhoon recently
occurred mid-September 2018 especially in Northern Luzon where the typhoon landfalls. The
researchers aim to have an alert system when a certain place was flooded with a certain level of
water with this the people at risk can evacuate as soon as possible before the situation worsens.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main concern of this proposed study is how to design, create and analyze the
implementation of a flood alert system using a Micro controller-based device that can detect the
level of water in rivers or in low lying places and to alert the authorities for a quick evacuation
during heavy rains and typhoon. The researchers likewise wanted to find answers for the following
problem: (see next page)

1.) What are the significant benefits that the system will bring to the community?
2.) What will be the requirements for designing and constructing?
a.) Hardware
b.) Software
3.) How will the Micro controller-based Flood alert system be regulated when it is deployed
locally?
4.) What will be the testing and maintenance procedures needed to validate an accurate and
proper working of the flood alert system?
5.) What improvements that can be implemented to the proposed flood alert system device?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The researchers aim to design a Micro controller-based Flood alert system used to
send an alarm via once the water level reached its preset level (predefined mark). The proponents
want to develop a water monitoring system wherein the water level can be automatically detected
by its sensor system. They want to make sure the safety caution in some areas that are prone to
floods by tracking the water level and detecting whether it is still safe to stay on the area or not.
The researchers want to help the residents in knowing what actions to be done once
they get notified that the water level in their area is high or when it exceeds the limit. This project
will help to lessen the upcoming cost of flood damage by providing warning to people in order for
them to take their pre-emptive actions.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This research project will follow the INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT relationship in
order to show and obtain a systematic flow of how the study should progress and also on what
should be the expected output of this research project.
Going through the primary INPUT of the proposed system includes its functions as
well as the hardware and software requirements that are necessary for the design and construction
of the research project.
The design and construction of the proposed research are covered in the PROCESS.
This part will explain in general the concept of how it is designed and constructed. This will also
include the testing, evaluation, and maintenance procedures of the proposed research to ensure it
functionality and maximum efficiency use. Summing all that is explained, the FLOOD ALERT
MONITORING DEVICE is the OUTPUT of the proposed research project.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS
The study focuses to a device that can monitor water level and send an alert message
once the water rises at its predefined marked and exceeds it. It primarily concerns those authorities
that will be alerted once a non-stop rain occurs that is brought by typhoons that enter in our
Philippine area of responsibility. This may cause the continuous rising of waters in our rivers,
dikes and reservoirs that could reach our homes which may result into landslides and flooding.
Residents in a local area will be alerted in times of a flood crisis and will be taken pre-emptive
measure before the flood will arrive.
The project is only designed to detect the water level at 2-3 ft. in certain areas, once
the water level reaches its limit or will exceed that mark; it will automatically send an alert message
to the local residents in their respective areas. This device can be attached to the walls and designed
to detect the water level at that height so that the residents can take actions as early as they are
warned so that casualties can be lessened once the water level at their place rushes too high. This
project is very useful to those who are in flood prone areas especially in low lands. This can also
be used in dams, by attaching the sensors at a certain height and if it reaches that level it will
automatically send message. With that it can easily help to control the amount of water let out in
dams and it can alert the areas that may be affected once the floodgates of the dams are opened
which can also be one of the main causes of flooding.
Therefore, this study will only focus to a water level sensing device which means
is very useful at rainy season and quite ineffective at dry season.

CONSTRAINTS USED IN THE STUDY

With the proposed flood alert monitoring device, there comes along some
limitations. The device makes use of a GSM module; given this, the GSM frequency bands used
are 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. Given that there is no cellular signal available, the GSM module will
not be able to send text alerts to the recipient. The device is meant to give an alert during the
occurrence of a flood, and floods are commonly caused by storms. If a storm is severe enough, it
can cause cell towers and base stations to be knocked over and be rendered useless. Moreover,
with rain, the cell signal can be affected. The more drops there are, the more the cell signal will be
scattered and weakened. The flood alert monitoring device utilizes a portable power source, may
it be a battery or a power bank. Since the device is meant to be left out in the location where a
flood is likely to happen, there is no direct way of knowing whether or not there is still power
being supplied by the power source.

The remaining power must be manually checked, or it can be assumed that the
device has run out of power when it fails to make a noise and send a text alert. The device, however,
can also be plugged in power plugs and sockets. Consequently, this opens up the susceptibility to
unwanted surges when lighting strikes. When this happens, electronic devices can potentially be
damaged. The arduino and other components that make up the device are not waterproof. This
introduces the danger of water damage when the device comes in contact with water.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is important because it tackles the problem of flooding. Due to calamities
such as typhoons, the dangers of flooding have become more and more common. With the goal of
being able to detect floods, this study aims to help alert those who may fall victim to the dangers
brought about by flooding. By being able to detect the height of the water level, people can have
a better sense of awareness on what is going on with their surroundings. Furthermore, this study
can be used to control and as much as possible, prevent floods from happening. Once people are
alerted, they can find the cause of the flood and be able to fix issues that may have caused the
flooding (e.g. blocked drainages). The study can also help minimize the destruction of resources
(such as crops) and help lessen the number of casualties brought about by floods.
 Through this study, the group aims to spark a sense of responsibility and social
action towards taking care of the surroundings in order to stop and control the occurrence of floods,
as well as to protect as much people as possible. To be particular, the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council may find this study useful, for they can use the output device
from this study as a way to detect and be aware of ongoing/upcoming floods.
The study provides relevance in a sense of being able to the use of the working
principles behind wireless communications to find a way to alert people, including authorities.
With this study, the effective use of certain electronic components and circuits will be put into
perspective, specifically on how the application of the said electronic components will serve their
purpose.
The results and the output of this study can be implemented to provide a safer way
of living. Moreover, the output device can be used in areas such as urban cities, flood-prone areas,
and even in landslide-prone areas to lessen and prepare for the effects of flooding.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

 FLOOD
- a rising and overflowing of a body of water especially onto normally dry land
the flood inundated the whole area. also : a condition of overflowing rivers in flood
 DEVICE
- An object or machine that has been invented to fulfill a particular purpose
 SENSOR
- a device that discovers and reacts to changes in such things as movement, heat,
and light
 WATER SENSOR
- used to detect the level of substances that can flow. Such substances include liquids,
slurries, granular material and powders
 MICROCONTROLLER
- Computer present in a single integrated circuit which is dedicated to perform one task
and execute one specific application.
 GSM
- GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, originally Groupe Spécial Mobile)
- describes the protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks used by
mobile phones and is now the default global standard for mobile communications.
 ALARM SYSTEM
- gives an audible, visual or other form of alarm signal about a problem or condition.
 ARDUINO
- Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.

CHAPTER II: RESEARCH DESIGN

 This chapter provides information about the water level sensor that is to be
implemented to a small scale and was prototyped from its larger counterparts that are used in
infrastructure like dams. This prototype can be used in smaller facilities like local water refilling
stations and other infrastructure that operates in relation to water level controlling. This chapter
also provides the accuracy and operation of the water level sensor. Automatic water level sensor
are devices that was created to automatically signals when the water level reaches the device,
which helps to ensure a desired water level in a storage tank though our prototyped is not entirely
automatic since it will need to be restarted manually by clicking the switch in order to stop the
beep and restart it for another water level sensing. The latest water level systems use digital sensor
for determining the volume of water in a tank. It can replace old systems such as mechanical float
switches and more expensive ultrasonic devices. Digital level controllers are typically used in an
industrial setting such as waste water treatment facility, large water holding tanks, recreational
water facilities, and many more. If your company needs an effective water monitoring and control
system, then you have to choose the right level sensor that can fulfill your specific requirements.

There are lots of water level sensor systems available today. You can easily find
them through a quick online search. The bigger challenge however is how to choose the right
system. When you shop for an automated liquid sensor, the first thing you need to look for is its
ease of use. Make sure that the sensor can easily integrate with your existing water automation
system. This will minimize the need for complicated installation and recalibration of your water
systems. It is also important to select a water control sensor that has an intuitive monitoring system.
It should feature LED indicators and easy to use push button systems. If the sensor can work on
autopilot, then you reduce the need for continuous manual monitoring.

Durability is another important factor that you should consider when buying a water
level sensor. Make sure that the system is built solidly so it can last for many decades. Most
importantly, you have to choose an automated level sensor with modular design. This way, you
will only have to fix individual parts when needed. A modular sensor eliminates the need for a
complete replacement. Old systems such float switches require full replacement when damaged.
With the latest sensor devices, you will never have to replace the entire unit. If there is a problem
with a component, simply replace it with an appropriate part. This kind of design can substantially
reduce the cost of maintenance and operation.

The best water level sensor normally utilizes low voltage. Make sure to select this
variant in order to avoid workplace injuries or accidents. A low-voltage / low-amp system totally
eliminates the possibility of electric shock. During installation and maintenance, your workers will
be safe from accidents. An automated water level sensor is specifically designed for detecting the
level of water in a tank or container. However, the best system should be versatile. You have to
select a model that can be easily calibrated for different types of liquid and powder.

These liquid level sensors can have a resolution as high as 0.1 in. (2.5mm) and an
accuracy of 0.25 percent of the detected range (current reading).What this means is that an
ultrasonic will have higher detection accuracies at close targets than at targets farther away. An
ultrasonic water level sensor reading a full-scale range of 144 inches will have an accuracy of
±0.36 inches (at ambient temperature). The same sensor reading a distance of 75 inches will have
an accuracy of ±0.18 inches. There are a variety of tank and well types and shapes out there. The
dimensions of your tank or well are very important to put the accuracy of your level sensor into
perspective. Flat bottom tanks or wells with straight sides are the easiest to calculate accuracy and
capacity. Irregular shaped tanks and wells are more difficult, but there are tools to help you. Some
higher quality ultrasonic level sensors have different tank types programmed into the software.
You will need to add the requested dimensions and the software will do all the calculations. If your
sensor does not have that capability, the use of a strapping chart for the particular tank in question
is highly recommended. Strapping charts simply tell you what the volume is at any given linear
height. Again, higher quality level sensors exist with strapping chart functions programmed into
the software. Having tank dimension calculators and strapping charts help you put a volume to
your ± accuracy specification. If your tank is wide enough, even 4mm can represent a rather large
volume. You need to ask yourself how much volume you’re willing to allow inside the error band
of your level sensor. The higher the accuracy, the higher the cost of your level sensor. Keep this
in mind as you search for an acceptable solution. The durability of this device is also tested in a
pale in order to confirm its operational capacity.

METHODOLOGY
Since applied research was use in the study, the group used the methodology called Rapid
Application Development (RAD) method.
I. PLANNING PHASE

a. PROBLEM
- Baguio City’s vulnerability against flooding during heavy rainfall or storms (eg. Ompong)
b. GOAL
- To invent a device that can sensor the rapid rise of flood water along Baguio City to avoid
further casualties.
c. REQUIREMENTS
- Continuously monitor the water level sensor
- When level is reached, the following occurs:
- The device triggers the buzzer
- An SMS is generated and sent to the pre-defined number
- The ACK button is enabled
- While the alarm is on, the user must press the ACK button to stop the buzzer
- If the water level goes down and then back up, a new SMS is generated
- The phone number and the message to send are hand coded and editable in the code.

d. EXPECTATIONS FOR THE DEVICE:

- Compact
- Simple structure
- Budget friendly
- High power
- Easy to install
II. USER DESIGN

a. MAJOR COMPONENTS USED:

- Water level sensor
- Acknowledge button
- Microcontroller
- GSM shield
- Buzzer
- Microcontroller used: Arduino UNO
- GSM module: SIM 800

** Notes:
- All grounds are common; they may be connected to a single ground point on the Arduino
or ground points on the shield
- No pullups or pull downs required on the switch and button
- Arduino may be powered off the USB port but the GSM shield must be powered from a
2A power source.

III. RAPID CONSTRUCTION

- Program and application development

- Coding
- Unit, integration, and system testing

IV. CUT OVER

a. TESTING
b. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING DEMONSTRATION
- Buzzer fails to turn off or stop when reset button is pressed.

c. CHANGEOVER
- Codes were added to fully stop the buzzer.

CHAPTER III: TECHNICAL DESIGN

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED SUBJECT
Flood disasters in Southeast Asia result in significant loss of life and economic
damage. Remote sensing information systems designed to spatially and temporally monitor floods
can help governments and international agencies formulate effective disaster response strategies
during floods and ultimately alleviate impacts to population, infrastructure, and agriculture The
Philippines is vulnerable to climate change, and has experienced extreme weather events and an
increased number of cyclones. Indeed cyclones has affected the country and flooding has become
a major challenge. The Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons every year, five of
which are destructive. To lessen those factors, this project builds a prototype device that will
measure the current water level as well as notify those people that are affected. The basic hardware
components used in the implementation of this project are as follows: float switch for water level
detector, inverter, rain gauge, GSM module, and microcontroller development board. GSM is
controlled using a water level sensor.

This device will be placed on a flood prone area. Once a sensor is triggered, an
output signal will be relayed to a microcontroller which serves as a switch that triggers the
connected GSM modem to send alert SMS message to the server. The GSM module is used to
transmit the data from sensors to the PC System through wireless transmission. Then, the server
will automatically send a text message to the numbers stored in the database. The process repeats
as the water level continues to rise and triggers another sensor. The LED’s have different functions.
Red LED will be the alarm that when the water reaches its critical level it will blink. Green LED
will be the float sensor if what is the status of the water level (after the 3 sec confirmation time).
Yellow LED will blink if the unit sends and SMS or during power.

PRELIMINARY BLOCK DIAGRAM AND DISCUSSION

GENERAL BLOCK DIAGRAM:

SPECIFIC BLOCK DIAGRAM:

A high power supply is connected to the GSM module and a low power supply is
connected to the Arduino - these are made for the prototype to function. With the use of the water
level sensor (float switch) the water level can be monitored. A 3 LED module is used for the
following purposes: The yellow LED used will blink continuously as it is searching for a stable
network coverage needed by the GSM module to send a message, the green LED used is for the
indication that the water level reaches its predetermined height and the red LED used is turned on
once the buzzer sounds.
Once the water level reaches its predetermined height, there will be 3 seconds
before an alarming sound will come from the buzzer to notify a certain individual. Then an
acknowledge button is used to stop the buzzer. After that, an SMS will be sent to the cellphone
number programmed within the micro-controller (Arduino Uno) attached at the GSM shield to
notify that the water level has reached its predetermined height.

- Water Level Sensor (Float Switch)

- Acknowledge Button (Push Button)
- LED
- Buzzer
- Microcontroller (Arduino Uno w/ GSM Module installed)

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