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Group Project

SKEM 4722
Capstone Projects

Water Management System

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad

Members: 1. Muhammad Irfan Bin Jaafar (B17KE0025)

2. Akmal Muhaimin Bin Saleh (A16KE0023)
3. Navintiran A/L Rajan (A16KE0227)
4. Abdulrahman Aly Awad (A16KE4018)
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2019/2020-I
Contents
1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 CONCEIVE-DESIGN-IMPLEMENT-OPERATE APPROACH ............................................................. 4
1.2.1 CONCEIVING ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2.2 DESIGNING..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.3 IMPLEMENTING .......................................................................................................................... 10
1.2.3.1 Hardware implementation ....................................................................................................... 10
1.2.3.2 Electrical component implementation ......................................................................................... 11
1.2.3.3 Software implementation ............................................................................................................. 11
1.2.4 OPERATING .................................................................................................................................. 15
1.3 RESULT AND ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 INNOVATION ........................................................................................................................................ 17
1.5 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 19
1.6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 19
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
 1
Water Management System
Muhammad Irfan Bin Jaafar, Akmal Muhaimin Bin Saleh, Navintiran A/L Rajan,
Abdulrahman Aly Awad

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Water is considered as the source of all life. It constitutes around 70% of the
human body and Earth surface. But, only 3% of that water is fresh, which brings
attention to water usage waste and pollution. Here, in Malaysia the average daily
consumption according to the UN is 300L/day which double the average consumption
by European countries (165L/day). The higher consumption is also reflected as higher
water bill. Therefore, a proper solution to manage water usage and consumption while
providing an alternative supply source is needed. The proposed solution is to use rain
water harvesting as alternative supply and provide a SCADA system to monitor water
usage and consumption by users.

This solution; water management system (WMS); is expected to have positive

impacts on society as it brings awareness to water wastage and advices users to
moderation.

It also has technological contributions in form of providing data analytics on water

usage and it helps advance the concept of industrial revolution 4.0 as it is considered
an IoT system.

The system also helps economically as it reduces water cost through first
providing an alternative source i.e rain water, early detection of leaks through
monitoring system and through improved user awareness to water usage as it was
found that installing such systems improves users’ behavior toward water
consumption overall.

The solution has some impacts on environment as it reduces water waste and
is considered as a renewable resource management solution.
1.2 CONCEIVE-DESIGN-IMPLEMENT-OPERATE APPROACH

1.2.1 CONCEIVING

The site visit to garden area of P19a was conducted to inspect possible
locations for tank installation. The area has small gardening plots and a resting area
supplied with tables for students to sit. There are two main rain water drains at the
middle and one at the back (office side). The 2nd is more preferable for installation as
it won’t obscure the area with having a large tank and easier to install tank and
system.
The problems related to water usage and consumption based on interviews can
be summarized into three major problems which are the high bill cost, leakage from
piping and connections and wastage of water on irrigation and cleaning. These
problems were identified by all interviewees with some focusing on bill cost and
others more on wasting resources in general. The personification of the target client
based on interviews can be summarized as a person concerned about their community,
keen on solving problems, has some technical background and preferably with a high
management position as it will make implementing the solution in companies or
institutes easier.

The interviews also highlighted the needs that interviewees wanted to be

included in the system which are:
1. Lower bill cost.
2. Monitor water level in tank.
3. Hybrid system with automatic control.
4. Monitor water flow from tank and from irrigation and cleaning taps.

Based on those needs a design statement was proposed which is to design a

hybrid rain water harvesting system consisting of a water tank, microcontroller, water
level sensor, water flow sensors, valves to control flow depending on tank water level.
The flow meter readings are used to preform data analytics into water consumption
behavior, saved cost and early detection of leaks.

1.2.2 DESIGNING

The proposed solution based on interviews, site visit and personification as

mentioned in design statement is to design a water tank that is used to harvest rain
water. The tank is connected also to the local water supply making it a hybrid system,
which operates when water level is low or during dry seasons. The flow from the
water tank is controlled using a solenoid valve which is controlled by microcontroller.
The water level is detected using an ultrasonic sensor which sends the data to
microcontroller which in turn controls valve based on received signal. To derive
analytics regarding water usage, detect leaks and calculate costs; a group of flowmeter
sensors are to be used to monitor water flow from hybrid input, main outlet and to
each branch supplied by the system. This gives a good idea on how much water is
being consumed in general and it can help detect leaks based on monitoring total
water flow of the system compared to output from branches. By comparing the main
outlet output and the hybrid input the cost saved can be calculated after multiplying
by the local tariff which is around (0.57-3 RM/m3) depending on area.
Figure 1.1: Concept sketch of water management system
 Figure 1.2: Conceptual prototype of water management system.

Table 1.1: The STEEP analysis of the developed prototype.

Aspect Discussion
Sociological • Bring awareness to water usage/wastage
Technological • Data analytics on water consumption.
• Smart rain harvesting system.
Economic • Saving water bill cost.
• Early detection of leaks can reduce costs of maintenance.
Environmental • Renewable resource management.
• Reduce water waste.
Political -
1.2.2.1 Hardware Specifications

Table 1.2: Flowmeter sensor specifications.

Model YF-S201
Sensor Type Hall Effect
Max Current Draw 15mA @ 5V
Working Voltage 5-18 V DC
Output Type 5V TTL
Max Water Pressure 2.0 Mpa
Accuracy ±10%
Pules per Liter 450

Table 1.3: Ultrasonic sensor specifications.

Working Voltage 5V DC
Working Current 15mA
Working Frequency 40 Hz
Max Range 4m
Min Range 0.02 m
Dimensions 45x20x15 mm

Table 1.4: Node-MCU specifications.

Voltage 3.3V
Current Consumption 10uA - 170m A
Processor Speed 80-160 MHz
RAM 32K + 80K
GPIOs 17
Analog to Digital 1024 Resolution
Wi-Fi Direct(P2P), Soft-AP

Table 1.5: Power Consumption (total).

Current Draw By valve 0.25
Current Draw by Relay 0.07
Min Current Consumption(A) 0.39501
Max Current Consumption(A) 0.565
Min Power Consumed(W) 3.72505
Max Power Consumed(W) 4.575
Figure 1.3: 3D drawing of the water tank with piping using SolidWorks.

Figure 1.4: 3D drawing of the water tank (Front View).

Figure 1.5: 3D drawing of the water tank (Right View).

 Figure 1.6: 3D drawing of the water tank (Top View).

Figure 1.7: The schematic circuit for the system (using KiCad).
 Figure 1.8: Flowchart of water management system.

The BOM was made based on initial responses made by interviews and design
statement, several items were added later on (dates provided in appendix) to ensure
presentation works properly. The Gnatt chart is also included in appendix. The total
budget for the project was 253 RM spanning duration of 14 weeks.

1.2.3 IMPLEMENTING

To implement the system several steps were taken to ensure productivity and
efficiency. The 1st step was ordering the electrical components which are the Node-MCU,
flowmeters, 12V solenoid valve and ultrasonic sensor. The items were purchased through
Shopee (online shopping app). The next step was to test the components performance and
ensure are all working properly. After confirming the team started implementing the water
tank based on design specifications, which require four pipes to be connected to the system.
One for rain water input, one for water supply intake (hybrid), one for overflow and one main
output line. The team purchased a 20 L empty drum to develop as main tank, and used PVC
pipes and connectors to connect the sensors and valves. The assembly process with its
requirements of drilling, cutting and gluing was done in the Automation Lab at P10. This was
followed by designing the electric circuit of the system. Finally the system was tested to
ensure are parts are working as required.

1.2.3.1 Hardware implementation

The water tank to be implemented was selected based on its

capacity as a proof of concept as the main tank to be used was still under
installation, and the stakeholder required no modifications to be made to the
main tank until a proof of concept was done. The team used a drum of 20L as
the mock tank. The tank was drilled at size of (1/2 inch) to make for the four
pipes representing:
 Rain water input.
 Water supply (hybrid) input.
 Overflow drain.
 Main output pipe.

Afterwards the team used PVC pipes (1/2 inch) and connectors to fix the flow
meters and valve into the system. The top of the drum was cut and removed to
make installing pipes easier and also to fix the ultrasonic sensor. The real tank
also has an opening at the top which also can be used to fix the ultrasonic
sensor and cover it with PVC cover which is also included. Sealing tape and
PVC glue were used to ensure system doesn’t leak. The system (mock) is
expected to be tested under low pressure condition so robustness was not taken
into consideration as it is a mock prototype.
1.2.3.2 Electrical component implementation

The components were connected following the circuit schematic in

Figure 1.7. The team used a 5V relay to control the solenoid valve. The relay
is switched on using BJT which receives signal from Node-MCU based on
received water level from ultrasonic sensor.

The team used a 12V battery as main power supply. A 5V voltage regulator
was used to power the relay, Node-MCU which has an internal voltage
regulator to 3.3V and the flowmeters. The solenoid valve received supply
directly from battery. The ultrasonic sensor was power using Node-MCU
3.3V.

1.2.3.3 Software implementation

The Node-MCU programming code is provided in appendix for

reference. To convert pulse signals received from flowmeters into volume
readings the following equation was used:

𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒 ∗ 100
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
𝑡 − 𝑡𝑜

𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 =
7.5

𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑜 =
60
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑤 = + 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑜
60

Where Frequency is frequency of pulses, t is total time passed, 𝑡𝑜 is initial

time.
Another equation was used to calculate water level using ultrasonic sensor:

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 37 − (𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑙 ∗ 0.0343)/2

Pulse interval is taken from echo and trigger pins, the factor is the speed of
sound in space and is divided by two to cover for the time travelled back and
forth.

Figure 1.9: Flowmeters purchased for system.

Figure 1.10: Solenoid Valve

 Figure 1.11: Ultrasonic sensor testing.

Figure 1.12: Tank assembly at Automation Lab.

Figure 1.13: Electronic components in the system

Table 1.6: The pins connection of electronic components
Node-MCU pin number Component Pin
D0 BJT (Base)
D1 Flow meter 1
D2 Flow meter 2
D3 Flow meter 3
D4 Flow meter 4
D5 Ultrasonic Trigger
D6 Ultrasonic Echo

Figure 1.14: Final look of the prototype

 Figure 1.15: Web Page User Interface

1.2.4 OPERATING

For system to be fully operational the following connections should be made

successfully (refer to Figure 1.16):
 Connect rain water drain pipe to main rain drain.
 Connect hybrid water intake to water supply.
 Connect overflow drain to sewage drain.
 Connect output pipes to areas that require water supply from tank.
 System requires an input of 12V to operate.
 System requires internet connection (Wi-Fi) to send and receive data.
 Figure 1.12: The operation of the prototype

1.3 RESULT AND ANALYSIS

The water management system was tested to check its performance. The
system was tested using a 12V pump to provide water flow into the tank (hybrid), and
a small water container with a cone (funnel) was used to mimic rain water intake. The
system was set to allow hybrid input if water supply drops below 15cm in tank. The
test run showed the hybrid input is switched on when water level went below 15 cm
(after a delay to ensure that shaking of water surface won’t cause valve to open and
close frequently). The data sent from flow meters was monitored using “thingspeak”
and the readings were updated every 15 s (minimum time allowed for update
interval).

Benefits:
 Help reduce water bill.
 Automated hybrid system.
 Provide data analytics on consumption behaviour.
 Provide data analytics on saved cost.
 Can detect leaks early using analytics.

Comparing benefits with customer needs it can be seen that all requirements were
fulfilled.
Table 1.8: Performance analysis
Test Result
Test Ultrasonic sensor Water Level updated regularly (15 s)
Valve operates when water level drops below set
Test Valve range (15 cm)
Works well under low pressure, leaking when
Testing for leaking using tap water input (high pressure).
1.4 INNOVATION

The water management system excels when compared to other similar

products in the fact that it is an IoT solution. It consists of multiple sensors that are
connected to the cloud (thingspeak) to provide data analytics on water consumption
behavior, cost saved and detecting leaks. The product falls short when it is compared
similar products in some aspects like a motor pump to drive water output and
availability of filtering system. These two components can be integrated into the
system but will drive the cost up, but it will still be lower than any of the compared
products. One feature that the system differs completely from the other products is
that it uses electrical components to control hybrid input. These components cost
around (50 RM) which compared to mechanical valve systems it is only (10%) of that
cost. The product also has one disadvantage which is the need to maintain and
calibrate the system’s sensors. Even though they are low cost but the maintenance
cost when considering total replacement of piping systems and installation might be
equal on the long run to other systems (not confirmed).

Installing WMS can replace up to 50% of daily water usage as it is estimated that only
10% of total water consumption requires drinking quality water. Average Malaysian
household pays around 14-17 RM for water bill, if we save only 50% per month (8
RM), then by 10 years the system would have paid for its value.
 Table 1.9: Comparison with similar products
Developed
Features Voda[16] Monier[17] Wastech[18] Aura-lite[19] DDtechniche[20] EcoOutdoor[21] BacFree[22] EcoClean[23]
prototype

Tank

Filtering

Pump

1st Flush
diverter

Leaf
Filter

Data
Analytics

Price 1500 – 10 k (depending on features) 750

1.5 CONCLUSION

The water management system was designed, implemented and tested

successfully. The system performed as expected and further implementation and
testing on main tank is required. Further improvements of the system include adding a
filtering system and a pump to ensure enough water pressure and flow to connected
systems. Adding these two features will make system more competitive to other
similar products.

1.6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The project is supported by School of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi

Malaysia. The authors would also like to convey our utmost appreciation and gratitude to our
students Muhammad Irfan Bin Jaafar, Akmal Muhaimin Bin Saleh, Navintiran A/L Rajan,
Abdulrahman Aly Awad for completion of this project.
 REFERENCES

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3. EPA,(Nov, 2018), Statistics and Facts, Article [online], Retrieved from:
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts
4. Fewkes, A. (2012). A review of rainwater harvesting in the UK. Structural Survey,
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5. Hammerstrom, J., Pushard, D., (2016), Is Rainwater Harvesting a Good Investment,
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http://www.harvesth2o.com/Is_RWH_a_good_investment.shtml#idc-cover
6. Kua, K. S.,(2019), Water Crisis At The Price of Populism, The Star Online, Retrieved
from: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/28/water-crisis--the-price-of-
populism
7. Lani, N. H. M., Syafiuddin, A., & Yusop, Z. (2018, September). Comparison of Cost
Benefits of New Installation and Retrofitted Rainwater Harvesting Systems for
Commercial Buildings. In International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling
(pp. 169-174). Springer, Cham.
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[online], Retrieved from: https://www.waterlogicaustralia.com.au/blog/reduce-water-
scarcity/
9. Monash University, (2018), Quest to Solve Water Scarcity, Article [online], Retrieved
from: https://www.monash.edu.my/research/researchers-say/quest-to-solve-water-
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10. Rajboot, S.,(2019), Importance of Rainwater Harvesting In Today’s Age, Youth Ki
Awaaz, Article [online], Retrieved from:
https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2019/05/water-harvesting-conservation-techniques-
to-be-applied-in-buildings-for-sustainability/
11. Saad, F.,(n.d.), Real Cost of Water, Focus Malaysia Issue 268, Retrieved from:
http://www.focusmalaysia.my/Mainstream/real-cost-of-water
12. SPAN,(n.d.), Water Tariff, Article [online], Retrieved from:
https://www.span.gov.my/document/upload/AtBz79IrBNcxpXRh9R2SXYAcr1cAZ5
oK.pdf
13. The Economic Times,(2019), ET View: A Looming Water Crisis, Article[online],
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14. WHO,(2019), Drinking Water, Article [online], Retrieved from:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.
15. Wonderful Malaysia,(n.d.), Article, Retreived from:
http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/faq/monsoon-in-malaysia.htm.
16. Voda Rain Water Harvesting System, Online, Retrieved from:
http://vodarainwaterharvesting.com/
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https://www.monier.com.my/product/monierr-solarroof-tm-system/monier-rainwater-
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18. Wastech Rain Water Harvesting System, Online, Retrieved from:
https://wastech.com.my/rain-water-harvesting-system-malaysia/Voda Rain Water
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lite.com.my/catalogue/
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https://ddtechniche.com/product-category/rainwater-harvesting-tanks/
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https://www.ecooutdoor.com.my/rainwater-harvesting/
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 Interview Script Appendix 1

1st Interview
Interviewee: Dr. Kamaluddin,
Interviewer(s): Aly, Irfan
Date: 23/ Sept. / 2019

Q: How does the school manage water usage?

A: Currently there is no water management system in the school, but on university level they have a
water monitoring system at the main water tanks.

Q: What are the problems the school is facing when it comes to water management?
A: The main problem not just for the school is that the utility bill is very high.

Q: How much does the water bill cost?

A: The university pays around 2-3 million RM yearly just for utilities.

Q: How do you suggest we tackle this problem?

A: In Malaysia we have rain seasons, we can use this rain water by implementing a rain harvesting
system to replace some of the water used for cleaning and watering the plants around campus.

Q: In your opinion can this solution help solve the water wastage problem completely?
A: If we can implement it across the campus it will save a lot of money, we try to solve the problem
to the best of our ability but we still cannot ignore the human factor like irresponsible water usage for
example leaving tap water open.

Q: What are the improvements that you would like to see by implementing such a system?
A: Our main aim is to reduce water usage, which will reduce total bill cost. This saved money can be
used to help the university and students.

Q: What features would you like to have in the water monitoring system?
A: 1st we need to study how much is the capacity of the tank, so that it can store enough water to be
used for aquaponics, gardening and cleaning. Also we should be able to monitor water level in the
tank. Lastly the system preferably should be a hybrid system, so when water in the tank reaches a
certain level the system switches to local water supply.

Q: How much does the project cost (estimate)?

A: According to our study the tank could cost around 2000-3000, with no labor cost as the work will
be done with our staff when possible. The total estimated cost for all the projects (full system) can go
to 40-50k RM.

Q: What data would you like to collect?

A: We would like to know how much water is wasted so we need to monitor the water coming from
the tank and compare to water used. Also we need to know how much water we saved by using the
system and convert it into cost.

Q: How do you think the project will benefit the school?

A: It will save money, the cleaners and gardeners will use water from the tank and if the idea is
successful it can be implemented elsewhere which is a great benefit not just to the school but the
society.
2nd Interview
Interviewee: Eng. Ahmad Bin Hassan
Interviewer(s): Aly
Date: 25/ Sept. / 2019

Q: Can you tell us about yourself personally and professionally?

A: My name is Ahmad bin Hassan, 29 years old, I was appointed to the fiber-optics lab for 5 years.
Before this lab I was appointed to the research lab.

Q: What do you think are the major causes for water wastage?
A: From my observation, I can say the way how we use the water for example the toilet; some people
just leave it open and that’s a small case. But if you go around the campus you will notice some
leakage and also there is underground water leakage. For underground water leakage we cannot notice
with our own eyes but if you go to P08 building you will notice that the drain is always having water
flowing even when there has been no rain for a while.

Q: Dr. Kamal proposed rain harvesting as a solution to the problem, why that system was chosen?
A: Why not? fixing leakages especially underground water leakage will be costly and will take quite
some time. Rain harvesting is a simple and short solution, I’ve already seen many schools, and
government offices have already started rain harvesting and already seen the benefit of it.

Q: How can we use the harvested rain water?

A: We can see many aspects to use the water, for example for cleaning it is considered a better
solution, as the cleaners can use the rain water.

Q: Would it be possible to use the water for sanitary toilet usage (not for drinking)?
A: I think for your rain harvesting system there will be; I hope; a simple filtering system that will
make it safe for washing hands and cleaning.

Q: What are the limitations to the project?

A: For me the limitation is all about budget, for expertise we can cooperate with another professional
engineer from our campus.

Q: How much would it cost the school to implement the system?

A: Well, it depends on your tank size, for starter; for your project; we can use a 1000 liter tank, which
depending on the material and design. So for housing tank it can cost less than 1000 RM. The one Dr.
Kamal suggested is more suitable for campus, it is more robust. Of course the price will be higher
than thousand, from my observation it costs around 1300. This is the cost for the tank itself without
the components and piping.

Q: What data would you like to collect from the system?

A: The main purpose of this project is take advantage of the rain season, for your project I would
want to know how much water is consumed by each of the other projects supplied by the tank like
aquaponics and gardening systems.

Q: How do you think the project will impact the school?

A: Hopefully the system can replace the school’s needs for cleaning and irrigation, which will reduce
cost.

Q: Do you think the cost of running and maintaining the project will be offset by the saved water
cost?
A: Well for starter the system is using low voltage to run controllers which can be covered by using a
substitute electric source like solar. Another point, this system is our first time so the project can be
considered as a study to see the impact of such system; we have high hopes that it will reduce our
water bill. For maintenance and improvement we hope that the future batches can maintain and even
improve the system.

Q: What is the future vision for this project or system?

A: This project can be considered as a trial, if it is successful we can implement it into other schools
across the campus.
3rd Interview
Interviewee: En. Saifudin (lab assistance)
Interviewer: Irfan
Date: 25 September 2019

Irfan : what is the major cause of water waste?

En. Saifudin : delayed action and repair of damaged piping system leads to water leakage problems.
Irresponsible users sometimes leave the water tap running.

Irfan : why rain harvesting?

En. Saifudin : rain harvesting is the easiest method, does not need water pump, generator or turbine
unlike river and lake.

Irfan : where is the location of the project?

En. Saifudin : at the moment, the project will be used to watering plants at FKE garden, if to be
install on different type of system need to be design base on application.

Irfan : any limitation to the project?

En. Saifudin : RM 300 shuld be enough for rain harvesting project, we have recycle parts from
previous project such at robotic store.

Irfan : what kind of data do you want to collect?

En. Saifudin : I don’t sure what data need to be collect for this project

Irfan : what features would you like to have on the project?

En. Saifudin : if possible add timer for water pump to operate during watering plan

Irfan : the effect of this project to the school?

En. Saifudin : this project can save man power on watering the garden.

Irfan : is this project worth it?

En. Saifudin : this project is only prototype so it doesn’t need to be so grand, you can use recycle
material from previous projects and if you need electrical components or Arduino you
can borrow it from component store.

Irfan : what is the feature vision of this project?

En. Saifudin : next generation might have to add sensors or use powerful water pump to supply water
on the second floor.
4th Interview
Interviewee: Amin (student)
Interviewer: Irfan
Date: 29 September 2019

Irfan : Tell about your roles in this project?

Amin : I’m a user, maybe

Irfan : What is major cause of water waste?

Amin : I believe the water waste were caused by the students who always keep the tap water
running, for example during brush their teeth and i did saw some water leakage in few
places

Irfan : Why rain harvesting is the best method?

Amin : Rain harvesting is the best method because the source (rain) is free to harvest and our
country climate is suitable for rain harvesting

Irfan : What type of location do you prefer for this project?

Amin : At buildings that use high percentage of water on their daily basis

Irfan : Any limitation to the project?

Amin : budget might be the biggest limitation

Irfan : What kind of data do you want to collect?

Amin : I don’t know

Irfan : What features would you like to have on the project?

Amin : Features like sensor or readings that inform us how much the rain that have been
collected and how much it have cut the maintenance cost.

Irfan : How can it benefit the school?

Amin : The school can cut their maintenance cost, even just a little.

Irfan : Is the project worth it?

Amin : I strongly believe this project worth it.

Irfan : What is the future vision of this project?

Amin : More upgrades can be done so that the project become more efficient and cost-saving.
5th Interview
Interviewee: Zharif (student)
Interviewer: Irfan
Date: 29 September 2019

Irfan : Tell about your roles in this project?

Zharif : Smart Gardening System. We need to use advanced sensors to monitor the soil
moisture, monitor the sunlight, watch the air quality and monitor temperature and
humidity.

Irfan : What is major cause of water waste?

Zharif : sewage and waste water, dumping, industrial waste and oil pollution.

Irfan : Why rain harvesting is the best method?

Zharif : It Acts as a Backup Water Source. Besides, it has ecological benefits and can reduce
cost (low maintenance).
Irfan : What type of location do you prefer for this project?
Zharif : At the strand of the river, since we can use the water from the river as backup.

Irfan : Any limitation to the project?

Zharif : Cost, since we need to design a system with a low cost budget, the accuracy &
precision of the sensor could be bad. Hence need to calibrate regularly.

Irfan : What kind of data do you want to collect?

Zharif : Temperature, moisture, and humidity.

Irfan : What features would you like to have on the project?

Zharif : Can make it disable the automatic irrigation to manual button for the certain plant that
need more water.
Irfan : How can it benefit the school?
Zharif : Least maintenance .

Irfan : Is the project worth it?

Zharif : yes.

Irfan : What are the future vision of this project?

Zharif : Make it for the farmer to make their life easier
 Appendix 2

Observation Script

Figure A.1: Leaking water in hostel.

 Appendix 3

Personification and Design Statement

Profile
• Age 28+
• High management position.
• Knowledgeable, technical background.
• Critical thinker.
• Concerned about their community.
• Keen on solving problems

Pain Points
• High water bill cost.
• Water wastage on cleaning and irrigation
• Leakage and damaged piping.

Needs
• Lower bill cost.
• Monitor water level in tank.
• Hybrid system with automatic control.
• Monitor water flow from tank and from irrigation and cleaning taps.

Design Statement
Question:-
How we may help Mr. Kamaluddin reduce bill cost and monitor water usage?

By designing a hybrid rain water harvesting system consisting of a water tank,

microcontroller, water level sensor, water flow sensors, water valves to control flow
depending on tank water level. The flow meter readings are used to preform data analytics
into water consumption behavior, saved cost and early detection of leaks.
Gantt Chart Appendix 4

Week
No Task
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Introduction of
Capstone Project
1
and CDIO
framework
Interview script
2 and interview
session
Personification,
design statement
3
and prototype
design
Brainstorming
4
system design
Create design
5 and prototype
development
Prototype
6
presentation
Purchasing
7
Materials
Engineering
8 design and
drawing
Circuit design
9 and
implementation
Programming
10 (coding, testing
and debugging)
3D printing and
11 hardware
development
Model design
12
and development
Implementation
13
and testing
14 Finalization
Report writing
15
and submission
BOM Appendix 5

Quantit
No. Date item Cost total
y
1 Flow Meter Sensor 4 9.88 39.52
2 12V solenoid Valve 1 9.42 9.42
3 Shipping cost 1 3.8 3.8

4 24/10/2019 NodeMCU-ESP8266 1 17.5 17.5

5 Shipping cost 1 5.04 5.04

6 Ultrasonic Sensor 1 3.2 3.2

7 Shipping cost 1 4.77 4.77
8 Strip Board 1 4.5 4.5
9 Resistor(10k) 6 0.3 1.8
10 Resistor(20k) 2 0.1 0.2
11 Resistor(220) 4 0.2 0.8
12 8/11/2019 LED(G) 2 0.2 0.4
13 LED(R) 2 0.2 0.4
14 BJT 2N2222 2 0.8 1.6
15 Female Header 1 1.2 1.2
16 Male Header 1 0.6 0.6
Single Channel 5V
17 11/11/2019 1 8 8
Relay
18 20/11/2019 20L Drum 1 28 28
19 Pipe 2m 1 3 3
20 Silicone paste 1 7.9 7.9
21 Solvent Cement 1 4.5 4.5
22 Sealing Tape 4 0.6 2.4
23 2/12/2019 PVC Elbow (P/T) 3 0.8 2.4
24 PVC T 1 1.5 1.5
25 PVC Elbow 1 0.5 0.5
26 PVC Connector 4 1.7 6.8
27 PVC PT Socket 8 0.75 6
28 Power Jack (Male) 1 2 2
29 Power Jack (Female) 1 2 2
30 Terminal Black 1 2 2
4/12/2019
31 Jumper Wire (F-F) 1 3.1 3.1
32 Jumper Wire (M-F) 1 3.1 3.1
33 Solder Lead 1 3 3
34 Item box 1 15 15
35 Single Wire (1m) yellow 1 0.5 0.5
8/12/2019
36 Single Wire (1m) Blue 1 0.5 0.5
37 Rocker Switch 1 1.5 1.5
38 11/12/2019 12 V Water Pump 1 14 14
39 PVC Ball Valve 2 4.8 9.6
PVC Straight Link
40 2 5 10
11/12/2019 (Male)
41 PVC Valve Socket 2 0.45 0.9
42 PU Tubing (1m) 1 5 5
10m Water Hose
43 15/12/2019 1 15.9 15.9
(orange)
Sponsored
44 Tank 1 500
By UTM
Sponsored
45 Battery 12V 1 40
By UTM
Total 253.85
Remaining 46.15
Estimated
752.45
Product Cost
Programming Coding Appendix 6

// Determine whether to use Thingspeak or not.

#define THINGSPEAK

// Determine whether to use local database or not.

#define LOCAL_WIFI

//Determine whether to wait for Wifi or not.

#define NO_BLOCKING

#define TARIFF_PER_LITRE (55 / 20000);

#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>;
#include <WiFiClient.h>;

#include <ESP8266HTTPClient.h>;

#ifdef THINGSPEAK
#include <ThingSpeak.h>;
const char* writeAPIKey = THINGSPEAK_API_KEY;
#endif

// Wifi information
const char* ssid = WIFI_SSID;
const char* password = WIFI_PASSWORD;

// Local network information

#ifdef LOCAL_WIFI
const char* address = "http://192.168.43.198:3000/api/sensors";
const char* address2 = "http://192.168.43.198:3000/api/sensor2s";
#endif

WiFiClient client;
HTTPClient http;

const unsigned int channelNumber = 1;

// Flow rate value

const int flowrate1 = 0;
const int flowrate2 = 0;
const int flowrate3 = 0;
const int flowrate4 = 0;

unsigned long t, to;

float Q, volume, frequency, Q1, volume1, Q2, volume2, Q3, volume3, Q4, volume4;
int pulse1, pulse2, pulse3, pulse4;
float distance;
unsigned long pulseTime;
float hybridflow = 0;
const int echoPin = 14;
const int trigPin = 12;
const int valve = 16;
float costSaved = 0.0;

// Setup interrupt signal

ICACHE_RAM_ATTR void flow1() {
pulse1++;
}

ICACHE_RAM_ATTR void flow2() {

pulse2++;
}

ICACHE_RAM_ATTR void flow3() {

pulse3++;
}

ICACHE_RAM_ATTR void flow4() {

pulse4++;
}

// Calculate flow and value

int flow_and_volume(int pulse, float volume_x) {
frequency = pulse / ((t - to) / 1000);
Q = frequency / 7.5; //flowrate = frequency / 7.5;
volume = (Q / 60) + volume_x ;
}

void print_value() {
Serial.print("Q1 = ");
Serial.print(Q1);
Serial.print(" V1 = ");
Serial.print(volume1);

Serial.print(" Q2 = ");
Serial.print(Q2);
Serial.print(" V2 = ");
Serial.print(volume2);

Serial.print(" Q3 = ");
Serial.print(Q3);
Serial.print(" V3 = ");
Serial.print(volume3);

Serial.print(" Q4 = ");
Serial.print(Q4);
Serial.print(" V4 = ");
Serial.print(volume4);
 Serial.print(" level = ");
Serial.print(distance);

Serial.print(" Hybrid = ");

Serial.print(hybridflow);

Serial.print(" Cost = ");

Serial.print(costSaved);

Serial.println();
}

// U
void flow_sensor() {
flow_and_volume(pulse1, volume1);
Q1 = Q;
volume1 = volume;
pulse1 = 0;

flow_and_volume(pulse2, volume2);
Q2 = Q;
volume2 = volume;
pulse2 = 0;

flow_and_volume(pulse3, volume3);
Q3 = Q;
volume3 = volume;
pulse3 = 0;

flow_and_volume(pulse4, volume4);
Q4 = Q;
volume4 = volume;
pulse4 = 0;

hybridflow = volume2 - volume1;

costSaved = hybridflow * TARIFF_PER_LITRE ;
}

void level_sensor() {
digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
delayMicroseconds(2);
digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(10);
digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
pulseTime = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
distance = 37 - pulseTime * 0.0343 / 2.0;
}

void control_valve() {
if (distance > 15) {
 digitalWrite(valve, HIGH);
}
else {
digitalWrite(valve, LOW);
}
}

void wifiConnect()
{
// Connect to the network
WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
WiFi.setAutoReconnect(true);
WiFi.setSleepMode(WIFI_NONE_SLEEP);
Serial.print("Connecting to ");
Serial.print(ssid); Serial.println(" ...");

#ifdef NO_BLOCKING
Serial.println("Let it connect itself.");
#else
int teller = 0;
// Wait for the Wi-Fi to connect
while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED)
{
delay(1000);
Serial.print(++teller); Serial.print(' ');
}

Serial.println('\n');
Serial.println("Connection established!");
// Send the IP address of the ESP8266 to the computer
Serial.print("IP address:\t");
Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
#endif
}

void send_to_net() {
#ifdef THINGSPEAK
Serial.println("Sending Thingspeak...");
ThingSpeak.setField(1, Q1);
ThingSpeak.setField(2, Q2);
ThingSpeak.setField(3, Q3);
ThingSpeak.setField(4, distance);
ThingSpeak.setField(5, hybridflow);
ThingSpeak.setField(6, costSaved);
ThingSpeak.writeFields(channelNumber, writeAPIKey);
Serial.println("Updated to Thingspeak.");
#endif
// Send data in JSON format to HTTP
#ifdef LOCAL_WIFI
Serial.println("Sending to local...");
http.begin(address);
http.addHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
String data = "{\"value\":";
data += hybridflow;
data += "}";
int httpCode = http.POST(data);
String payload = http.getString();
Serial.println(httpCode);
Serial.println(payload);
http.end();
Serial.print("*");
delay(200);
http.begin(address2);
http.addHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
String data2 = "{\"value\":";
data2 += costSaved;
data2 += "}";
httpCode = http.POST(data2);
payload = http.getString();
Serial.println(httpCode);
Serial.println(payload);
http.end();

Serial.println("Updated to local.");
#endif

Serial.println();
}

void setup() {
// Initialize everything
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(valve, OUTPUT);
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(flowrate1), flow1, RISING);
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(flowrate2), flow2, RISING);
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(flowrate3), flow3, RISING);
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(flowrate4), flow4, RISING);

delay(10);
wifiConnect();

#ifdef THINGSPEAK
ThingSpeak.begin(client);
#endif
}

void loop() {
t = millis();
// Update every 15 seconds
if (t - to > 15000) {
flow_sensor();
level_sensor();
control_valve();
print_value();
send_to_net();
to = t;
}
}
 Appendix 7
TurnItIn Report

Figure A.2: Turnitin Digital Receipt.