This project' goal was to design a device which collects rainwater and recyled gray water throughout the assisted living unit. The system utilizes a programmable logic controller to operate valves and a PCB to monitor power consumption.
The sponsor for this project was Dr. Bing Chen, and its duration was 2020 - 2021.
Capstone Team Members:
- Joseph Prochaska
- Luke Tasler
- Dean Rodgers
Abstract:
The Water Control System utilizes a Programmable Logic Controller to conserve and deliver collected rainwater throughout the Assisted Living Unit. The Assisted Living Unit is a self-sufficient house designed to be a secondary option to the nursing home that could be placed in a son’s or daughter’s backyard. The scope of the project involves determining cistern tank levels, verifying the water is safe to consume, and diverting the water using pumps and valves. The extent of the project excludes filtering the water, designing a UI device for displaying information, and a water overflow diversion solution. The Programmable Logic Controller allows the Water Control System to collect information on water quality, water usage, and power consumed and stores the information using its built-in data logging capabilities. This information tells whether it is possible to have a water supply come directly from rainwater collection and recycled greywater in a 21st century home. By using the data from the water quality sensors and water level sensors, valves and pumps can be controlled by the Programmable Logic Controller to direct water flow throughout the Assisted Living Unit. The addition of current transformer sensors enabled our system power consumption to be monitored as the home will operate on battery storage. The Water Control System was designed to be easily installed and adaptable. One recommendation is to implement this system into existing homes and businesses that wish to take one step closer to being self-sufficient. The hardware, software, organization, testing, and background of the project are detailed in this report. The project is sponsored by Dr. Bing Chen alongside the funding from Metropolitan Utilities District with a budget of $2,400.
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Contact Dr. Chen for full permissions to read more about the Water Control System project, including a full definition and proposal.