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Automatic Ultrasonic Water Level Controller.

Automating the control of water levels in tanks, reservoirs, or sumps is an essential application for maintaining water supply efficiently. An ultrasonic water level controller can be a perfect solution to monitor and control the water levels without the need for physical sensors in direct contact with water. This blog will walk you through the components, circuit, and code needed to build a simple, yet highly effective, ultrasonic water level controller.

Why Use an Ultrasonic Water Level Controller?

The main goal of an automatic water level controller is to monitor the water level in a tank and switch on/off a pump or valve based on the level detected. Here are some reasons to use an ultrasonic water level controller:

Non-contact Measurement: Ultrasonic sensors measure the water level without touching the water. This means no wear and tear, which reduces maintenance.
Automation: By controlling the water pump automatically, you save energy, prevent overflow, and reduce human intervention.
Simple and Cost-Effective: This project uses affordable components and doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge to build.

Materials for the Project

1 X Arduino Nano
1 X Relay Module
1x HC-SR04 Module
1x 16X2 LCD
jumper wires

Download Circuit Diagram

Arduino Code

Gerber files

How Does the Ultrasonic Water Level Controller Work?

Ultrasonic Sensor Functionality:
The ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) emits a pulse and waits for it to reflect back after hitting an object (in this case, the water surface). By calculating the time taken for the echo to return, the distance to the water surface can be determined. This distance is used to estimate the water level.
Relay Control:
The Arduino processes the distance data and compares it to predefined thresholds for “low” and “full” water levels. When the water level goes below the “low” threshold, the relay is activated to turn on the pump. If the water level reaches the “full” threshold, the pump is turned off.
Water Level Thresholds:
- Empty Level: When the water level falls below a certain height, the pump is activated.
- Full Level: When the water level rises above a specified height, the pump is deactivated.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sensor Placement:
Ensure the ultrasonic sensor is placed at the top of the tank and faces down towards the water. It should be positioned in a way that it can send out sound waves and receive the echo from the water surface.
Power Supply:
Make sure your power supply is capable of driving both the Arduino and the pump. The Arduino requires 5V, while the pump may require a higher voltage (like 12V or 24V). Use an appropriate relay to control the pump’s operation.
Relay Module:
Ensure that the relay can handle the current and voltage required by the pump. A 5V relay module should be suitable for most small water pumps.
Distance Calibration:
You may need to adjust the emptyLevel and fullLevel distances based on the actual size of your tank.

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you will have created a fully functional Automatic Ultrasonic Water Level Controller. This system is ideal for various applications, including water tanks, sump pumps, and reservoirs. The simplicity and effectiveness of this project make it a great choice for automating water level control and avoiding overflow or running the pump dry.

This automatic water level controller can be further improved and customized according to your needs. It’s an excellent project for beginners looking to dive into Arduino and sensor-based automation systems.

Let me know if you need any further assistance or specific modifications!