A TRADE PROJECT ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AUTOMATIC PUBLIC

TAP CONTROL SYSTEM

BY

BARAZA JACOB

D/MET/17022/182

THIS PROJECT IS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FEB 2020

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this research project to my beloved parents Mr. and Mrs. Baraza, my entire family and

mentors for the support they gave me both financially and emotionally that have helped me in

my academic Endeavour.

I also dedicate this work to my supervisor Mr. Kipsaina for his guidance and encouragement

towards this project

DECLARATION

I BARAZA JACOB, I hereby declare that the project entitled “How to make an automatic public

tap control” is my original work and has never been presented in any other institution for

academic qualification. Therefore it should never be presented for the same award or any other

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award and no part it should be presented or stored in any other means, either in a soft copy or a

hard copy without prior written permission from me.

NAME: BARAZA JACOB Sign……………………. Date………………

STUDENT NO.: D/MET/17022/182

The project has been submitted for review with my approval as the supervisor.

NAME:[Link]……………………Date: …………………

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the Almighty God for the strength and gift of life, my supervisor Mr.

Kipsaina for his great encouragement, guideline and support he has offered to me, my research

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tutors for the great advice, my lecturers in the department of Medical Engineering Technology

and finally to fellow classmates for their support throughout this research period.

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.3.1 Block diagram of an IR sensor circuit

Fig.3.2 block diagram of a regulated power supply

Fig.3.3. bridge rectifier…

Fig.3.4 Electrolytic capacitor

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Fig.3.5 Regulated power supply circuit diagram

Fig.3.6 infrared LED…

Fig.3.7 schematic of a typical IR transmitter

Fig.3.8 Typical IR receiver or photodiode

Fig 3.9 schematic diagram of IR receiver

Fig. 3.1.0 Schematic diagram of LM358

Fig.3.1.1 Relay

Fig.3.1.1 Circuit diagram …………21

LIST OF SYMBOLS

1. Light emitting diode.

2. Variable resistor.

3. Capacitor.

v
 4. Diode

5. Battery

OPERATION DEFINATIONS

Comparator : a device that compares two voltages or currents and outputs a

Digital Signal indicating which is larger

Photo-coupler: is a component that transfers electrical signals between two

Isolated circuit using light

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

LED : Light Emitting Diode

IR : Infrared Red

Op-Amp : Operational Amplifier

IC : Integrated Circuit

MOSFET : Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor

DC : Direct Current

PCB : Printed Circuit Board

GaAs : Gallium Arsenide

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GaP : Gallium Phosphide

GaAsP : Gallium Arsenide Phosphide

SiC : Silicon Carbide

GaInN : Gallium Indium Nitride

V : Voltage

Table of Contents

DEDICATION ii
DECLARATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF SYMBOLS vi
OPERATION DEFINATIONS vii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS viii
ABSTRACT xii
CHAPTER ONE 1
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 2
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 2
1.4 OBJECTIVES 2
1.5 BROAD OBJECTIVE 2
1.6 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES 2
1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY 3
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 3
viii
 1.7 ASSUMPTIONS 3
1.8 LIMITATION 4
CHAPTER TWO 5
LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.0; INTRODUCTION 5
2.1 PHYSICS OF WATER FLOWS SYSTEMS 5
2.2 MECHANISM OF WATER FLOW SYSTEM 6
2.2.1 Mechanically controlled water tap (hand operated taps) 6
2.2.2 Foot controlled water tap 7
2.2.3 Android controlled water tap 7
2.2.4 Automatic tap control using microcontroller. 8
2.2.5 Remote controlled water tap 8
2.2.6 Ultrasonic and Arduino controlled tap 9
CHAPTER THREE 10
METHODOLOGY 10
3.0 INTRODUCTION 10
3.1Block diagram of IR sensor 10
Fig.3.1 Block diagram of an IR sensor circuit 10
3.1.2 Power supply 10
Fig.3.2 block diagram of a regulated power supply 11
3.1.3 Transformer 11
3.1.4 Rectification 11
Fig.3.3. bridge rectifier. 12
3.1.5 Smoothing 12
Fig.3.4 Electrolytic capacitor 13
3.1.6 Voltage regulation 13
Fig.3.5 Regulated power supply circuit diagram 13
3.1.7 IR sensor 14
3.1.8 IR Transmitter 15
Fig.3.6 infrared LED. 15
Fig.3.7 schematic of a typical IR transmitter 16
3.1.9 IR Receiver 16

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 Fig.3.8 Typical IR receiver or photodiode 17
Fig 3.9 schematic diagram of IR receiver 18
3.2.0 Distinguishing between black and white color 18
3.2.1 LM358 (Op-Amp) 19
Fig. 3.1.0 Schematic diagram of LM358 19
3.2.2 LED 19
3.2.3 Relay 20
Fig.3.1.2relay 21
3.2.4 Water pump 21
3.2.5 CONSTRUCTION. 21
3.2.6 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM. 21
3.2.7 Circuit Operation 22
3.2.8 List of Components 23
CHAPTER FOUR 24
STUDY FINDINGS 24
4.0Indroduction 24
CHAPTER FIVE 25
5.0 Introduction 25
5.1 Discussion and interpretation 25
5.2 Conclusion 26
5.5 Recommendation 26
REFRENCES 27
APPENDIX 1: BUDGET 27

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 ABSTRACT

Water is one of the biggest issues plaguing the world today, to prevent this from becoming

worse; we need to focus on conservation. Water is the most precious resource on earth and it’s

our responsibility to conserve it, but knowingly and unknowingly we tend to waste a lot of water

every day. One of the most habits is forgetting to turn of the tap after using it and leaving the

water running when washing the mouth, shaving, doing dishes or even laundry. To help reduce

water wastage from taps I bring you the solution, a smart solution. I will be making a smart water

tap that will automatically turn ON when it detects hands, glass or any obstacle in between the

receive and the emitter and turn OFF when the obstacle is removed. This automatic taps can be

used in various sections like industrial automation, public toilets and even in hospitals and even

water vending machines. In this work we are going to use two IR proximity sensors in our

prototype.

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xii
 CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, purpose of

the study, justification of the study, significance of the study, assumptions and limitations of this

study project

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Water supply is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organization, and

communities’ endeavors or by industries, usually given via a system of pumps, pipes and taps.

Tap water (running water, city water, town water, municipal water etc.) is water supplied to a tap

valve. Its uses include drinking washing cooking and flushing of toilets. Indoors taps is

distributed through indoor plumbing which has existed since antiquity but was available to very

few people.

Many times it happens in restaurants, malls, hotels, hospitals and public bore holes and

specifically at home that we forget to turn of the tap which leads to wastage of water. The circuit

described here will automatically switch ON the tap when you put your hands below the tap

outlet and when you remove your hands below the tap. This will lead to less wastage of water.

With automatic tap all the electronics are housed within the body of the tap. The pump or the

solenoid valve and the power supply are connected to the tap using simple secured cables and

connectors. When a user puts their hands under the tap they are detected by the infrared sensor
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and the pump or solenoid valve is actuated. This happens because the infrared rays are blocked

from reaching the IR receiver and as a result of this relay is energized and the pump or solenoid

valve opens allowing water to flow. This tap continues to let water flow allowing the user to be

able to clean his hands thoroughly without having to constantly turn on and off the tap. When the

user removes his hand the electronics denergizes the solenoid valve or pumps hence the flow of

water stops immediately.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

If there is water cut one cannot use the device. If there is a power cut, mains operated water

taps will not work either

The device will work with an infrared sensor i.e. the device may have problems with

reflective surface and extremely bright colors

Requires more investments as compared with traditional tap

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this work is to have automatic control for a water tap which can significantly

reduce water wastage and consumption of some extent. Besides this device can eliminate cross

contamination by keeping hands and germs away from commonly used surfaces.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

1.5 BROAD OBJECTIVE

To design and construct an automatic public tap control system to prevent water wastage.
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1.6 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. To build an electronic circuit which controls the water tap operations by sensing valid

movements of the users hand or obstacle with the help of an IR sensor

2. To design a circuit that uses Op-Amp as a voltage comparator so that it can actuate

the pump at desired wavelengths.

3. To design and construct a circuit that uses low power consumption to controls tap

flow

1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Automatic controls came into existed because of the human error and inconsistency that is

associated with manual operated water taps. This is because it's unhygienic and wastes a lot of

water when one is using it, one has to leave the water running as he/she scrubs the hands and

water runs without being used which is a waste hence there arose the need to come up with an

electronic circuit that will counter this problem and one that will be more hygienic compared to

the traditional taps (manually operated taps)

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Automatic taps are the most hygienic options available for fetching water and hand washing.

These very important aspects for everybody but of increased importance where people are

handling food are where cross contamination need to be controlled.

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These automated taps are reliable since they are able to save water ensuring that the water turns

OFF after use.

1.7 ASSUMPTIONS

1. The results and findings of this study assume that the circuits will be economical and

it’s simple to construct and consumes little energy.

2. The components used will be of the right quality for a stable system.

1.8 LIMITATION

If the infrared sensor has been subjected to vandalism and covered deliberately the tap will run

continuously until the sensors are cleared.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter deals with all other related devices that either functions or operates similar to my

project and already in use in the market.

2.1 PHYSICS OF WATER FLOWS SYSTEMS

Water has an adjustable flow; gate valves are more progressive, ball valves are more coarse

typically used for ON and OFF application. Turning a valve knob or lever adjusts flow by

varying the aperture of control devices in the valve assembly. The results when opened in any

degree are a choked flow. It’s rated independently of the velocity and temperature of the fluid in

the pipe and depends weakly on the supply pressure so that the flow rate is stable at a given

setting. At intermediate flow setting the pressure at the valve restriction drops nearly to zero

from the venture effect. In water taps these effects causes the water to boil immediately at room

temperature as it passes through the restriction. Bubbles of cool water vapor form and collapse at

the restriction causing the familiar hissing sound. At very low settings the viscosity of the water

becomes important and pressure drops (and hissing sound) vanishes; at full flow settings

peristaltic drag in the pipe becomes important and the water again becomes silent.

([Link], Basics of plumbing by subhaspartil.)

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2.2 MECHANISM OF WATER FLOW SYSTEM

2.2.1 Mechanically controlled water tap (hand operated taps)

The first screw down tap mechanism was patented and manufactured by the Rotherham brass

founders Guest and Chrimes in 1845. This tap mostly used soft rubber or neoprene washer which

is screwed down onto a valve seat in order to stop the valve flow. This is called a globe valve in

engineering and it gives a leak proof seal and good time adjustments of flow, both the rubber

washer and the seat valve are subjected to wear (and for the seat valve also corrosion) over time

so that eventually no tight seal is formed in the closed position resulting in a tap leaking. The

washer can be replaced and the valve seat resurfaced at least a few times but globe valves are

never maintenances free.

The tortuous S-shaped path, the water is forced to flow to the significant obstruction flow. For

high pressure domestic water system this does not matter but for the low pressure system where

flow rate is important such as shower fed by storage tank a ‘stop tap’ is preferred. (Basics of

plumbing by suhaspatil)

Gate valves use a disc metal of the same diameter as the pipe which is screwed into place

perpendicularly to the flow cutting it OFF. There is no resistance to flow when the tap is fully

opened but this type of taps rarely gives a perfect seal when closed.

Cone valves or ball valves are another alternative that are commonly found as the service shut

OFF valves in more expensive water system. They can be identified by their range of motion of

only 90 degrees fully open and closed. Usually when the handle is in line with pipe, the valve is
6
open and when the handle is across the valve is closed but it could be more in either direction

CW or CCW perpendicular to the pipe. The cone valve consists of shallowly tempering cone in

tight fitting socket placed across the flow of the fluid. A hole through the cone allows the liquid

to pass if it is in line with the opening in the socket through which the liquid enters and leaves.

Turning the cone using the handle rotates the cone presenting the liquid with the unbroken

surface of the cone blocking its passage.

2.2.2 Foot controlled water tap

Foot controlled valve are another type of fluid flow control mechanism. They are installed within

laboratories and healthcare/hospitals as well as in the industrial settings where extremely dirty

hands operating taps may leave residues on them. In this type the valve is controlled using a foot

pedal which acts as a shut ON and OFF to initiate the tap. It’s more hygienic compared to the

initial taps. They are also fitted with aerators that reduce water splashing. This type of water tap

has more advantages as compared to the traditional tapas that is hand operated tap but they are

not suitable for the incapacitated individuals hence there was a need to improve on them.

2.2.3 Android controlled water tap

Android controlled valve have also gained popularity due to its wide coverage area and can be

controlled and monitored by someone sitting anywhere around the world provided there is good

network and there is internet accessibility. In this type, smart phones are used together with

Arduino board to control all water taps including those used in plant watering by the use of

internet. Arduino 2560 board with Ethernet shield is used and the Arduino is coded using
7
Arduino codes and the App development is done using android programming. This is too

expensive hence not suitable for public water tap control. (International journal of computer

network and communication vol 6 no. 1 January 2014)

2.2.4 Automatic tap control using microcontroller.

Automatic tap control using micro controller is more advanced than the conventional hand wash

and it’s designed to improve life by having more convenient hand wash system. This system

controls water automatically using the PIC16F877A microcontroller. Water flow is controlled

based on the programming done in the microcontroller. It also incorporates the use of IR sensors

that detects the user’s hands. The microcontroller can also be programmed to control soap

dispenser and dryer at the same time but this not suitable since when one system fails the whole

system goes down since they are interconnected and depend on each other for them to activate.

([Link])

2.2.5 Remote controlled water tap

In this type of mechanism a microprocessor is used together with a remote and a receiver on the

other end. The microprocessor is programmed that when presses a certain button on the remote

control the solenoid valve is actuated allowing water to flow through. A lot of work is done on

programming the microprocessor and the installation cost is also high. This is not suitable for use

in public facilities as there are tendencies of theft of the remote control and also it’s not hygienic

compared to that of microcontroller. ([Link])

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2.2.6 Ultrasonic and Arduino controlled tap

Ultrasonic sensors are used in tap automation. It utilizes ultrasonic sensor that works in the same

way as the ultrasonic sensor. Whenever one places his hand beneath the tap it commands s the

servo motor to turn ON the tap and keep a check on it. When the user removes the hands below

the tap the tap will be turned OFF immediately ensuring that the tap runs only when needed

conserving precious water. The Arduino board is used to manipulate the voltages hence gives out

a voltage variation for the tap control. ([Link])

Tap automation is common in public washrooms, hotels, restaurants, hospitals among other

public utilities where they are supposed to reduce water consumption, transmission of disease

causing microbes among other benefits. Because of their assistive qualities automatic forceps are

often found at assistive living establishments and place where elderly people and the

handicapped individuals calls home. They are water saving devices that saves up to 70% of the

water that would otherwise swirl down the drain unused and conserve as much as 3-5%of the

water used by standard households.

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

Here the project intends to discuss the block diagram, specific components used during the

construction and assembly of equipment.

3.1Block diagram of IR sensor

5v power supply

IR TRANSMITTER IR RECEIVER LM358 OP-AMP RELAY

PUMP/SOLENOID VALVE

9V POWER SUPPLY

Fig.3.1 Block diagram of an IR sensor circuit

3.1.2 Power supply

It uses a step down transformer of 5v output from a 240v supply which will be rectified. This

power is important for circuit operation. The main requirement of power supply are;

● To maintain rated voltages for the circuit to be supplied with a specified tolerance.

● To be able to supply the rated maximum current to be supplied to the circuit without the

supply voltage falling outside specified limit

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 ● To maintain specified limits as the load changes or the main supply input or the ambient

temperature changes

A power supply can be broken into a series of blocks, each performing a particular function

Fig.3.2 block diagram of a regulated power supply ([Link] )

3.1.3 Transformer

A transformer is a static device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another

through inductively coupled conductors (transformer coil). A varying current in the primary

windings creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer core and thus varying magnetic

field. This varying magnetic field induces a varying electromotive force (emf) or a voltage in the

secondary windings. This effect is called mutual induction.

3.1.4 Rectification

This type of single phase rectifier uses individual rectifying diode in a ‘bridged’ configuration to

produce the desired output but does not require a special center tap transformer thereby reducing

the size and cost. The single secondary windings is connected to one side of the diode bridge

network and the load to the other side as shown below

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Fig.3.3. bridge rectifier. ([Link] )

The 4 diode labeled D1 to D4 are arranged in ‘series power’ with only two diodes conducting

current during each half cycle. During the positive half cycle of the supply D1and D2 conduct in

series while D3 and D4 are reverse biased and the current flows through the load.

3.1.5 Smoothing

Smoothing is performed by a large value electrolytic capacitor connected across the DC supply

to act as a reservoir supply. Supply current to the output when the varying voltage from the

rectifier is falling.

Fig.3.4 Electrolytic capacitor. ([Link] )

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3.1.6 Voltage regulation

Circuit requires DC power supply that can maintain a fixed voltage while supplying enough

current to drive a load. When the power supply is unregulated, sudden changes within the AC

input voltage (spikes, dips etc.) will be expressed at the supply output. Sensitive circuits like

digital circuits cannot be run on such, this because the circuits can operate improperly due to

false triggering among others.

The entire power supply is shown below.

Fig.3.5 Regulated power supply circuit diagram ([Link]/circuit diagram of

regulated power supply)

3.1.7 IR sensor

The basic concept of an Infrared Sensor which is used as Obstacle detector is to transmit an

infrared signal, this infrared signal bounces from the surface of an object and the signal is

received at the infrared receiver. There are five basic elements used in a typical infrared

detection system: an infrared source, a transmission medium, optical component, infrared

detectors or receivers and signal processing. Infrared lasers and Infrared LED’s of specific
13
wavelength can be used as infrared sources. The three main types of media used for infrared

transmission are vacuum, atmosphere and optical fibers. Optical components are used to focus

the infrared radiation or to limit the spectral response. Optical lenses made of Quartz,

Germanium and Silicon are used to focus the infrared radiation. Infrared receivers can be

photodiodes, phototransistors etc. some important specifications of infrared receivers are

photosensitivity, directivity and noise equivalent power. Signal processing is done by amplifiers

as the output of infrared detector is very small. Infrared sensors can be passive or active. Passive

infrared sensors are basically Infrared detectors. Passive infrared sensors do not use any infrared

source and detects energy emitted by obstacles in the field of view. Active IR sensors consist of

two elements; infrared source and infrared detector. Infrared sources include an LED or infrared

laser diode, infrared detector include; photodiodes or photo resistors ([Link]), (A.K

and BL Theraja, Twenty fourth edition 2005, electrical and technology). The energy emitted by

the infrared source is reflected by the object and falls on the infrared detector as shown below;

The principle of an IR sensor working as an object detection sensor can be explained using this

figure. An IR sensor consists of an IR led and an IR photodiode; together they are called as

photo-coupler. When the IR transmitter emits radiation, it reaches the object and some of the

radiation reflects back to the receiver. Based on the intensity of the reception by the IR receiver,

the output of the sensor is defined. ([Link] )

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3.1.8 IR Transmitter

Infrared Transmitter is a light emitting diode (LED) which emits infrared radiations. Hence, they

are called IR LED’s. Even though an IR LED looks like a normal LED, the radiation emitted by

it is invisible to the human eye. The picture of a typical Infrared LED is shown below.

Fig.3.6 infrared LED. ([Link])

There are different types of infrared transmitters depending on their wavelengths, output power

and response time. A simple infrared transmitter can be constructed using an infrared LED, a

current limiting resistor and a power supply. The schematic of a typical IR transmitter is shown

below.

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Fig.3.7 schematic of a typical IR transmitter ([Link])

When operated at a supply of 5V, the IR transmitter consumes about 3 to 5mA of current.

Infrared transmitters can be modulated to produce a particular frequency of infrared light. The

most commonly used modulation is OOK (ON – OFF – KEYING) [Link] transmitters

can be found in several applications. Some applications require infrared heat and the best

infrared source is infrared transmitter. When infrared emitters are used with Quartz, solar cells

can be made.([Link] )

3.1.9 IR Receiver

Infrared receivers are also called as infrared sensors as they detect the radiation from an IR

transmitter. IR receivers come in the form of photodiodes and phototransistors. Infrared

Photodiodes are different from normal photo diodes as they detect only infrared radiation. The

16
picture of a typical IR receiver or a photodiode is shown below.

Fig.3.8 Typical IR receiver or photodiode ([Link])

Different types of IR receivers exist based on the wavelength, voltage, package, etc. When used

in an infrared transmitter – receiver combination, the wavelength of the receiver should match

with that of the transmitter. A typical infrared receiver circuit using a phototransistor is shown

below.

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Fig 3.9 schematic diagram of IR receiver ([Link])

It consists of an IR phototransistor, a diode, a MOSFET, a potentiometer and an LED. When the

phototransistor receives any infrared radiation, current flows through it and MOSFET turns on.

This in turn lights up the LED which acts as a load. The potentiometer is used to control the

sensitivity of the phototransistor. ([Link] )

3.2.0 Distinguishing between black and white color

It is universal that black color absorbs the entire radiation incident on it and white color reflects

the entire radiation incident on it. Based on this principle, the second positioning of the sensor

couple can be made. The IR LED and the photodiode are placed side by side. When the IR

transmitter emits infrared radiation, since there is no direct line of contact between the

transmitter and receiver, the emitted radiation must reflect back to the photodiode after hitting

any object. The surface of the object can be divided into two types: reflective surface and non-

reflective surface. If the surface of the object is reflective in nature i.e. it is white or other light

color, most of the radiation incident on it will get reflected back and reaches the photodiode.

Depending on the intensity of the radiation reflected back, current flows in the photodiode. If the

surface of the object is non-reflective in nature i.e. it is black or other dark color, it absorbs

almost all the radiation incident on it. As there is no reflected radiation, there is no radiation

incident on the photodiode and the resistance of the photodiode remains higher allowing no

current to flow. This situation is similar to there being no object at all. ([Link],

[Link] ).

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3.2.1 LM358 (Op-Amp)

Fig. 3.1.0 Schematic diagram of LM358 ([Link]/lm358op-amp)

LM358 IC consists of two operational amplifiers. Each op-Amp has two inputs i.e. inverting and

non-inverting and one output. ([Link] )

To Op-Amp output is high when inverting when voltage is greater than non-inverting voltage.

3.2.2 LED

Light Emitting Diode is used here. This gives a visual indication of the presence of the object in-

front of the circuit. A “Light Emitting Diode” or LED as it is more commonly called is basically

just a specialized type of PN-Junction diode, made from a very thin layer of fairy heavily doped

semiconductor material. When the diode is forward biased, electrons from the semiconductor

19
conduction band combine with holes from the valence band, releasing sufficient energy to

produce photons of light. Because of this thin layer, a reasonable number of these photons can

leave the junction and radiate away from producing a colored light output. Unlike normal diodes

which are made for detection or power rectification, and which are generally made from either

Germanium or Silicon semiconductor material, LEDs are made from compound type

semiconductor materials such as Gallium Arsenide(GaAs), Gallium Phosphide(GaP), Gallium

Arsenide Phosphide(GaAsP), Silicon Carbide(SiC) or Gallium Indium Nitride(GaInN).

(A.K and BL Theraja, Twenty Fourth edition (2005), Electrical and Technology)

3.2.3 Relay

A relay is an electromechanical switch which consists of a coil. When a small current flows

through the coil, magnetic field is induced which causes the switch to move, to open or close the

electrical connections. Typically a relay is used to control high voltages (AC or DC) circuits

using small DC voltages on circuits without any direct connection between them. This means

that the high voltage circuits are magnetically linked but electrically separated. When a small

voltage DC current flows through the coil of the relay the coil energizes thus the armature is

attracted to the normally open (NO) pin. When current flows through the coil armature comes

back to the normal position, means common pin is connected to the normally closed (NC) pin.

20
 Fig.3.1.2
relay ([Link]/relay)

3.2.4 Water pump

A pump is a device that moves fluids or sometimes slurries by mechanical action. Pumps are

classified into three major categories according to the method they use to move the fluids; direct

life displacement and gravity pump. They consume energy as they move the fluid to the required

place. Pumps comes in different sizes which requires certain power consumption.

3.2.5 CONSTRUCTION.

For the construction to be done, all the required components can be obtained both the electrical

and electronic shops, I purchased all the components required with the correct specifications and

tested each and every one to ensure that they are all good, thereafter, I arranged them on a

breadboard and tested the circuit if it is working. I removed the components and arranged them

on a motherboard and soldered them firmly to avoid loose connections and short-circuit.

3.2.6 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM.

It consists of an IR LED, a photodiode, a potentiometer, an IC operational amplifier and an LED.

21
IR LED emits infrared light. The Photodiode detects the infrared light. An IC Op – Amp is used

as a voltage comparator. The potentiometer is used to calibrate the output of the sensor according

to the requirement.

Fig.3.1.3. Circuit diagram of IR Sensors

3.2.7 Circuit Operation

When the light emitted by the IR LED is incident on the photodiode after hitting an object, the

resistance of the photodiode falls down from a huge value. One of the input of the op – amp is at

threshold value set by the potentiometer. The other input to the op-amp is from the photodiode’s

series resistor. When the incident radiation is more on the photodiode, the voltage drop across

the series resistor will be high. In the IC, both the threshold voltage and the voltage across the

series resistor are compared. If the voltage across the resistor series to photodiode is greater than

22
that of the threshold voltage, the output of the IC Op – Amp is high. As the output of the IC is

connected to an LED and pump, it lightens up and the pump is actuated allowing flow of water.

The threshold voltage can be adjusted by adjusting the potentiometer depending on the

environmental conditions. ([Link], [Link],

[Link])

3.2.8 List of Components

1. 5v power supply

2. 10kv variable resistor

3. Lm358 IC

4. IR transmitter and IR receiver( IR sensors)

5. Resistors(10k, 100ohms, 220ohms)

6. Zero PCB board

7. LED

8. 9v water pump

23
 CHAPTER FOUR

STUDY FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

This chapter presents study findings (Expected results and Actual results).

4.1 Study Findings

Table2.1 results analysis

Expected Results Actual Results

A relay to actuate the pump whenever there is The relay used did actuate the pump when

obstruction in between the IR sensors there was an obstacle between the IR sensors.

A red LED to indicate that the pump is The red LED did light indicating that the pump

actuated hence flow of water is on and there was flow of water

The IR sensor to actuate the relay an energize The IR sensors used did energize the relay and

it to NC in order to actuate the pump actuated the pump

The IR sensor to break at a maximum distance The IR sensors broke continuity at 130 cm

of 80 cm

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 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, INTERPRETAION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction

This chapter deals with discussion, analysis and interpretation of the findings in chapter four and

at the same time showing that the objectives have been met. It also gives recommendations to

others who wish to improve on this project.

5.1 Discussion and interpretation

The following were specific objectives and how they were achieved;

● Incorporate infrared technology in object detection.

Infrared LED and infrared sensors were used to monitor the presence of objects by obstruction.

They are supposed to be mounted at a level to which can be reached from the ground by human

being and only activated when there is hands or any other obstacles between the emitter and the

receiver. When blocked by the hand when testing illustrated the presence of an obstacle and the

voltage across the infrared sensor rose.

● To use an IC op-amp (LM358) as a voltage comparator.

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LM358 is used to compare voltages demonstrating how the LED and the pump behave when the

infrared is blocked and the output was obtained as was expected i.e. the pump is actuated and the

LED blinks.

● To avoid water wastage

● The pump was turned on when one places his hands between the receiver and the emitter

and shut OFF immediately after the removal of hands which cuts unnecessary water

wastage

5.2 Conclusion

The project was tested and by using a human hand to block the infrared rays stimulate pressure

of an object. An LED and the buzzer were used to give out the output when the infrared rays

were blocked, LED lights up and the pump was actuated.

5.5 Recommendation

The project can be further improved by anyone with a view that will be costly friendly and

ensure that the gadget works without altering its applications in public utilities.

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 REFRENCES

A.K and B.L Theraja, Twenty fourth editions (2005). Electrical and Technology

Basics of plumbing by subhaspartil.

International journal (1 January 2014); computer network and communication vol 6 no.

([Link]/circuit diagram of regulated power supply)

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APPENDIX: BUDGET

ITEM QUANTITY PRICE/UNIT TOTAL PRICE

TRANSFORMER 1 350 350
DIODES 5 10 50
C10APACITORS 2 20 40
IC35308 + 8PIN 1 100 100
BASE
IR TRANSMITER 1 150 150
AND RECEIVER
BC547 1 20 20
TRANSISTOR
10K PRESET 1 20 20
LED (RED) 1 10 10
RESISTORS 3 10 30
PCB BOARD 1 50 50
WATER PUMP 1 400 400
5V SPDT RELAY 1 150 150
SOLDERING WIRE 1 METER 40 40
PRINTING AND 600
TYPING
TOTAL 2010

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