FLOW-MO: Flood Water Monitor

A Special Project presented to

Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering

College of Engineering

National University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject

Digital Communications

Hershey Ann Adol

Michael John Balisi

Louie Matthew Reyes

Eruel Santos

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 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering
Manila

APPROVAL SHEET
The special project, entitled FLOW-MO: FLOOD WATER MONITOR prepared and

submitted by Hershey Ann Mae A. Adol, Michael John T. Balisi, Louie Matthew G.

Reyes, Eruel A. Santos in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the program Bachelor

of Science in Electronics Engineering is hereby approved and accepted.

Engr. VINCENT G. RONQUILLO

Instructor

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR

OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING.

ENGR. JONREY RAÑADA

Director, EcE/CpE

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 DEDICATION

We would like to dedicate this research to our parents.

If not for their love and support, none of these would be possible.

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Our group would like to extend our deepest thanks to those who have helped us in the

completion of this project. Whether big or small, direct or indirect, all of their help is of

great significance and we appreciate it very much.

First, to our adviser, Engr. Vincent G. Ronquillo, for his insightful opinions and criticism

that helped bring out the better, if not the best, versions of us.

To Guingab’s Residence, for providing food to eat and place to work with throughout the

duration of this project.

To our families, for giving financial and emotional support.

And lastly, to our classmates, for the encouragements and exchange of ideas that have

been vital throughout the whole process.

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 ABSTRACT

This project entitled Flow-Mo: Flood Water Monitor was done to develop an early warning

system in case of flood occurrence. The research’s target is to establish this device as a

sort of home security system that can be used not only by a single household but by small

communities as well.

The device is designed to update its users regarding flood water level and warns them

when the water has reached a certain threshold. The project uses Arduino Board and

GSM/GPRS Module in order to execute the aforementioned SMS Alert feature. The

number of phone numbers that can be integrated into the program and where the alert

messages can be sent into is only limited, so the project also has a buzzer and matrix of

light-emitting diodes to serve as alarm and indicator, respectively.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL SHEET ........................................................................................................ ii
DEDICATION ................................................................................................................. iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. vi
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ vii
CHAPTER I: THE PROJECT AND ITS SETTING .......................................................... 1
1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................... 2
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ............................................................................. 3
1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ........................................................................ 3
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................... 4
1.6 SCOPES AND DELIMITATIONS .......................................................................... 4
CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 5
2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES ......................................... 5
2.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................. 5
2.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER III: OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................. 9
3.1 PROJECT DESIGN............................................................................................... 9
3.2 PROJECT METHOD ............................................................................................11
3.3 Project Validation .................................................................................................13
CHAPTER IV: RESULT AND DISCUSSION .................................................................14
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ...........................................15
5.1 CONCLUSION .....................................................................................................15
5.2 RECOMMENDATION ..........................................................................................15

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

2–A IPO Conceptual Framework 6

3–A Wiring Diagram 10

3-B Prototype Design using SketchUp 11

3-C Flowchart 12

4-A Block Diagram 15

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 CHAPTER I: THE PROJECT AND ITS SETTING

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Flooding is an unending problem in the Philippines. Due to the country’s geographical

location, the Philippines is battered by numerous disasters annually – and flooding is the

most common among all of them. While considered by most as a natural occurrence,

flooding is more of a man-made disaster in this country. It is caused by various reasons

such as poor infrastructures, insufficient drainage, blocked esteros and waterways,

denuded uplands, and of course, politics. The best way to solve this problem is through

its roots. However, the mentioned causes cannot be mended and resolved right away.

Although there are methods to do so, they are either not feasible yet or in the process of

getting planned or finished. Fortunately, through science and technology, there are ways

to diminish the impacts and repercussions of flooding that are much more attainable.

According to UNISDR (2012), among all disasters, floods have the most potential damage

and affects the greatest number of people. In their Number of Climate-related Disasters

around the World (1980-2011) Infographic, flood tops other disasters with 3455

occurrences around the world from 1980 to 2011.

Just like any other natural disasters, floods cannot be completely avoided. However,

resiliency can be developed and risks can be reduced and that is through proper and

thorough preparation.

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1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Wet season in the Philippines starts in June and ends in November. This means that the

country is subjected to up to six months of frequent flooding. According to PAGASA, an

average of eight or nine typhoons make landfall in the Philippines. However, as most of

us are well aware, it doesn’t even take a typhoon to cause flooding in the flood-prone

areas of the country.

Flooding has become such a normal scenario that residents become complacent even if

they are being hit during the night, which is the time when they are most vulnerable. In

2009, a lot of people were killed and millions worth of properties were lost in Provident

Village, a subdivision in Marikina City, as Typhoon Ondoy devastates during the night.

The flood rose to an unusual height and the residents were caught unprepared. This

occurrence emphasizes the need for preparation before a calamity and alertness as it

happens. Now, the local government has installed a system that would monitor the water

level of Marikina River and alarm the nearby residents when the level has reached a

certain level. However, not every flood is caused by overflowing bodies of water and not

every municipality can afford such warning system. Moreover, the warning can only reach

as far as the siren can be heard.

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1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This section outlines the general and specific objectives of the project.

General Objective:

 To take advantage of technological advancement to alleviate an effect of an old

and recurring problem.

Specific Objectives:

 To create a device that would monitor the level of water accumulation in a certain

area which has SMS Alert Feature, buzzer, and LED indicators.

 To create a device that would prompt its users to make necessary actions once

needed.

 To create a device that is cheaper than its counterparts and more affordable to

non-well-off households and very small communities.

1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

As common as it can be, flood can still come and rose into surprising severity. While its

effects vary, flood can immediately incur damage to properties and threat to human lives.

There are various solutions to flooding. However, they require a lot of time before their

completion. What’s worse is not all of the solutions has already been started. So while

these solutions are being planned and built, it is best to make the most of what we have

now and lessen the impact of a problem that cannot be avoided for now.

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1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The findings of this research will be both beneficial to the researchers and the community.

Researchers. Through the design and development of this project, the researchers get to

apply their knowledge and skill therefore enhance them at the same time.

Community. As this project serves as an early warning system, this can lessen the impact

of flood to human lives and their properties. Such benefits protect the community as they

provide security and therefore improve its members’ life quality.

1.6 SCOPES AND DELIMITATIONS

 This device is powered by electricity, so having a power interruption during

a weather disturbance would not activate the device, unless a generator is

added to the project which would cause additional expenses.

 The SMS message will have a delay.

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 CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Early Warning Systems

As defined by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, early warning system

“is the set of capacities needed to generate and disseminate timely warning information

to enable individuals, communities and organizations threatened by a hazard to prepare

and to act appropriately and in sufficient time”. Through advancement in science and

technology, these early warning systems have improved drastically in every aspects over

time.

Early warning systems have been considered a fundamental part of disaster preparedness

(Pearson 2012). In Cuba, its Tropical Cyclone Early Warning System is attributed to

decreasing deaths significantly for weather related disasters such as tropical cyclones,

storm surges and related flooding. In fact, five successive flooding events left only seven

casualties.

2.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

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 Input Process Output

Knowledge
Requirement:
 Arduino
Programming
 Basic
Electronics
 Analog Sensors
 Safety  Project Design
Standards  Flood Water
 Installation
Indicator
 Electronics
Software  SMS Alert
Circuit
Requirement:  Critical Level
Assembly
 Arduino IDE Alarm
 Programming

Hardware  Testing
Requirement:
 Control Box
 Arduino
 Flood Sensor
 Buzzer
 LED Indicator

EVALUATION

Figure 2-A. IPO Conceptual Framework

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 The conceptual framework illustrated demonstrates the flow of the process needed

in attaining the objectives of the study. This guides the proponent in developing the project.

The input has three primary categories namely Knowledge Requirement, Software

Requirement, and Hardware Requirement. The knowledge requirement consists of a

sufficient understanding about basic electronics, flood safety standards, and Arduino

programming. This serves as the foundation of the project design. The software

requirement includes the Arduino IDE for programming the Arduino board. Lastly, the

hardware requirement includes control box, Arduino board, flood sensor, buzzer and LED

indicator.

The next stage is the Process Stage where the project design, installation of

hardware parts, electronics assembly, programming of Arduino, and testing operation are

done.

Combining the input requirements and process involved, the final project output

which is the proposed flood water monitor system was achieved and subjected for

evaluation process aligned with the safety standards set for flood monitoring.

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2.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Arduino - an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and

software.

Buzzer - an electrical device, similar to a bell, that makes a buzzing noise and is used for

signaling.

Estero - a tidal channel used as a drainage canal in populated districts.

LED – short for light-emitting diode, is a two-lead semiconductor light source. It is a p–n

junction diode which emits light when activated.

PAGASA - the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration, abbreviated as PAGASA, is the National Meteorological and Hydrological

Services (NMHS) agency of the Philippines mandated to provide protection against

natural calamities and to insure the safety, well-being and economic security of all the

people, and for the promotion of national progress by undertaking scientific and

technological services in meteorology, hydrology, climatology, astronomy and other

geophysical sciences.

UNISDR - established in 1999 as a dedicated secretariat to facilitate the implementation

of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).It is mandated by the United

Nations General Assembly resolution (56/195), to serve as the focal point in the United

Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among

the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations system and regional organizations

and activities in socio‐economic and humanitarian fields. It is an organizational unit of

the UN Secretariat and is led by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-

General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG).

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 CHAPTER III: OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

3.1 PROJECT DESIGN

Wiring Diagram

Figure 3-A. Circuit’s Wiring Diagram

This shows the connection of components that make up the project’s circuit.

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Prototype Design

Figure 3-B. Prototype Design using SketchUp

For the control box which houses all the circuits, thin plywood is used. It has a dimension

of 3” x 4.5 “ x 4.5”. The box that contains the matrix of LEDs has the dimension of 1.75” x

4” x 1.75”. For the base of the device, a PVC pipe is used. It contains the leads of the

sensors and it provides elevation to the control box.

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3.2 PROJECT METHOD

START

LOW
X
NO
sensor
Activate
d?
ORANGE LEDs
ON
YES

Green LEDs ON

NO
Critical
NO Sensor
Moderate Activate
Sensor
Activate YES

YES RED LEDs ON

YELLOW LEDs
ON BUZZER ON
Continuous
beep for 30
mins
High NO
Sensor
Activate
d? end
YES

Figure 3-C. Flowchart

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If the LOW Sensor is activated, the green LEDs would turn ON. If the MDERATE Sensor

is activated, the yellow LEDs would turn ON. If the HIGH Sensor is activated, the orange

LEDs would turn ON. Simultaneously, a warning SMS would be sent. If the CRITICAL

Sensor is ON, red LEDS would turn ON, the buzzer would go off, and a warning SMS

would be sent.

Sensors get activated when its leads get touched by water. The lead of the LOW sensor

is placed at the bottom of the base. The succeeding levels are placed above, about half a

feet apart.

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3.3 Project Validation

In order to validate the project, the researchers prepared a questionnaire that will be
utilized to evaluate the project. The questionnaire will assess the project’s functionality,
durability, aesthetics, and marketability.

FUNCTIONALITY

QUESTIONS YES SOMEHOW NO

1. Does the LOW sensor work?

2. Does the MODERATE sensor work?

3. Does the CRITICAL sensor work?

4. Does the HIGH sensor work?

5. Are the LED sufficiently visible?

6. Is the buzzer sufficiently audible?

7. Does the SMS Feature works?

DESIGN

8. Are the components used the best for its function?

9. Are the hardware materials used the best for its usage?

PRESENTABILITY

10. Is the prototype design satisfactory?

MARKETABILITY

11. Is the device market-ready?

12. Rate the overall Functionality. []5 []4 []3 []2 []1
13. Rate the overall Design. []5 []4 []3 []2 []1
14. Rate the overall Presentability. []5 []4 []3 []2 []1
15. Rate the overall Marketability. []5 []4 []3 []2 []1

Comments and Suggestions:

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 CHAPTER IV: RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 System Flow Diagram

LOW Green leds

Yellow
MODERATE
leds
FLOOD
Orange
HIGH
leds

CRITICAL Red leds buzzer

Figure 4-A. Block Diagram

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 CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

The findings have shown that the project can be an effective early warning device. Certain

adjustments are recommended to be undertaken but the device is already ready for

installation into households, establishments, and small communities.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

For the future researchers, it is suggested to make better and more resilient hardware.

This is for the device to protect itself from hazards. It is also recommended to try ready-

to-use sensors. They are higher in cost but they are smarter and gives more accurate

readings.

Through the evaluation of this project, it has shown some potential that future researchers

can embark on. Due to the projects inexpensive cost, it can be reproduced into multiple

number of devices that can be built into a network. The information that every single device

can furnish can be interpreted and be used in a much wider application.

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