Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

BatStateU Alangilan
Alangilan Batangas City
College of Engineering, Architecture & Fine Arts
www.batstate-u.edu.ph Tel. No. (043) 425-0139 loc. 118

Chemical and Food Engineering Department

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
FINAL PROJECT FORM
1st Semester 2021-2022

I.GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of Team:
InnoDev: Innovative Developers
Project Title:
VolGuard: Volcanic Activity Guard
Team Members:
1. Amul, Marie Francine M.
2. Panaligan, Brian Andrew S.
3. Ramirez, Donnabelle V.
4. Sayat, Keesa Asley E.
5. Seriosa, Andrea Mae S.
Target Beneficiary / Community:
1. Citizens near the Taal Volcano;
2. Local Government Unit (LGU) of Taal;
3. Volcanologists;
4. Establishments and Sectors; and
5. Future Researchers.

II. PROJECT TYPE

☐ New product of service
☑ An improvement to an existing product/service
 ☐ A new business model for delivering an existing product/service

☐ Other, please give a short description

Volcanic Activity Guard (VolGuard) is a sustainable enhanced version of the existing

volcanic monitoring system made by integrating three main components: the multi-parameter
sensor, monitoring program, and alarm system. It is also a low-power, easy-to-maintain, easy-to-
deploy, flexible, and integrated monitoring device, as opposed to traditional monitoring
mechanisms with separate apparatus for different parameters since this system measures multiple
parameters in a single Arduino-based device. This multimodal system is designed to specifically
inform residents about the current level of volcanic eruption risk of Taal Volcano. It aims to rework
geospatial information presented in the most efficient way possible through the volcanic alarm
warning post to achieve zero lives casualty during the eruption.
Furthermore, Volguard seeks to answer one of the Fourteen Grand Challenges of
Engineering, “Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure,” as VolGuard aims to create an upgraded
infrastructure that can help communities near an active volcano cope with the natural activities of
a volcano. Not only the goal of VolGuard, but the design of VolGuard is also under this as the
Volcanic Monitoring System of VolGuard is an innovation that integrates different sensors to
monitor various parameters of the volcano, which are the Temperature Data, Carbon Dioxide Data,
Sulfur Dioxide Data, Seismograph Data, and Tiltmeter Data. The Light Post Early Warning
System also contains innovations such as the use of different components such as the multi-colored
light bulb, its speakers, and the system that it uses to modernize the infrastructure to be much more
efficient and effective.
In addition, VolGuard can be classified as sustainable as not only does it help the
communities inside the immediate danger area of Taal Volcano, but it also adheres to four of the
seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, it adheres to the following
Sustainable Development Goals:
1. Goal 3: Good health and well-being
This project will help citizens prepare for the harmful effects of a volcanic eruption,
leading to decreased possible health complications. Implementing this project will also
lessen stress factors such as panic since the citizens are informed beforehand.
2. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
 The output will integrate a sensor and a warning system, built as an outdoor post
light with unique, modern, and beneficial features. The proponents are proposing to
innovate this infrastructure in the areas highly susceptible to a volcanic eruption.
3. Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
The machine is an efficient way to ensure safety and to prevent more disastrous
consequences to the community. Thus, it aims to protect both humans and the environment
in the plausible survival of the present and future generations.
4. Goal 17: Partnership for the goals
Collaboration and partnership with various organizations, local governments,
experts, and beneficiaries and the integration of other sustainability goals are significant in
fulfilling the purpose and objectives of this project.

III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROBLEM/NEED
The destruction that a volcanic eruption brings is already evident as the Eruption of the
Taal Volcano that has occurred recently was already prominent to the people. The Taal eruption
was very sudden. Moreover, it led to people going into a frenzy, denying them to prepare for the
catastrophe, disabling them to think accordingly, and immobilizing them to properly evacuate
themselves and the essential documents and items they needed. For this reason, the proponents
want to help the people tackle another sudden volcanic eruption and help them prepare for it.
Currently, no machines can accurately calculate the possibility of an upcoming volcanic
activity, so continuous monitoring and observation are needed to foresee an impending eruption.
Instruments that experts use to monitor a volcano to predict a forthcoming eruption are already
present and are used. However, it is not efficient and effective, as it frequently requires recurrent
visits to the volcano that needs to be observed. With this, the researchers thought of a prototype
that would make monitoring a volcano become more efficient and effective leading to the
conceptualization of the Volcanic Activity Guard (VolGuard).
If the proponents successfully develop VolGuard, it will significantly reduce people losing
their lives due to a volcano, people losing their livelihood, and people losing their essential
possessions. Furthermore, the proponents can also expand VolGuard to other areas in the
Philippines with active volcanoes if they achieve their objectives. With this, the researchers can
extend their hands to more people with their prototype machine.
YOUR SOLUTION (PROJECT PROPOSAL)
With the established needs of the target community, the proponents considered various
forms of technologies that would aid in developing the best possible means of meeting the needs
of the end-users. Since dissemination of early warnings and alerts regarding volcanic activities are
a paramount concern, the proponents designed a multiparameter monitoring and alarm system, the
Volcanic Activity Guard (VolGuard), that aims to detect and transmit signals of volcanic activities
and early warning alerts to the community. Unlike traditional monitoring systems and the
provision of alerts, VolGuard is a more intricate and integrated system that detects relevant data
and variables to depict volcanic behavior. The recorded data will then be processed and channeled
through a wireless connection to another system to provide early warnings and alerts to the
respective community. Moreover, the proposed solution is composed of two separate systems,
namely a multiparameter volcanic monitoring system and an early warning system, that operate
dependent upon the function of one another.
As shown in Figure 1 on page 7 and Figure 2 on page 8, both located at the Final Project
Concept Development Form, the model of the multi-parameter volcanic monitoring system
displays an integration of multiple sensors to detect and measure data relevant to volcanic behavior
and activities. Specifically, it aims to measure and record gas emissions, crater temperature,
seismic activity, and the tilt measurement of the ground relative to volcanic activities. The
integration of different sensor devices into a single-system advances and innovates the volcanic
monitoring system as it can detect and record multiple parameters that will help develop a
constructive prediction on possible risks and hazards imposed by the volcano. Furthermore, Figure
3 on page 9, located at the Final Project Concept Development Form, shows the model of the
multipurpose light post or the Early Warning System Light Post, which intends to communicate
warning information obtained from the monitoring system to the respective community.
BUSINESS MODEL
The researchers will opt to employ the service subsidization model as the operational
business model in selling out the Volguard in the market. The product will be introduced to the
Local Government Units and private sectors within the 17 km danger zone during the conduction
of research on the community's acceptability of this system. Therefore, primarily this innovation
is targeted to be paid off from the funds of the government of possible 150 barangays and private
sector investments. The product itself is advertised on the website that the researchers will develop
shortly after establishing their enterprise.
Moreover, Volguard will be purchased as a service, and each community will receive a
light post while they share the benefit of the monitoring system on the crater lake. It is estimated
that each barangay will have to pay around Php 85,715 for the installation of light posts and shared
service of the monitoring system. Apart from it, they will be billed quarterly of Php 2000 for the
service and maintenance for the whole system's service life. This price point is considered from
the manufacturing cost of the equipment. The production of a single monitoring system and light
post is around Php 250,000. Thus, assuming that the 21 barangays in the danger zones within the
municipality of Agoncillo will avail of this service, building these products will cost roughly
around Php 1,800,000. Some of the profit from this will be allocated to research improvements to
extend the system's benefits of disaster risk preparedness and its applicability to a different type of
volcano.
In addition, as shown in figure 4 located on page 10 of the Final Project Concept
Development Form, VolGuard is sustainable in three aspects. The first aspect is community
sustainability. VolGuard will help the people near the vicinity of the Taal Volcano. It will increase
safety in the community as it monitors possible volcanic hazards that affect the people. Moreover,
as VolGuard can last for a minimum of ten years, it can still benefit the next generation of children.
The safety of the people should be the main priority of a community in its sustainability for safe
people are more productive and happier. The second is financial sustainability. External sources
of Financing will be utilized, and government funding will be the primary source of finance.
However, private sectors such as hotels, restaurants, or amusement parks near the vicinity of the
Taal Volcano could also be a source of sponsorship as they can also benefit from the product.
Finally, is organizational sustainability. A monthly fee for the maintenance of the machine will be
paid to the proponents. Moreover, since the proponents used platinum that surpasses the melting
point of lava as their primary material in creating the prototype, it is more durable and resilient
against volcanic activities. In addition, partnerships with Airport Airlines could also be
accomplished for they also need an up-to-date record of the volcano, as Taal Volcano is one of the
airways used by air transportation. With this partnership, the organization will have a monthly
income that can establish and stabilize their group, to further the advancement of their machine.
UNDERLYING MAGIC
Schematic Diagram
Figure 5, located on page 11 on the Final Project Concept Development Form, shows how
the proponents designed the connection of each component of VolGuard. It explicitly shows the
connections between the Multiparameter Volcanic Monitoring System and the Light Post Early
Warning System. In total, there are two separate machines connected wirelessly to each other. First
is the Multiparameter Volcanic Monitoring System. It has a 150 Watts solar panel and a 12 Volts
200 AH battery, which is the primary source of power and storage for the monitoring system's
energy. The four sensors used to detect different volcanic parameters each have an LCD screen for
the data to be visually seen. The LCD screens are then connected to the Raspberry Pi4 system,
which is the central system responsible for administering data of the volcanic monitoring system.
The Raspberry Pi4 system is then connected wirelessly to the Arduino system, which is the primary
system utilized in the Light Post Early Warning System, bringing us to the second machine of the
VolGuard.
Like the monitoring system, the Light Post has a 150 Watts solar panel and a 12 Volts 200
AH battery, which is the primary source of power and storage for the energy it needs. The data
that the Arduino will receive from the Raspberry Pi4 through the wireless connection will
determine the action that the light post will do, which is either: turn on the green, yellow, or red
lights and announce a pre-recorded evacuation plan if there is a yellow or red level. The three
levels, the Green Level, Yellow Level, and Red Level, will be further explained in the flowchart
for the evaluation of the parameters.
Main Flowchart for the Whole system
Figure 6, as seen on page 12 on the Final Project Concept Development Form, presents the
main path of action VolGuard will take for every situation. In general, the process begins by setting
up the system. After that, the Multiparameter Volcanic Monitoring System will evaluate the four
parameters, determining the course of action that the Light Post Early Warning System will do.
The process of evaluating the four parameters done by the monitoring system will be further
discussed in the next figure. Following the light post's action, it will all lead to a reboot so that the
monitoring system can continuously hand out up-to-date data to the light post, leading to the
VolGuard providing current information regarding the Taal Volcano.
Flowchart for the evaluation of the parameters
 Figure 7 on page 13 of the Final Project Concept Development Form shows how the four
parameters of the Multiparameter Volcanic Monitoring System are assessed. In evaluating the four
parameters, first, the system will receive data about the acquired data of the different sensors. After
that, the system will have separate processes for each sensor to determine if there is a presence of
an abnormal parameter that can lead to volcanic activity. There are three classifications of levels
that the monitoring system recognizes. First is the green level. Taal Volcano will be considered in
green level if the levels are normal. The second is the yellow level. The Taal Volcano will be
considered at the yellow level if parameters indicate a volcanic activity above average. Finally, the
third is the red level. The Taal Volcano will be at a red level if the parameters indicate an ongoing
eruption. Parameters used to differentiate each level of Volcanic activities are taken from the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) that has preliminary data on the
parameters of Taal Volcano corresponding for each level.
Computations for the Energy Production, Storage, and Consumption of VolGuard
Figure 8, located on page 14, and Figure 9, found on page 15, both located at the Final
Project Concept Development Form, details the energy production, storage, and consumption of
VolGuard in units of Watts Hours and Days. The formulas used in computing these values are
taken from credible online sources so that the proponents can accurately determine the
approximate energy needed for the VolGuard to function.
As Figure 8 depicts, the total energy production of the Multiparameter Volcanic
Monitoring System is 1800 Watt-Hours and has a storage capacity of 2400 Watt-Hours. As for its
consumption, it is estimated to consume 1150 Watts per day which the production and storage can
support. In total, the battery will take approximately four days to be fully charged if the monitoring
system’s energy consumption is as expected.
Figure 9 details the total energy production of the Light Post Early Warning System. Since
the light post and the monitoring system has the same solar panels and battery, its energy
production of 1800 Watt-Hours and its storage capacity of 2400 Watt-Hours is the same as the
monitoring system. Its consumption will consume a total of 1500 Watts, which is also supported
by the light post’s energy consumption and storage. Deducting the consumed energy from the
produced energy, the light post’s energy storage will be fully loaded in approximately eight days.
MARKETING PITCH
For the past few years, the unpredictable activities of the Taal volcano have caused
significant damage to the health and wellbeing of the community. It urged local governments to
seek the development of preparedness and communication measures to anticipate potential
volcanic eruptions. This call inspired InnoDev to develop a sustainable and innovative system
that will aid effective communication measures and immediate response and preparedness upon
renewed volcanic unrest. It is an integrated and advanced system that guarantees effective
transmission of early warnings and alerts to the target community. The proponents intend to
introduce the VolGuard System to the local government units within the target community to
formally establish and present its potential to empower and advance the preparation and response
of the citizens to volcanic activities. Specifically, the proponents aim to propose the project to
the involved Barangays and provide awareness of the benefits and significance of VolGuard in
strengthening the community's preparedness in anticipating sudden volcanic activities.
Furthermore, the proponents also envision the development of VolGuard to other areas in the
country which struggle with preparedness and response to a volcanic eruption. This objective
involves the businesses that have flourished in the target community to which can benefit from
VolGuard in ensuring the safety of their respective guests. In addition, in the future, InnoDev
plans to have a partnership with Airport Airlines as they can also use the product in their airways.
Volcanic Ash can significantly damage aircraft machines, so with the use of VolGuard whenever
there is a possibility for volcanic activity, Airport Airlines can be alerted, leading to them
diverting their routes for their airplanes' safety.
COMPETITION
Two international systems share a resemblance and can compete to the purpose of
VolGuard when catered to the Philippine market. The first is the FujiChan, an ambient monitoring
display incorporating Japanese government information on Mt. Fuji's condition into a software
application with an interactive display of level warnings and current weather. The second is in
Indonesia, where the Australian Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS) grantee created a system operated
by the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor the conditions of a volcano. It also sends data to a
website that notifies users by generating color-coded notifications depending on the safety levels
of gases in the crater. In addition, the alarm system produces a buzzer sound to alert the user when
there is an ongoing intense volcanic activity.
 On the other hand, local monitoring systems in volcanoes are government-owned. It is
primarily handled by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), a
service institute of the Department of Science and Technology. Their equipment is deployed
individually, necessitating labor for maintenance and, in some cases, data collection.
However, the abovementioned alarm and monitoring systems have their own pitfalls,
which the VolGuard is trying to rectify. Both the software application of Fujichan and the website
of AGS grantee are operated and accessible only to the public when connected to the internet.
Fujichan additionally lacks an independent monitoring system, relying instead on the equipment
of the government's existing monitoring system. The AGS grantee system, on the other hand, does
not provide clear information concerning the conditions of the volcano. Its warning and data are
too technical for a common citizen to comprehend the magnitude of the danger and its
implications.
Thus, this prototype focuses on addressing the issue of accessibility and immediate
dissemination of warnings to a greater number of people at risk. This is by means of utilizing a
post that uses a multimodal warning system using color-coded lights and voice announcements.
Moreover, to cut down costs and reduce manpower for maintenance and data collection, Volguard
is developed as multi-parameter equipment that covers necessary considerations in monitoring
volcanic activity.
REVENUE STREAM AND KEY METRICS
Since this product would be given to the barangay hall, the population will determine the
market size. Based on the data provided by OCHA Philippines in January 2020, the total
population within the 17 km danger zone is 931,400. Currently, the estimated market size will
exceed 1,000,000 individuals.
For example, the municipality of Agoncillo consists of 21 barangays with almost 40,000
people. It means that 21 prototypes will be distributed in their locale, benefiting 40,000 people.
Therefore, the possible conversion rate of the product in the municipality alone is 0.05%.
Potential customers of this Volcanic Activity Guard include international governments
whose countries also have the same volcano as the structure of Taal, design companies, and
industrial machinery manufacturing companies.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES/COMMUNITY
The Volcanic Activity Guard (VolGuard) was developed and implemented with the
community and local people in mind, notably the population around the Taal Volcano, the Taal
Local Government Unit (LGU), volcanologists, enterprises and sectors, and future researchers.
The citizens near the Taal Volcano will benefit in assisting and planning for the
potential impacts and be aware of the hazards. By this, the citizens will be able to take actions
to minimize the threat of loss as well as the damage.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Taal will instruct and engage the local
populations to improve public safety and decrease the risks of the community's resources being
damaged. This will also help in the early evacuation of local residents and planning
preparations for the eruption's likely eruption.
Volcanologists will gain from this method since they will be able to assure and monitor
the volcano's behavior. Furthermore, because they are specialists in detecting volcanic activity,
they may utilize this approach to precisely evaluate the likely range of repercussions of
prospective volcanic risks.
The construction of the Volcanic Activity Guard will also aid a variety of businesses
and sectors by enabling early evacuation and preparedness. Through this system, the businesses
and sectors will be better organized in the occurrence of volcanic disasters.
Additionally, this Volcanic Activity Guard will serve as a tool for future researchers to
enhance information about the volcanic monitoring system and may be used as a reference if a
similar project is carried out.
Along with VolGuard fulfillment, one of the ways or tests carried out is the survey
questionnaire form, which will be distributed to the municipality of Taal. This survey
questionnaire form will be used as a test to gauge the community's acceptability of the novel
Volcanic Activity Guard system. It will contain the VolGuard's content, program, design,
accuracy, and acceptance in terms of how acceptable it is to the Taal community.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF VIDEO MATERIAL
(Write one paragraph description of your video material. The video presentation should be
three to five minutes long.)

The video serves as the main pitch of the proponents for their prototype
machine, VolGuard. It includes a discussion of the problem and how the proposed
solution can solve it. Moreover, it presents the tackled United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals and gives a short description of the addressed Grand Challenges
of Engineering. Furthermore, it gives an overview of VolGuard, its appearance, uses,
and working mechanisms. Finally, it gives a glimpse of the beneficiaries of VolGuard,
the Business Model, and the Sustainability plan of the project.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bernard, A., Villacorte, E., Maussen, K., Caudron, C., Robic, J., Maximo, R., Rebadulla, R.,
Bornas, M. A. V., & Solidum, R. U. (2020). Carbon Dioxide in Taal Volcanic Lake: A
Simple Gasometer for Volcano Monitoring. Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 47
(24). https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2020GL090884

Dela Peña, K. (2021, July 06). People making ends meet near Taal face tough choices. Inquirer.net.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1456479/people-making-ends-meet-near-taal-face-tough-
choices

Hidayatullah, N. A., Putra, R. G., Atmaja, A. P., Sudirman, D. E. J., Faizin, K. N., Subkhan, M.
F., & Kalam, A. (2020). Volcano multiparameter monitoring system based on Internet of
Things (IoT). Australian Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Volume 17
(3), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/1448837x.2020.1817250

Jing, F., Chauhan, A., P Singh, R., & Dash, P. (2020). Changes in Atmospheric, Meteorological,
and Ocean Parameters Associated with the 12 January 2020 Taal Volcanic Eruption.
Remote Sensing, Volume 12 (6), 1026. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/6/1026/htm

Relief Web. (2020). Taal Volcano 17km Popn.

https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Taal%20Volcano%2014_17km%2
0Popn.pdf

Relief Web. (2020). NDRRMC Update: Situational Report No. 85 re Taal Volcano Eruption, 28
February 2020, 5:00 PM. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/ndrrmc-update-
situational-report-no-85-re-taal-volcano-eruption-28-february-2020

Vairamani, K., Kanagavel, V., Mathivanan, N., & Kumar, D. (2012). Environmental Parameter
Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor Network. Physical Instruments For Ecology,Medicine,
And Biology, Volume 54 (4), pages 468-471.
https://www.academia.edu/14437465/Environmental_Parameter_Monitoring_Using_Wir
eless_Sensor_Network

VolGuard: Volcanic Activity Guard

InnoDev: Innovative Developers / ChE-1103
Amul, Marie Francine M.
Panaligan, Brian Andrew S.
Ramirez, Donnabelle V.
Sayat, Keesa Asley E.
Seriosa, Andrea Mae S.