CDR CAREER EPISODE 1
Introduction
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This career episode will discuss the academic project I completed in my second year at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University while pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Communication Engineering.
The project was the development of the GSM-based LPG MONITORING SYSTEM. I handled this project between May 2011 and October 2011 at the Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering Laboratory in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. My duty was to complete the project and make a presentation to the faculty members.
Background
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Fuel has always been a centre of debate regarding environmental friendliness and performance. Liquid Petroleum Gas is a very important type of fuel. This is because of the various desirable properties associated with it, including its smoke- and soot-free nature and its status as a clean energy source. However, it poses a risk of fire hazard when it leaks into the air unmonitored.
And accidents associated with it are deadly and often uncontrollable. Systems are continually being developed to address this issue. Existing systems have not fully tackled the problem. This project factors in telecommunications in control of real-life parameters.
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The Objective of this project was to determine the levels in the environment being monitored. To use the LPG gas sensor to detect high levels of concentration of LPG in the environment being monitored.
To trigger an alarm by sending a signal to activate the buzzer and LED, and to send an SMS to the owner via a dedicated number. To display via the LCD and show the necessary actions to be taken. To actuate fans to disperse the air and reduce the gas concentration to acceptable levels.
Figure 1: organization chart.
Ask it from our Professionals
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During the development of the project, I performed various roles, including the following;
- Research in the existing systems of LPG gas control to identify means and ways to improve and come up with a better system
- Data collection by visiting various LPG gas distribution centres and hazard management systems
- Analysis of the obtained data and to develop of an improved system
- Design and modelling of the system
- Fabrication of the prototype
- Testing of the system and hardware
- Documentation
Personal Engineering Activity
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To successfully execute all phases of project development, I prepared adequately by conducting thorough research into the various methods of controlling and mitigating the risks posed by LPG. This involved reading widely and keeping up with developments and discoveries on the same topic. I also utilised the lecture notes on Cellular and mobile communications, and the Microcontrollers and their applications.
The units were very helpful because they formed the core of the project’s functionality. I restricted my work to Indian Standards governing microcontroller-based systems and to International Standards, ensuring that every stage of development complied with regulations.
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The projects were to be completed within the academic year. This called for proper organization and planning. I hence generated a well-articulated schedule that highlights major tasks and their respective execution timelines. I also set out to find relevant information. I visited licensed LPG gas distributors and conducted surveys and interviews to inform my design.
I reviewed various gas detection systems and tools already deployed on premises and in industries to identify areas for improvement. I noted down the findings, which served as my basic data for starting the project development.
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Once I had sufficient data and information, I began designing the system. This was boosted by the relevant information, which dictated the design procedures and decisions.
Flow Chart of the System
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The flowchart above helped me further identify the various components and systems within the design for consideration. The gas sensor monitors ambient gas levels. Upon detecting LPG gas at a threshold concentration, it would send a notification to the LPC2148 microcontroller. The microcontroller is the system’s brain and has been programmed to execute actions in chronological order.
Upon receiving a high signal from the sensor, the audiovisual alarm would activate to notify residents on the premises. A signal would also be generated and sent to the SM modem to send a message to the owner. At the same time, the relay timing circuit would be instructed to switch on the exhaust fan. Eventually, I obtained the overall system block diagram shown below;
The System Block Diagram
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Deriving the above components was quite a task. This was due to the calculations required to ensure optimal system sensitivity and performance. The sensing component would be a resistance-based device whose resistance varies according to the level of gas in the environment.
Therefore, to set the upper and lower limits, it was appropriate to define the range of resistance variation and pinpoint the point beyond which the system must automatically activate. The formula below was used to achieve design values.
Where:
- Rs – The sensor resistance
- Vc – The supply voltage to the load cell
- VRL – The voltage across load resistance
- RL – The load resistance
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The development process was not without a challenge. However, this was part of troubleshooting and the determination of best-suited components. First was the sensor, which would trigger even with non-LPG gas concentrations. To overcome this serious issue, I had to select the most sensitive sensor for the design, which led me to use a gas detection module with additional filtering to discriminate the gas being sensed.
The other challenge was the delay in sending the message. A delay of about two minutes was recorded. Because time is a crucial factor in LPG accidents, this had to be real-time. After troubleshooting, the program was debugged, and the system could respond as required.
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Upon successful design, I simulated and modelled the system to assess performance and verify the achievement of the objectives. After addressing the challenges of false triggering and delay, I obtained the components in accordance with the specification and system requirements. Assembling and fabrication then kicked off.
The various sub-units include the sensor, microcontroller, actuators (GSM modem, relay-driving circuit), alarm response, and display units. They were assembled and tested systematically, and finally combined, and the whole system was tested for compatibility and response. The hardware was fabricated and packaged after post-fabrication testing.
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Innovation was key in this project. This was necessary because the market systems were below par in terms of sensitivity. The gas-sensing module was filtered to ensure it would be triggered only by LPG, not by other gases.
This way, false alarms were eradicated. This is because the security of such systems must be assured. The alarm must have activated when expected and not when it wasn’t supposed to.
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The success of the stages above was closely linked to the tools and software used. Computer-aided design in this project included using Embedded C to develop the command program for the microcontroller. Proteus was used to simulate the input/output responses and debug the system before final fabrication.
At some point, an Arduino Uno was employed specifically to improve message-sending response time.
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I ensured that future referencing and innovation would be possible by documenting the project. Phase-by-phase reports were compiled to document the whole project. The various chapters covered included an introduction to the project. Here, the objectives and importance of the system were covered.
The literature review was conducted to review related work and pave the way for innovative design. Design and construction were included to provide a simplified step-by-step procedure of analysis and design. The conclusion and recommendations were presented in the document, which evaluated the system’s success and identified possible improvements.
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A successful project is complete with proper and thorough documentation. I therefore conducted documentation right from the start of the project through to the end. Beginning with the first chapter of the introduction.
Wherein I covered the concept matter and explained the objectives and purpose of the project. The literature review followed suit, and the analysis and design phase write-up. Penning off was recommended and concluded.
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I collaborated with classmates throughout the project, from inception to completion. Their input, especially in brainstorming and critiquing, became helpful in designing and implementing the project.
The assistance of the lecturers and the project tutor was invaluable in choosing high-quality, economical components. While conducting the survey and meeting new people, I had to use interpersonal skills to enhance communication and collect useful information.
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An economical consideration in this project was comparing component prices as distributed and sold by various dealers. Through consultation and visits to the outlets to make enquiries, I selected high-quality, cost-effective components to ensure the safety of the equipment and users.
This is because such a system operation has dire consequences, and at all costs, proper functioning must be guaranteed. This, however, was called an economic consideration to avoid inflating costs.
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Planning was paramount in achieving the project’s set objectives. This ensured that all resources were properly utilized, ranging from time to finances to manpower. By having a projected schedule, I was able to manage the limited time available to complete tasks, phase by phase. By doing so, the project was completed weeks before the submission deadline.
Coordinating manpower was equally a score, as the contributions of the various parties were harmonious and fruitful. I drew up a budget, considered various cost items, and cut unnecessary expenditures. This would help avoid burdening buyers by passing costs on to them.
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I paid special attention to Wireless Communications and Networks and Cellular Mobile Communication Lecture notes and scholarly articles. They became a vital source of valuable information that guided the design and implementation of the project.
I attended workshops and seminars where various concerned groups addressed gas fuel security. It was also vital to consider the Indian National regulations on wireless systems for control in highly sensitive and hazardous environments.
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The safety of personnel and the environment was considered by working within the limits of international and national Indian standards for electronic components and LPG (explosive) gas regulations. While fabricating, the correct tools were used, and protective gear was also worn.
The system’s security and its ability to act when required were tested. Compatibility with other fire alarm systems was evaluated. This is because a falsely triggered alarm can be as dangerous and could cause tragedy due to fear.
Summary
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In summary, this project involved multiple phases of developing a system to detect LPG gas leakage, beginning with research and brainstorming after data collection, which led to settling on this particular system. Designing of the various stages and components followed suit.
The simulation and modelling were carried out to identify system malfunctions and rectify them before progressing to the next stage. The fabrication stage involved implementing a working system. When the system worked, it documented processes and procedures for future reference.
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