Objective:

The objective of this project is to build up an automatic device that would control the
switching of a motor pump to maintain the appropriate water level . To simplify the fact,
this is completely automatic which starts the pump motor when the water level in the over
head tank goes below a preset level and switches OFF the pump when the water level in the
over head tank goes above the full level

Water level controller :

Automatic water level controller cum indicator is an electronic . The invention of these
devices have helped to solve water issues by controlling the supply of water. These devices
have proved to be a blessing in the field of agriculture where water issues pose a major
problem during cultivation. It is also quiet helpful for domestic and industrial purposes.

Common Features of Water Level Control Devices:

There are a huge variety of water it control devices available in many of the leading online
and offline stores. Most of the people prefer to use fully automatic control devices to check
the supply of water.

The automatic water level control devices are capable of controlling the functions of the
motor and help to reduce the consumption of electricity. Thereby wastage of water and
power can be reduced considerably. It also protects the motor from running dry and thus
ensures durability.

One of the main advantages of water level control devices includes the ability to control
power fluctuations when the motor is switched on. Most of these devices ensures
uninterrupted water supply by filling the overhead tank once it is below level. The motor
power is switched on when the overhead tank becomes empty and switches off
automatically when the underground tank is empty or the overhead tank becomes full. In
this way it becomes easy to ensure 24 hours water supply without any kind of interruption.
The automatic devices can be programmed to pump the water once the time is set. So it
obviously requires no human intervention which is why it is in great demand. The level
control devices also include sensors which are specially designed to monitor the water level
in the tanks. Most of these sensors are safe, electrically conducive and plastic moulded. It is
also non corrosive so it lasts longer.
Advantages:

These devices have four main advantages:

Saves Power
Using a water level controller saves power. This is because water levels are controlled
automatically, which limits the amount of electricity used. As a result, less water and power
are used to regulate a water supply. In an age where energy conservation is of utmost
importance, using one of these devices is very beneficial.
Saves Money
Since a water level controller conserves power, it saves money, as well. Basically, water
regulation is optimized through these devices, which means that wasted electricity and
wasted water is kept at a minimum. That saves a substantial amount of money over time.

Works Automatically

Another big advantage is that these devices can work on their own. Thanks to timer
switches, there is no need to operate them manually. This means that the frustrations
involved with monitoring something like a water tank is minimized, and the water levels
will be where they should be.

Maximizes Water

Additionally, water usage can be maximized with a water level controller. Often, water
pumps get more use during the middle of the day. A water level controller is helpful because
it automatically provides more water during the middle of the day and less water at night.
As a result, water remains at its appropriate level at all times.
Circuit diagram:

Probe arrangement:
Description:

A simple but very reliable and effective water level controller circuit diagram is shown
above. The circuit uses 6 transistors, 1 NE555 timer IC, a relay and few passive components.
The circuit is completely automatic which starts the pump motor when the water level in
the over head tank goes below a preset level and switches OFF the pump when the water
level in the over head tank goes above the full level.

Probe D is positioned at the bottom level of the tank while probes A, B and C are placed at
full, half and medium levels of the tank respectively. The level sensing part of the circuit is
built around transistors Q1, Q2 and Q3. When water level is below the quarter level probes
A, B and C are open and the transistor Q1, Q2 and Q3 remains OFF. When the water level
rises and touches the probes the corresponding transistors gets biased and switches ON.
Resistors R1, R2, R3 limit the bases current of corresponding transistors while resistors R4,
R5, R6 limit their collector current. LEDs D1, D2 and D3 provide a visible indication of the
current water level.

When the water level goes below medium, transistor Q2 gets switches OFF and its collector
goes positive. Collector of Q2 is connected to the base of transistor Q6 and as result
transistor Q6 gets switched ON. Transistor Q5 will be also ON because its base in connected
to the collector of Q4 which is presently OFF. As a result when the water level goes below
medium relay K1 gets energized and the pump is driven. The relay is wired in the latching
mode so that even if the water level goes above medium level the pump remains ON so that
the tank gets completely filled. For wiring the relay in latching mode one set of N/O
contacts is used. When relay is activated these contacts close which forms a short across
collector and emitter of Q6. This makes the state of Q6 irrelevant to the operation of the
relay and the relay remains ON as long as the transistor Q5 is ON. The only way to make the
relay OFF is by switching OFF Q5 and it is done automatically when the water level reaches
the full level.

Collector of transistor Q1 is connected to the trigger pin (pin2) of IC1. When the water level
reaches full level the transistor Q1 gets switched ON. As a result its collector goes to ground
level which triggers the IC1 which is wired as a monostable. The output of IC1 goes high for
about 1S. This makes the transistor Q4 ON for the same time and transistor Q5 whose base
is connected to the collector of Q4 is switched OFF cutting the supply to the relay. This
makes the motor OFF and it remains OFF until the water level again goes below the medium
level.
Resistor R8 is a pull up resistor for the trigger pin of the NE555. Capacitor C3 couples the
collector of Q1 to the trigger pin of NE555 and facilitates edge triggering whenever the
transistor Q1 goes ON. A monostable circuit can be made edge triggered by connecting the
trigger signal to the trigger input pin through a capacitor. The capacitor blocks DC and
passes sudden changes. The circuit used here is termed as negative edge triggered because
the monostable is triggered whenever the trigger input signal falls. R10 and R12 limits the
collector current of Q4 and Q5 respectively while R9 and R11 limits their base current. R13
limits the base current of Q6 while D4 is a freewheeling diode which protects the switching
transistors from voltage transients.

The probes can be arranged as shown in the diagram above. Insulated Aluminum wires can
be used as the probes. The probes can be binded on a plastic rod and should be erected
vertically inside the tank. The length of the probes wires and the supporting plastic rod
must be chosen according to the depth of the tank. Since DC is used in the level sensing
section electrolysis will occur in the probes and so the probes require small maintenances in
1 or 2 month intervals. Using AC in the sensing section will completely eliminates the
chance of electrolysis and I am presently working on such a circuit. You can expect it soon.

Power supply for this circuit.