WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTROMECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Project

Title: water level control using 8051 micro controleer

Course: embedded and logic system

1. adem asfaw ……………………………………1402397

Advisor: Ms. Bektu gudeta A. (MSc.)

Hossana, Ethiopia

January, 2023/2017E.C.
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1.1 Introduction
Water level control systems are essential for efficiently managing and controlling water
resources in various applications, including water tanks, reservoirs, and industrial processes.
Automation of water level monitoring not only conserves water but also ensures a stable
supply by reducing overflow and dry-run scenarios. This project aims to design a water level
control system using the 8051 microcontroller, an affordable and accessible microcontroller for
entry-level automation projects. Through real-time monitoring and control, this system will
maintain desired water levels while minimizing human intervention Water level controller, the
name itself indicates that an electronic device or circuit kit used for controlling the water level
can be termed as a water level controller. It is difficult to know the level of water in the
overhead tank such that wastage of water can happen frequently. To conserve water, avoid
overflow of water in the overhead tank which may cause loss of water, loss of electrical power,
etc.,. Thus, an ultrasonic water level controller using 8051 microcontroller is an innovative
electronics project application for controlling water level.
A Water Level Controller using the 8051 Microcontroller project will help in automatically
controlling the water motor by sensing the water level in a tank. This article explains how to
detect and control the water level in an overhead tank or any other container. This system
monitors the water level of the tank and automatically switches ON the motor whenever the
tank is empty.

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2. Problem Statement
Water wastage due to uncontrolled overflow and pump operation during low water levels poses a
challenge in residential, agricultural, and industrial settings. Traditional manual monitoring of
water levels is inefficient and prone to errors. This project addresses the problem of automating
water level monitoring and control using an 8051 microcontroller, enabling efficient water
management and conserving resources.
3 General Objective
To develop an automated water level control system using an 8051 microcontroller, ensuring
efficient water management by preventing overflow, conserving water, and reducing the need for
manual intervention.

4 Specific Objectives
 Real-Time Water Level Monitoring: Implement water level sensors to provide continuous, real-
time feedback on water levels to the microcontroller.
 Automatic Pump Control: Program the 8051 microcontroller to switch the water pump on and
off based on preset high and low water level thresholds.
 Overflow and Dry-Run Prevention: Design the system to prevent overflow by stopping the pump
when the water reaches maximum capacity and prevent dry runs by starting the pump at the
minimum threshold.
 Cost-Effective Solution: Utilize affordable and accessible components, making the system viable
for small-scale applications such as households or small industry Low Power Consumption: 4.

5 scope of the project

 Development of a hardware circuit incorporating water level sensors and an 8051
microcontroller.
 Programming the 8051 microcontroller to detect water levels and control the pump
accordingly.
 Testing the system with different water level thresholds to ensure reliable performance.
 Implementation in domestic and small-scale industrial environments, with potential
adaptation for larger systems. Optimize the system to operate efficiently with minimal
energy usage, thereby reducing operational costs and extending pump life .

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6 Significance
 The project provides an efficient, low-cost solution for water management, with
significant benefits:

 Water Conservation: Automating the water level control reduces waste from
overflow.
 Cost Reduction: Minimizes energy costs by running the pump only when
necessary.
 Reliability: Automation reduces human error in monitoring and controlling water
levels.
 Scalability: The basic setup can be modified for larger or more complex systems.

7 Aim of the project

A water level controller is a device that manages water levels on a variety of
systems such as water tanks, pumps and swimming pools. The basic function of a
water level controller is to regulate water flow and optimize system
performance. 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 ensure 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

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Limitation of the project

 The Rust, Foul and Deteriorate

 Wire use in the tank can be replaced every two years

6. Literature Review
 Several studies and projects have explored microcontroller-based water
level control systems. Previous research indicates the following trends
and findings:

 Microcontroller Use in Automation: Many studies have demonstrated the

effectiveness of microcontrollers like the 8051 in various automation
projects due to their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and programming ease
(Singh, 2019).
 Water Level Sensing Techniques: Techniques include float-based sensors,
ultrasonic sensors, and capacitive sensors. Recent studies (Kumar et al.,
2020) have shown that capacitive sensors offer more accurate and
reliable measurements, but for low-cost applications, float and
conductive sensors are widely used.
 Energy Efficiency and Cost Management: Systems with automatic control
save both energy and water, particularly in agricultural settings where
pumps consume significant power (Rao, 2021).
 8051 Microcontroller in Control Systems: The 8051 microcontroller has
been successfully implemented in low-cost control systems due to its
simple architecture and wide availability (Sharma et al., 2018).

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Components used

 AT89S52 Microcontroller (or any 8051 based Microcontroller)

 8051 Programmer (Programming Board)
 11.0592 MHz Quartz Crystal
 2 x 33pF Capacitor
 2 x 10KΩ Resistor (1/4 Watt)
 10µF Capacitor
 Push Button
 1KΩ x 8 Resistor Pack (for Pull – up)
 16 x 2 LCD Display
 5V Relay
 4 x 2N2222 (NPN) Transistors
 DC Motor (for demonstration)
 10KΩ Potentiometer
 1N4007 PN Junction Diode
 Programming cable
 Connecting wires
 Power Supply
 Keil µVision IDE
 Proteus (for circuit diagram)

1. The 8051 microcontroller is a Harvard architecture 8-bit microcontroller. It has a RISC

(Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture. It features a single accumulator, 16-bit
program counter, and 8-bit data bus. It has 4KB of on-chip program memory (ROM)

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Figure 1 8051 micro controller

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8051 programming board

8051 are popular with both industrial developers and hobbyists alike due to their low cost, wide
availability, large user base, extensive collection of application notes, availability of low-cost or
free development tools, and serial programming (and re-programming with flash memory)
capability. They are also commonly used in educational programming

851 programming board

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Dc motor
A DC motor is an electrical motor that uses direct current (DC) to produce mechanical force. The
most common types rely on magnetic forces produced by currents in the coils. Nearly all types of
DC motors have some internal mechanism, either electromechanical or electronic, to periodically
change the direction of current in part of the motor.

Dc motor

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3 Methodology
The methodology for designing the water level control system using an 8051 microcontroller
includes the following key steps:
1. System Design and Planning
Requirement Analysis: Identify the components needed for the water level control system, such
as the 8051 microcontroller, water level sensors, a relay module for pump control, and other
electronic components (e.g., resistors, transistors).
System Design Layout: Create a circuit diagram for the system, indicating connections between
the microcontroller, sensors, pump relay, and power supply.
2. Component Selection
Microcontroller (8051): Select the 8051 microcontroller for controlling the sensors and
managing the pump operations.
Water Level Sensors: Choose appropriate sensors (float, conductive, or ultrasonic) based on
factors like tank type, cost, and required accuracy.
Relay Module: Integrate a relay module to interface the microcontroller with the water pump,
allowing the 8051 to control the pump based on sensor input.
Power Supply: Choose a stable power supply for the microcontroller and other components.
3. Circuit Development
Circuit Assembly: Assemble the components based on the designed circuit diagram, connecting
the sensors to the microcontroller's input pins and the relay module to the output pins.
Sensing Circuit Configuration: Set up the sensors at different tank levels (low, medium, high) to
monitor water levels and provide signals to the microcontroller.
Pump Control Setup: Connect the pump to the relay module and test its switching mechanism to
ensure it responds accurately to control signals.
4. Microcontroller Programming
Software Development: Write code in Assembly or C language to program the 8051
microcontroller for:
Reading input signals from the water level sensors.
Controlling the relay to turn the pump on/off based on the water level.
Control Logic: Implement logic to ensure the pump turns on when water is below a minimum
level and turns off when the water reaches the maximum level. Include safeguards for scenarios
like sensor failure.
Simulation Testing: Test the program in a simulation environment to verify the control logic and
make adjustments as needed before deploying it on the physical hardware.
5. System Integration and Testing
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Prototype Assembly: Assemble the complete system with the programmed microcontroller,
sensors, relay, and pump.
Initial Testing: Perform initial testing by varying water levels in the tank to observe if the system
accurately detects levels and controls the pump accordingly.
Calibration: Adjust thresholds in the microcontroller program based on testing results to improve
accuracy in real-world scenarios.
Troubleshooting: Identify and fix any issues such as sensor inaccuracies, relay malfunctions, or
programming errors.
6. System Evaluation
Performance Testing: Evaluate the system under different conditions, such as fluctuating water
levels, power interruptions, and high pump usage.
Reliability Analysis: Assess the reliability and durability of the system over time, especially in
terms of sensor performance and relay longevity.
Documentation: Document all steps, circuit diagrams, code, and test results for future reference
and potential improvements.
7. Implementation and Final Adjustments
Installation in Real-World Environment: Deploy the system in a practical setting (e.g., household
water tank or agricultural field) and monitor its performance.
Final Adjustments: Based on practical usage, make any necessary adjustments to improve
efficiency or address any observed issues

Result and discussion

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Circuit diagram

Circuit diagram

Simulation result state 1

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tank is empty and motor is on simulation result

Simulation Result State – 2

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Tank is full and motor is off simulation result

Conclusion
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The water level control system using an 8051 microcontroller provides an efficient, automated
solution for maintaining optimal water levels in a tank. By leveraging simple water level sensors,
a relay circuit, and programmable logic in the 8051 microcontroller, the system is capable of
turning a water pump on and off as needed to prevent overflow or dry running, thus conserving
water and energy.
This project demonstrates how microcontrollers can be effectively used in real-world
applications to automate tasks, reducing the need for human intervention while improving
reliability and consistency. Additionally, the system is relatively low-cost and easy to implement,
making it suitable for a range of environments, including residential, agricultural, and industrial
settings.
Through testing and calibration, the water level control system proves to be a robust solution,
adaptable to specific requirements, and potentially expandable with additional features like
display modules or alarms for enhanced monitoring

Future work
Future work on the water level control system can focus on enhancing its functionality and
efficiency by integrating IoT capabilities for remote monitoring and control, enabling real-time
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data access and alerts via mobile apps or web interfaces. Additionally, upgrading to advanced
sensors like ultrasonic or capacitive sensors can provide more accurate and continuous water
level measurements. Incorporating energy-efficient features, such as solar power or variable-
speed pumps, can improve sustainability. Expanding the system to manage multiple tanks,
implementing alarm systems for safety, and adding data logging and analytics for better water
usage tracking will further optimize performance. These advancements would make the system
more versatile, reliable, and adaptable to diverse environments.

1.Ayala, K. J. (2004). The 8051 Microcontroller: Architecture, Programming, and Applications.

Penram International.
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2.Mazidi, M. A., & Mazidi, J. G. (2009). The 8051 Microcontroller and Embedded Systems:
Using Assembly and C. Pearson Prentice Hall.

3.Patel, V. K., & Patel, S. H. (2016). Water Level Controller System using 8051
Microcontroller. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 7(4), 19-22.
4.S. P. Kumbhar, P. A. Kharde. (2012). Water Level Monitoring and Control System using 8051
Microcontroller. International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, 2(9).

5.M. S. Kamaruddin, A. R. B. Daut, M. A. M. Zaki. (2016). Internet of Things (IoT) based water
level monitoring and control system for agriculture. International Journal of Engineering and
Technology, 8(5), 354-360.
6 .Sharma, D., & Agarwal, N. (2018). Smart Water Management using IoT: A Review.
International Journal of Computer Applications, 179(10), 1-7.

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