“Automatic flow control valve for irrigation purpose”

ABSTRACT

Irrigation is the art of applying water to the plants/ fields to grow and to increase the

quantity as well as quality of the fruits, food grains etc., Automatic irrigation system is a

modern method of irrigating the vegetable, fruit fields, farms, gardens and land scaping

areas as against the conventional method, which uses large number of men- hours and

uncontrolled water quantity. This modern drip irrigation method has the advantage of

precisely applying water for irrigation in both location and point, thus offering the

potential of increased profit due to reduced water.

This project work describes about “Automatic Plant Watering System depending on soil

condition” designed with micro- controller. The main purpose of the project work is to

apply water to the plants automatically.

 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1:INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction To Project

CHAPTER 2:LITERATURE SURVEY

CHAPTER 3: THEROTICAL ANALYSIS

3.1 Block Diagram And Its Brief Description
3.2 Principle Of Operation
3.3 Selection Of Individual Block Components
3.3.1 Micro-controller
3.3.2 Limit Switch
3.3.3 Relay’s
3.3.4 Power supply

CHAPTER 4: EXPERIMENTAL
CHAPTER 6: CALIBRATION

CHAPTER 7: REFRENCES

CHAPTER 8: REFRENCES

CHAPTER 9: APPENDIX
 1. INTRODUCTION

In India agriculture is the most important occupation of the people. More

than 60% of our total population depends for their subsistence on agriculture.

After independence due to various development projects introduced in the field

agriculture, production of food grains has been continuously increasing. The

entire Indian economy is depends on agriculture. Any fluctuation in agriculture

income will directly affect the India’s national income. In this regard, a thought

is given to develop an Automatic Plant Watering System Depending On Soil

condition designed with micro-controller.

Irrigation engineering comprises of a full knowledge of sources of irrigation

water, their proper preservation and application of this water to the land after

conveying it from the source through an irrigation system, consisting of canal and

connected works. It also includes a working knowledge of different types of soils

and the water requirements of various crops sown in them.

In this project work lot of importance is given for the drip irrigation, such that by

sensing the soil humidity water supply can be controlled automatically. For sensing

the soil condition copper electrodes are used.

Irrigation is usually required when the yearly rainfall is either insufficient or ill

distributed or ill timed. Yield is much better where irrigation is practiced and fields

are watered at the proper time. In countries like India and Egypt, irrigation
 provides employment for large sections of people. It raises the standard of living

and prosperity. Irrigation projects are successful only when sufficient quantities of

water are available and the land is suitable to grow remunerative crops. No

irrigation is normally required if the total annual rainfall is 100cms. Or more and

takes place at correct times. When it is proposed to grow valuation and better types

of crops like Rice, Sugar cane, Vegetables, Cotton etc., Irrigation is very essential.

This project work, in addition to the controlling of pumping motor, it is also

aimed to control the overhead tank automatically, for this purpose the controller

circuit is designed with micro-controller. With the advancement of technology in

the electronics. Particularly in the Hybrid electronics and Microelectronics, the

electronics has entered in to each and every field, whether it is a communication

electronics or control electronics or computer electronics. To make more innovative

and more comfortable for modern drip irrigation, it is decided to develop a project

in plant watering automation.

In this project work, micro-controller chip is playing a major role, the controller

used in this project is PIC16F877, and this is 40pin IC having 33 /O lines.

Nowadays with the advancement of technology in the field of micro-controllers, all

the activities in our day-to-day living have become part of information technology

and we find micro-controllers in each and every application. Thus, the trend is

directing towards controller based project works. However in this project work, the

basic signal processing of information gathering from the soil and water tank
condition, is done with analog circuit, for this purpose copper electrodes are used for

sensing the soil condition.

By implementing this kind of monitoring and control systems for the agriculture

purpose, each and every field can be automated. However in this project work micro-

controller is used just as a controller in controlling various relays. In this project a

relay is connected at the output of the controller, which energizes or de-energizes

automatically according to the received information from the copper electrodes.

Before we go into concept of field automation first we have to define automation.

The term Automation refers to means of control of electrical and mechanical

operations without human interference. Definition of automation can be extended to

field Automation which states that “monitoring and control of various electrical

equipments used for modern drip irrigation to their predetermined levels without

human interference”. In real time application with one micro-controller we can

process large number of micro-controller or other IC device to be tailored to

implement a specific function. The application program executed by a micro-

controller drives the system hardware in order to implement the desired system .

function for a given micro-controller, different application programs allow different

systems function to be implemented within a range limited by the available system

hardware.

As the technology advances, changing lifestyles patterns and willingness to spend

 in crop improvement, fulfill the desire for intelligent, fully automated field. In a

typical automated field various equipments can be used for various methods of

irrigation.

.
 2. LITERATURE SURVEY

In our literature survey we found that the prevoiys versions of the current

project had major drawbacks.the problem with the previous versions was that they

had only provision for automatic plant watering and they were unable to detect the

soil condition.which was a huge drawback.the previous models could not

implement the drip irrigation system.and they did not have a autonatic tank level

controlling in order to eliminate all the above said problems we designed amoduele

considering the above situation

 3. Construction and working

3.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM AND ITS BRIEF DESPRIPTION

The block diagram and its brief description of the project work “Automatic Plant
Watering System ” is explained in brief. The complete block diagram of the project work
is shown at the end of this chapter. The description is as follows.

MICRO-CONTROLLER

Microcontroller chip includes a microprocessor as well as some often peripherals. A

controller is used to control some process or aspect of environment. A typical

microcontroller application is monitoring of my house. As the temperature rises, the

controller causes the windows to open. If the temperature goes the above a certain

threshold, the sir conditioner is activated. As the process of miniaturization continued,

all the components needed for controller were built right onto one chip. A one chip

computer or microcontroller was born. A microcontroller is a highly integrated chip

which includes, on one chip, all or most of the parts needed for the controller. The

microcontroller could be called a “one-chip solution”. It typically includes CPU,

EPROM/PROM/ROM, I/O devices (serial, parallel, ADC, DAC etc) , Timers, Interrupt

controller.

Microcontroller come in many flavors and varieties. Depending on the power and

features that are needed, you might choose a 4 bit, 8 bit, 16 bit or 32 bit

microcontroller. In addition, some specialized versions are available which include

features specific for communications, keyboard handling,signal processing, video

processing,and other tasks. Today’s microcontrollers are fast,cheap and low power
 machines that can handle just about any control or data processing application

imaginable. However, with the wide array of microcontroller offerings available from

over 25 manucacturers, it can be difficult to keep up with the features, market, theory,

and terminology involved with the microcontroller world. With so many manufacturers
now producing .

Block diagram of the project

On/off valve

Motor 12V, D.C

Supporting frame

Microcontroller with
timer

Battery 12 V DC

Micro-controller unit is constructed with PIC16F877 Micro-controller chip. The

PIC16F877 is a low power, higher performance CMOS 8-bit microcomputer with

programme memory size14K bytes 368 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM.
Automatic control of overhead water tank

This feature is very useful feature for the fields, particularly for modern drip irrigation,

there the water is one of the essential and prime requirement and manual controlling

and manual monitoring is very difficult task.

The tank level is controlled by making use of a limit switch. The limit switch’s

output is given to the micro-controller. The micro controller depending on the switch

output gives the indication of the tank status.

3.2 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

In this project we have taken ball valve and this ball valve attaching the D.C.

motor this motor working on the 12V D.C. supply. The we have connecting the timer

between the motor and supply. The two rotating button on the timer one for the on time

and other is off time. After start the supply when we start the first on time first or off time

first. The we select the time range for on time or off time in sec, min, and hour. As pre

respectively.

3.3 Selection Of Individual Block Components

3.1 Timer

- Cyclic with unequal ON & OFF time

- 6 Time Ranges

- Universal supply voltage

- LED status indicator: Power ON, Relay ON

- DIN Rail / Back panel mount

- Finger safe terminals

3.2 Ball Valve

A ball valve is a form of quarter-turn valve which uses a hollow, perforated and pivoting

ball (called a "floating ball"[1]) to control flow through it. It is open when the ball's hole is

in line with the flow and closed when it is pivoted 90-degrees by the valve handle. The

handle lies flat in alignment with the flow when open, and is perpendicular to it when

closed, making for easy visual confirmation of the valve's status.

Ball valves are durable, performing well after many cycles, and reliable, closing securely

even after long periods of disuse. These qualities make them an excellent choice for
shutoff applications, where they are often preferred to gates and globe valves, but they

lack their fine control in throttling applications.

The ball valve's ease of operation, repair, and versatility lend it to extensive industrial

use, supporting pressures up to 1000 bar and temperatures up to 752°F (500°C),

depending on design and materials used. Sizes typically range from 0.2 to 48 inches

(0.5 cm to 121 cm). Valve bodies are made of metal, plastic, or metal with a ceramic;

floating balls are often chrome plated for durability.

A ball valve should not be confused with a "ball-check valve", a type of check valve that

uses a solid ball to prevent undesired backflow. Other types of quarter-turn valves include

the butterfly valve and plug valve.

2) Battery: - A battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies electric energy to a

machine. A battery is a device that can create electricity using a chemical reaction. It
converts energy stored in molecules inside the battery into electricity. They produce
direct current (DC) electricity (electricity that flows in one direction, and does not switch
back and forth).
 Fig 12 12V DC battery

Using the electricity from an outlet in a house or building is cheaper and uses less
energy, but a battery can provide electricity in areas that do not have wired electricity. It
is also useful for things that are moved around and cords would get in the way.

3) Wiper Motor:-

It is an electric motor that moves the windshield wiper, but in the project it is used to
drive

Fig 13An Electric motor

Power of DC motor:
We know,
Specification of the DC motor,
Toque (T) = 5 N-m
Speed (N) = 45 rpm
We know,
Power (P) = 2πNT/60
= (2×3.14×45×5)/60
= 23.55 watt
Power of the motor (P) = 23.55 watt.

4) Pedestal Bearing:

Pedestal (from French pedestal, Italian piedistallo, foot of a stall) or plinth is a term
generally applied to the support of a statue or a vase.

Fig 14Pedestal bearing

  The main function of a rotating shaft is to transmit power from one end of the line
to the other.
 It needs a good support to ensure stability and frictionless rotation. The support
for the shaft is known as “bearing”.

 The shaft has a “running fit” in a bearing. All bearing are provided some
lubrication arrangement to reduced friction between shaft and bearing.

3.3.2 MICROCONTROLLER

We require a Microcontroller to

1. Convert the voltage signal which is Proportional to temperature of the Medium to

Temperature.

2. Display the Temperature value on the LCD.

3. To trigger a buzzer when the current temperature is equal to the set temperature.

4. To generate a control signal according to the situation to the Firing circuit.

For selecting the controller the following parameters have been considered.

1) Number of I/O lines required.

2) Inbuilt memory size for saving the code.

3) Inbuilt A/D converter so that the conversion is fast.

3.3.2.1 Pin Requirement

Based on the data sheets we found that

LCD requires

8 data pins
 3 control pins (register select, read write, enable)

One pin is required for controlling the Buzzer.

2 pins are required to set the Temperature of the Medium.

One pin is used as Input from the Sensor through amplifier.

One pin is used to generate a control signal to the Firing circuit.

One pin is used as input from the Zero Crossing Detector.

So, a total of 17 pins are required.

If the memory to store the code is inbuilt then reading the instruction from the

memory will be faster.

Based on the number of I/O pins a PIC family controller can be used because they

have 33 I/O pins. IC PIC16F877A is used for the controller.

It has been selected for the following reasons:

1. It as inbuilt 8K X 14words of flash memory. This should be sufficient for

the code.

2. The flash memory can have 100000 write/erase cycles.

3. It has 33 I/O pins.

4. It has 5 I/O ports.

5. It has an inbuilt 10-bit, 8-channel A/D Converter.

6. It has wide operating voltage range of 2V-5.5V

3.3.2.2 INTRODUCTION TO MICROCONTROLLER

Microcontroller chip includes a microprocessor as well as some often peripherals. A

controller is used to control some process or aspect of environment. A typical

microcontroller application is monitoring of my house. As the temperature rises, the

controller causes the windows to open. If the temperature goes the above a certain

threshold, the sir conditioner is activated. As the process of miniaturization continued, all

the components needed for controller were built right onto one chip. A one chip computer

or microcontroller was born. A microcontroller is a highly integrated chip which includes,

on one chip, all or most of the parts needed for the controller. The microcontroller could

be called a “one-chip solution”. It typically includes CPU, EPROM/PROM/ROM, I/O

devices (serial, parallel, ADC, DAC etc), Timers, Interrupt controller.

Microcontrollers come in many flavors and varieties. Depending on the power and

features that are needed, you might choose a 4 bit, 8 bit, 16 bit or 32 bit microcontroller.

In addition, some specialized versions are available which include features specific for

communications, keyboard handling, signal processing, video processing, and other tasks.

Today’s microcontrollers are fast, cheap and low power machines that can handle just

about any control or data processing application imaginable. However, with the wide

array of microcontroller offerings available from over 25 manufacturers, it can be

difficult to keep up with the features, market, theory, and terminology involved with the

microcontroller world. With so many manufacturers now producing microcontrollers

with hundreds of different features and design styles, it can be difficult to choose the right

microcontroller for your application.

3.3.2.2.2 Microcontroller Core Features:

• High performance RISC CPU

• Only 35 single word instructions to learn

• All single cycle instructions except for program branches which are two cycle
• Operating speed: DC - 20 MHz clock input DC - 200 ns instruction cycle

• Up to 8K x 14 words of FLASH Program Memory,

Up to 368 x 8 bytes of Data Memory (RAM)

Up to 256 x 8 bytes of EEPROM Data Memory

• Pinout compatible to the PIC16C73B/74B/76/77

• Interrupt capability (up to 14 sources)

• Eight level deep hardware stack

• Direct, indirect and relative addressing modes

• Power-on Reset (POR)

• Power-up Timer (PWRT) and

Oscillator Start-up Timer (OST)

• Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC

Oscillator for reliable operation

• Programmable code protection

• Power saving SLEEP mode

• Selectable oscillator options

• Low power, high speed CMOS FLASH/EEPROM technology

• Fully static design

• In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via two pins

• Single 5V In-Circuit Serial Programming capability

• In-Circuit Debugging via two pins

• Processor read/write access to program memory

• Wide operating voltage range: 2.0V to 5.5V

• High Sink/Source Current: 25 mA

• Commercial, Industrial and Extended temperature ranges

• Low-power consumption:

- < 0.6 mA typical @ 3V, 4 MHz

- 20 μA typical @ 3V, 32 kHz

- < 1 μA typical standby current

3.3 Details about limit switches:

Linear limit switches are electromechanical devices that require physical contact

between a target object and switch activator to make the contacts change state.

There are two basic types of linear limit switches. Momentary or spring return

switches return to their normal state as soon as the actuator passes its release point.

By contrast, maintained contact switches remain in the triggered position after the

actuator is released and are reset only by further mechanical action of the operating

head. Most linear limit switches feature a rugged design and are suitable for a

variety of industrial applications; however, because these devices contain

mechanical parts, they wear over time. Typically, linear limit switches are slower

than noncontact, electrical devices such as proximity sensors and photoelectric

sensors. Common actuation methods include pushbuttons, plungers, standard levers,

roller leavers, and adjustable levers. Top-mounted devices position the actuator on

the top of the limit switch. Side-mounted devices locate the actuation mechanism

on the side.
 Selecting linear limit switches requires an analysis of pole-and-throw

specifications. Single pole, single throw (SPST) devices make or break the

connection of a single conductor in a single branch circuit. They have two terminals

and are commonly referred to as “single pole” switches. Single pole, double throw

(SPDT) switches make or break the connection of a single conductor with either of

two other single conductors. Often called “three-way switches”, SPDT devices have

three terminals and are used in pairs. Double pole, single throw (DPST) switches

make or break the connection of two circuit conductors in a single branch circuit

and usually have four terminals. Double pole, double throw (DPDT) switches make

or break the connection of two conductors in two separate circuits. Most DPDT

switches have six terminals and are available in either momentary or maintained

contact versions. Special throw types with more than two poles are designed to split

loads into separate circuits

Linear limit switches vary in terms of electrical specifications, mechanical

specifications, and special features. Maximum current rating, maximum AC voltage

rating, and maximum DC voltage rating are important electrical specifications.

Normally open (NO) contacts close when actuated. Normally closed (NC) contacts

open when actuated. Mechanical specifications include actuating force, pre-travel,

total travel, and operating temperature. Actuating force is the force required to move

the switch actuator to the operating or trip position. Pre-travel is the distance the

actuator moves from the free or rest position to the operating position. Total travel is

the total physical movement of the switch from the resting position to the actuation
 point. Operating temperatures is the temperature range over which switches are

designed to operate. In terms of features, some linear limit switches are designed for

use in transistor-transistor logic (TTL) circuits. Others are enclosed inside a NEMA-

rated housing and can be accessed via a conduit. The National Electrical

Manufacturers’ Association (NEMA) is a trade organization which defines and

recommends safety standards for electrical equipment

3.4 RELAYS

In a relay's most basic function, the switching of a load circuit is controlled

by a low power, electrically isolated input signal. In the past,

Electromechanical Relays (EMRs) have been the component of choice, largely

due to price, function, and availability. Now, however, the emergence of

semiconductor technology has provided the means to manufacture solid-state

relays (SSRs), which in many applications outperform their predecessors.

Solid-state relays provide the advantages of almost infinite switching lives,

bounce-free operation, and immunity to EMI, higher operating speeds, low-

level control signals, small package size, and multi-function integration. These

advantages can save the design engineer board space, component count, time

and money while improving product life, performance, and reliability.

Solid State Optronics, Inc. has been a leader in the design, development, and

production of low cost, high performance SSRs over the past 15 years. SSO
 offers a wide range of MOSFET & SCR based relays, complemented by a

growing selection of multifunction telecommunication components. By reducing

cost and package size while increasing function and performance, solid state

relays from SSO now serve as a viable and superior option to electromechanical

relays. This application note will compare the operation of a typical EMR to that

of a solid state relay, and examine advantages of each in different types of

applications.
The Electromechanical Relay

Figure 1 shows the topology of a typical electro-mechanical relay. An input

voltage is applied to the coil mechanism. The input voltage magnetizes the core

which pulls the arm towards it. This action causes the output contacts to touch,

closing the load circuit. When the input voltage is removed, the spring lever will

push the contacts away from each other, breaking the load circuit connection.

Inherent in its design, the EMR must make mechanical contacts in order to

switch a load. At the point of these contacts, oxidation breakdown occurs over

extended life cycling (typically 106 operations), and the relay will need to be

replaced. When an EMR is activated, bounce occurs at the contact site. Bounce

creates a window of time where the load circuit is flickering between open and

closed, a condition which may need to be considered in load design. Because

there are internal mechanical components with physical dimension restraints, the

package size of an EMR can limit the size of a PCB design. Isolation voltage is

another area where EMRs are limited. Most EMRs are typically rated for

minimum input to output isolation voltages of 1500 to 2000 VAC.

Figure:1electromechanical Relay (EMR)
The Solid State Relay

Figure 2 shows the topology of a typical 1 Form A, MOSFET based SSR. An

input current is applied to the LED, which in most cases is a Gallium Arsenide

(GaAs) infrared LED. The emitted light is reflected within an optical dome,

generally constructed of a gel-like lensing material, onto a series of photo

diodes. The photodiodes generate a resulting voltage which, through driver

circuitry, is used to control the gates of two MOSFETs.

All of the components are fabricated out of semiconductor material and as a

result, the solid state relay combines many operational characteristics not found

in other types of devices. Because there are no moving parts, solid state relays

have established switching lives of more than 1010 cycles, and exhibit bounce-

free operation. The input LEDs require low signal levels (<5mA) to guarantee

operation, making SSRs ideal for TTL and CMOS controlled circuits or

products where low power consumption is a necessity. The input to output

isolation of solid state relays is determined by material properties of the molding

 compound and lensing material. These properties allow for minimum isolation

voltages of 2500 VAC and up to 5000 VAC in some cases. As semiconductor

technology has developed smaller and smaller components, the overall package

size of solid state relays has shrunk, allowing the designer to conserve PCB

space, and makes them valuable in PCMCIA applications.

Solid State Relay (SSR)

SSR Output Types

The most common SSR output type is the low threshold MOSFET. Low

threshold devices are more easily controlled by the driver circuitry, and allow

for fast turn-on times (<500mS). Design of the driver circuitry also permits fast .
MOSFET gate discharge, translating into quick turn-off times (<100mS). Two

MOSFETs inversely connected in series allows for bi-directional control of DC

and AC signals with frequencies into the RF range. Typical blocking voltages

range from 250Vpp to 400Vpp, with continuous loads of up to 300mA.

A second type of SSR output is the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR). This type

of output is designed for AC loads only, and exhibits tight, zero-volt switching.

High dV/dt characteristics allow this type of device to control highly inductive

loads (PF > 0.3), and driver circuit design prevents false triggering. Typcial

blocking voltages range from 400Vpp to 700Vpp, with continuous loads of up to .

12Amps.

SSRs vs. EMRs

By the nature of design, one can see the differences between an

electromechanical relay and a solid-state relay. In an effort to demonstrate

inherent advantages of each type of relay, the following characteristics should

be examined: Service Life, Reliability, Isolation Voltage, On Resistance,

Capacitance and Package Dimensions.

Service Life: Because of solid-state technology, the SSR definitely exhibits

a longer operational life. Since there are no moving parts to jam, degrade or

warp, the life span is virtually infinite.

Reliability: During initial operation, both types of relay will exhibit similar

levels of reliability. Over time, however, the solid state relay will gain the edge

for the same reasons it has a longer service life, there are no moving parts.

Also, bounce free operation increases reliability and ensures consistent load

control.

Isolation Voltage: Again, by the characteristics of construction, the solid-

state relay will almost always exhibit higher input to output isolation voltages

than an electromechanical relay. For many telecommunication applications, a

minimum of 3750VAC is desired, clearly making the SSR the optimal choice

in telecom design.
 On Resistance: Electromechanical relays have an On Resistance in the range

of 100 milliohms, whereas SSRs have an On Resistance in the range of 10

Ohms. The higher On Resistance of SSRs is due to the nature of the MOSFET.

The low On Resistance of the EMR allows for greater load current capability

and less signal attenuation.

Output Capacitance: Electromechanical relays typically have an output

capacitance of less than 1 picoFarad, whereas SSRs typically have a

capacitance of greater than 20 picoFarads. Capacitance becomes an issue in

high frequency signals, and EMRs are a better option for HF applications.

Package Dimensions: The internal components of the relays control the

overall package dimensions. Because there are mechanical parts (coil, core,

arm, contact lever arms, spring mechanism) within the EMR, the package size

is limited to the physical dimensions of functional internal components. The

SSR on the other hand, is limited to only the size of the semiconductor

components, and is clearly capable of being manufactured in a much smaller

package.

Why Solid State Relays?

Although there are advantages to using both types of relays, solid-state relays are fast

becoming the better choice in many applications, especially throughout the

telecommunication and microprocessor control industries. The high reliability and

long life mean less field failures and better product performance. Low input signal
 levels are ideal for TTL or CMOS applications, and less power consumption

translates to longer batter life in potable devices.

The overwhelming advantages of solid-state relays lie in the isolation voltage,

package dimensions and multifunction capabilities. These advantages are

increasingly becoming apparent in the telecom industry.

For most tele-communication applications, especially those in Europe, high

input to output isolation voltage is required. Typical standards require a

minimum input to output isolation voltage of 2500VAC. Not only do solid-

state relays meet these requirements, most far surpass them.

Figure 3 shows a comparison between the package volumes and footprints of

an EMR and an SSR.

Figure 3: Package Comparison

From the figure, it is evident just how much using a solid-state relay can save

board space. The lower height lets the solid-state relay easily fit into PCMCIA
applications, making it ideal for laptop and palmtop modems. The smaller footprint

means less board space, allowing more real estate for other components, and

creating fewer design restraints.

Finally, multifunction capabilities place SSRs in a class by themselves.

Semiconductor technology has allowed the fabrication of small, multi-purpose

telecommunication relays where one device can handle both hook switch and loop

current or ring detect functions. Even more complex is a device, which combines a

1, Form A relay, Opto-coupler, Darlington Transistor, and Bridge Rectifier all

within a small, 16 pin SOIC package. These multifunction relays give the design

engineer unparalleled flexibility in developing new and innovative fax/modem

products.

Cost Issues

In the past, there has been a rather large gap between the price of an

electromechanical relay and the price of a solid-state relay. For a basic 1 Form A

SSR, the price was as high as several dollars more than an EMR. With continual

advancement in manufacturing technology, this gap has been reduced dramatically

making the advantages of solid-state technology accessible to a growing number

of design engineers.

Relay Applications

In general, the point of a relay is to use a small amount of power in the

 electromagnet -- coming, say, from a small dashboard switch or a low-

power electronic circuit -- to move an armature that is able to switch a

much larger amount of power. For example, you might want the

electromagnet to energize using 5 volts and 50 milliamps (250 milliwatts),

while the armature can support 120V AC at 2 amps (240 watts).

Relays are quite common in home appliances where there is an electronic control

turning on something like a motor or a light. They are also common in cars, where

the 12V supply voltage means that just about everything needs a large amount of

current. In later model cars, manufacturers have started combining relay panels into

the fuse box to make maintenance easier. For example, the six gray boxes in this

photo of a Ford Windstar fuse box are all relays:

in places where a large amount of power needs to be switched, relays are

often cascaded. In this case, a small relay switches the power needed to drive a

much larger relay, and that second relay switches the power to drive the load.

Relays can also be used to implement Boolean logic. See how Boolean logic

works more information.

3.7 Power Supply

The microcontroller, LCD, and the buzzer require a regulated 5V supply. This

supply is to be drawn from the mains and for this 7805 IC is used.
 The humidity sensor require a regulated 12V supply for amplification purpose and

this supply is drawn from the mains and for this 7812 IC is used.

3.7.1.1 IC 7805, 7812

7805 & 7812 are an integrated three-terminal positive fixed linear voltage regulators.

They support an input voltage of 7 volts to 45 volts and output voltage of 5 volts abd 12V

respecvtively. They have a current rating of 1 amp although lower current models are

available. Their output voltages are fixed at 5.0V & 12V respectively. The 7805 & 7812

also has a built-in current limiter as a safety feature. They will automatically reduce

output current if they get too hot.

They belong to a family of three-terminal positive fixed regulators with similar

specifications and differing fixed voltages from 8 to 15 volts. These are usually packaged

in TO-220 chip carriers, but smaller surface-mount and larger TO3 packages are also

available. The last two digits represent the voltage; for instance, the 7812 is a 12-volt

regulator.

Specifications of IC 7805

Vout 5V
Vin - Vout Difference 5V - 20V
Operation Ambient Temperature 0 - 125°C
Output Imax 1A

Table 3.1
Specifications of IC 7812

Vout 12v
Vin - Vout Difference 5V – 45V
Operation Ambient Temperature 0 – 125°C
Output Imax 1A

Table 3.2

Chapter 4
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS

Several experiments have been conducted for the successful completion of the project

we have conducted the experiments for the power supply. we required +5v,+12v,-12v for

the ckt and we have used different regulators and capacitors to get the proper output.

Conducted several experiments for signal conditioning ckt. many ckts were tested so as

to provide the necessary signal condition for the sensor finally

we connected transistors in Darlington pair configuration to get the desired signal

condiotioning. Investigations done to determine the sensing element.we have used a G.I

rod and connected it in a ckt and determined the resistance of the rod so that we can
know it is suitable for sensing or not. Many experiments done on limit switch to

determine the water level in the tank.

Different type of limit switches were tested with the help of different floats to indicate

the level in the tank. Ckt work done for motor and relay Investigation done for the tuning

of the bridge ckt of the sensor for proper output. the bridge ckt was tuned and with a

POT and the output was properly adjusted to get a precise reading.Created different

humidity level for the sensor to check for the working of sensor.we created different

humidity levels by by using a breath regulator and ice cubes to check the proper

functonig of the sensor.

Chapter 5
PROGRAMMING

5.1 ALGORITHM

1. Start

2. Initialize the I/O ports, ADC, Timers and interrupts.

3. Initialize LCD.

4. check the tank level

5. if tank full continue or give buzzer

6. check the soil condition

7. if dry goto step 4

8. if wet goto step 9

9. check the humidity level

 10. if soil is dry or humidity less than the set point on the relay

11. goto step 4

12. on the relay.

13. goto step 6

14. end

Chapter 6
CALIBRATION

The humidity sensor was calibrated between 20%RH and 95%RH. the calibrated by
placing it in a whetstones bridge. . The calibration is done by varying the potentiometer
in the signal conditioning circuit. The potentiometer was varied till the reading of the
instrument matched the correct reading. The correct readings were found by a using a
humidity meter. The response of the sensor is linear and was foundto be in the rang of
20%RH and 70%RH
 Chapter 7
.EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
 8. CONCLUSION

The project work “Automatic Plant Watering System” is successfully designed tested
and a demo unit is fabricated. Since it is a demonstration unit, facility is provided only
for two solenoid valves, but for real application hundreds of valves may be used
depending upon the area of the field.

In this project work the required power supply for the entire circuitry is derived from the
main source, since the circuitry to be installed at fields, and availability of conventional
energy at fields may be difficult, therefore this supply can be generated using solar
energy. For this purpose suitable solar panel can be utilized for charging the battery and
the stored energy from the battery can be utilized to generate required power supply for
the circuitry.

REFERENCES:

1. Digital Electronics. By JOSEPH J.CARR

With the help of this book digital counter for measuring the consumed energy is
designed.

2. Digital and Analog Communication System By: K. sam Shanmugam

3. Electronic Circuit guide book – Sensors – By JOSEPH J.CARR

4. The 8051 Micro-controller Architecture, programming & Applications By: Kenneth J.

Ayala

5. Programming and Customizing the PIC 16F877 Micro-controller

6. The concepts and Features of Micro-controllers - By: Raj Kamal

7. Irrigation Engineering, By: B.R. Gupta