Wireless Sensor Network for Monitoring Water Quality

About

Abstract

Using a microcontroller, the device will be a wireless node that is capable of pinpointing the node’s location using GPS, interfacing with digital and analog devices/sensors, and communicating wirelessly with other nodes.
The final product will be able to monitor the following parameters:

    1. Temperature (Air and Water)
    2. Humidity
    3. pH level
    4. Location of the end-node
    5. Turbidity

The wireless unit will take advantage of the ZigBee technology, a network layer designed to use IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol, in order to transfer the acquired sensor data to the coordinator node which in turn transmits the sensor data to PC via an RS232 connection. Since the coordinator node uses an RS232 connection, a program is designed to monitor the serial port and interpret the data that is exchanged between the user and coordinator node. This application is eventually embedded in a web application program to make the interface more user-friendly.

Background

The Water Quality Monitor is a response to the high demand of  wireless sensor network technology in the current market. It present a cost-effective, low data rate (<250 kbps), 2.4 GHz or 868/928 MHz wireless technology for device-to-device wireless networking. Not only does it provide low power consumption, but also security and reliability with flexibility and seamless mobility, all without wires.

The system features a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller from HCS08 family of 8-bit microcontrollers.

Finally, our product offers an alternative to the costly water quality monitoring devices – prices ranging from 1000 – 4000 dollars - currently in the market which are immobile and not equipped with any wireless technology.

Results

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Conclusion

Wireless sensor network water quality monitor offers a low-cost high-performance solution to customers. The system allows the user to control and monitor different sensor data such as temperature, pH, humidity and GPS at any time.

Team Structure