FLOW-MO: Flood Water Monitor

A Special Project presented to

Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering
College of Engineering
National University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject

Digital Communications

Hershey Ann Adol

Michael John Balisi
Louie Matthew Reyes
Eruel Santos
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering
Manila

APPROVAL SHEET
The special project, entitled FLOW-MO: FLOOD WATER MONITOR prepared and
submitted by Hershey Ann Mae A. Adol, Michael John T. Balisi, Louie Matthew G.
Reyes, Eruel A. Santos

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the program

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering is hereby approved and accepted.

Engr. VINCENT G. RONQUILLO

Instructor

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR

OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING.

ENGR. JONREY RAADA

Director, EcE/CpE

DEDICATION

We would like to dedicate this research to our parents.

If not for their love and support, none of these would be possible.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Our group would like to extend our deepest thanks to those who have helped us in the
completion of this project. Whether big or small, direct or indirect, all of their help is of
great significance and we appreciate it very much.

First, to our adviser, Engr. Vincent G. Ronquillo, for his insightful opinions and criticism
that helped bring out the better, if not the best, versions of us.

To Guingabs Residence, for providing food to eat and place to work with throughout the
duration of this project.

To our families, for giving financial and emotional support.

And lastly, to our classmates, for the encouragements and exchange of ideas that have
been vital throughout the whole process.

ABSTRACT
This project entitled Flow-Mo: Flood Water Monitor was done to develop an early
warning system in case of flood occurrence. The researchs target is to establish this
device as a sort of home security system that can be used not only by a single
household but by small communities as well.

The device is designed to update its users regarding flood water level and warns them
when the water has reached a certain threshold. The project uses Arduino Board and
GSM/GPRS Module in order to execute the aforementioned SMS Alert feature. The
number of phone numbers that can be integrated into the program and where the alert
messages can be sent into is only limited, so the project also has a buzzer and matrix of
light-emitting diodes to serve as alarm and indicator, respectively.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL SHEET..........................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION................................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT....................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................... vii
CHAPTER I: THE PROJECT AND ITS SETTING............................................................1
1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT......................................................................2
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY..............................................................................3
1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM..........................................................................3
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT.......................................................................4
1.6 SCOPES AND DELIMITATIONS.............................................................................4
CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK.................................................................5
2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES...........................................5
2.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK...............................................................................5
2.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS........................................................................................8
CHAPTER III: OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK..............................................................10
3.1 PROJECT DESIGN..............................................................................................10
3.2 PROJECT METHOD............................................................................................12
3.3 Project Validation..................................................................................................14
CHAPTER IV: RESULT AND DISCUSSION..................................................................15
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION............................................16
5.1 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................16
5.2 RECOMMENDATION...........................................................................................16

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
2A
3A
3-B
3-C
4-A

Title
IPO Conceptual Framework
Wiring Diagram
Prototype Design using SketchUp
Flowchart
Block Diagram

Page
6
10
11
12
15

CHAPTER I: THE PROJECT AND ITS

SETTING

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Flooding is an unending problem in the Philippines. Due to the countrys geographical
location, the Philippines is battered by numerous disasters annually and flooding is the
most common among all of them. While considered by most as a natural occurrence,
flooding is more of a man-made disaster in this country. It is caused by various reasons
such as poor infrastructures, insufficient drainage, blocked esteros and waterways,
denuded uplands, and of course, politics. The best way to solve this problem is through
its roots. However, the mentioned causes cannot be mended and resolved right away.
Although there are methods to do so, they are either not feasible yet or in the process of
getting planned or finished. Fortunately, through science and technology, there are ways
to diminish the impacts and repercussions of flooding that are much more attainable.
According to UNISDR (2012), among all disasters, floods have the most potential
damage and affects the greatest number of people. In their Number of Climate-related
Disasters around the World (1980-2011) Infographic, flood tops other disasters with 3455
occurrences around the world from 1980 to 2011.
Just like any other natural disasters, floods cannot be completely avoided. However,
resiliency can be developed and risks can be reduced and that is through proper and
thorough preparation.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Wet season in the Philippines starts in June and ends in November. This means that the
country is subjected to up to six months of frequent flooding. According to PAGASA, an
average of eight or nine typhoons make landfall in the Philippines. However, as most of
us are well aware, it doesnt even take a typhoon to cause flooding in the flood-prone
areas of the country.
Flooding has become such a normal scenario that residents become complacent even if
they are being hit during the night, which is the time when they are most vulnerable. In
2009, a lot of people were killed and millions worth of properties were lost in Provident
Village, a subdivision in Marikina City, as Typhoon Ondoy devastates during the night.
The flood rose to an unusual height and the residents were caught unprepared. This
occurrence emphasizes the need for preparation before a calamity and alertness as it
happens. Now, the local government has installed a system that would monitor the water
level of Marikina River and alarm the nearby residents when the level has reached a
certain level. However, not every flood is caused by overflowing bodies of water and not
every municipality can afford such warning system. Moreover, the warning can only
reach as far as the siren can be heard.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This section outlines the general and specific objectives of the project.

General Objective:

To take advantage of technological advancement to alleviate an effect of an old

and recurring problem.

Specific Objectives:

To create a device that would monitor the level of water accumulation in a certain

area which has SMS Alert Feature, buzzer, and LED indicators.
To create a device that would prompt its users to make necessary actions once

needed.
To create a device that is cheaper than its counterparts and more affordable to
non-well-off households and very small communities.

1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

As common as it can be, flood can still come and rose into surprising severity. While its
effects vary, flood can immediately incur damage to properties and threat to human lives.
There are various solutions to flooding. However, they require a lot of time before their
completion. Whats worse is not all of the solutions has already been started. So while
these solutions are being planned and built, it is best to make the most of what we have
now and lessen the impact of a problem that cannot be avoided for now.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The findings of this research will be both beneficial to the researchers and the
community.
Researchers. Through the design and development of this project, the researchers get
to apply their knowledge and skill therefore enhance them at the same time.
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Community. As this project serves as an early warning system, this can lessen the
impact of flood to human lives and their properties. Such benefits protect the community
as they provide security and therefore improve its members life quality.

1.6 SCOPES AND DELIMITATIONS

This device is powered by electricity, so having a power interruption during

a weather disturbance would not activate the device, unless a generator is

added to the project which would cause additional expenses.

The SMS message will have a delay.

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CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL

FRAMEWORK

2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Early Warning Systems
As defined by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, early warning
system is the set of capacities needed to generate and disseminate timely warning
information to enable individuals, communities and organizations threatened by a hazard
to prepare and to act appropriately and in sufficient time. Through advancement in
science and technology, these early warning systems have improved drastically in every
aspects over time.
Early warning systems have been considered a fundamental part of disaster
preparedness (Pearson 2012). In Cuba, its Tropical Cyclone Early Warning System is
attributed to decreasing deaths significantly for weather related disasters such as
tropical cyclones, storm surges and related flooding. In fact, five successive flooding
events left only seven casualties.

2.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Input

Process

12

Output

13

Flood Water

Indicator
SMS Alert
Critical Level
Alarm

EVALUATION
Figure 2-A. IPO Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework illustrated demonstrates the flow of the process
needed in attaining the objectives of the study. This guides the proponent in developing
the project.
The input has three primary categories namely Knowledge Requirement,
Software Requirement, and Hardware Requirement. The knowledge requirement
consists of a sufficient understanding about basic electronics, flood safety standards,
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and Arduino programming. This serves as the foundation of the project design. The
software requirement includes the Arduino IDE for programming the Arduino board.
Lastly, the hardware requirement includes control box, Arduino board, flood sensor,
buzzer and LED indicator.
The next stage is the Process Stage where the project design, installation of
hardware parts, electronics assembly, programming of Arduino, and testing operation
are done.
Combining the input requirements and process involved, the final project output
which is the proposed flood water monitor system was achieved and subjected for
evaluation process aligned with the safety standards set for flood monitoring.

2.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Arduino - an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and
software.
Buzzer - an electrical device, similar to a bell, that makes a buzzing noise and is used
for signaling.
Estero - a tidal channel used as a drainage canal in populated districts.
LED short for light-emitting diode, is a two-lead semiconductor light source. It is a pn
junction diode which emits light when activated.
PAGASA - the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration, abbreviated as PAGASA, is the National Meteorological and Hydrological
Services (NMHS) agency of the Philippines mandated to provide protection against
natural calamities and to insure the safety, well-being and economic security of all the
people, and for the promotion of national progress by undertaking scientific and

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technological

services

in meteorology, hydrology, climatology, astronomy and

other

geophysical sciences.
UNISDR - established in 1999 as a dedicated secretariat to facilitate the implementation
of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).It is mandated by the United
Nations General Assembly resolution (56/195), to serve as the focal point in the United
Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among
the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations system and regional organizations
and activities in socioeconomic and humanitarian fields. It is an organizational unit of
the UN Secretariat and is led by the UN Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG).

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CHAPTER III: OPERATIONAL

FRAMEWORK

3.1 PROJECT DESIGN

Wiring Diagram

Figure 3-A. Circuits Wiring Diagram

This shows the connection of components that make up the projects circuit.

Prototype Design
17

Figure 3-B. Prototype Design using SketchUp

For the control box which houses all the circuits, thin plywood is used. It has a dimension
of 3 x 4.5 x 4.5. The box that contains the matrix of LEDs has the dimension of 1.75
x 4 x 1.75. For the base of the device, a PVC pipe is used. It contains the leads of the
sensors and it provides elevation to the control box.

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3.2 PROJECT METHOD

START
X
LOW
sensor
Activated?

NO
ORANGE LEDs ON

YES
Green LEDs ON

Moderate
Sensor
Activated?

NO

NO

Critical
Sensor
Activated?
YES
RED LEDs ON

YES

BUZZER ON
Continuous beep for 30 mins

YELLOW LEDs ON

High
Sensor
Activated?

end

NO
YES

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Figure 3-C. Flowchart

If the LOW Sensor is activated, the green LEDs would turn ON. If the MDERATE Sensor
is activated, the yellow LEDs would turn ON. If the HIGH Sensor is activated, the orange
LEDs would turn ON. Simultaneously, a warning SMS would be sent. If the CRITICAL
Sensor is ON, red LEDS would turn ON, the buzzer would go off, and a warning SMS
would be sent.

Sensors get activated when its leads get touched by water. The lead of the LOW sensor
is placed at the bottom of the base. The succeeding levels are placed above, about half
a feet apart.

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3.3 Project Validation

In order to validate the project, the researchers prepared a questionnaire that will be
utilized to evaluate the project. The questionnaire will assess the projects functionality,
durability, aesthetics, and marketability.
FUNCTIONALITY
12.
the

QUESTIONS

YES

SOMEHOW

Rate

NO

1. Does the LOW sensor work?

2. Does the MODERATE sensor work?
3. Does the CRITICAL sensor work?
4. Does the HIGH sensor work?
5. Are the LED sufficiently visible?
6. Is the buzzer sufficiently audible?
7. Does the SMS Feature works?
DESIGN
8. Are the components used the best for its function?
9. Are the hardware materials used the best for its usage?
PRESENTABILITY
10. Is the prototype design satisfactory?
MARKETABILITY
11. Is the device market-ready?
overall Functionality.
13. Rate the overall Design.
14. Rate the overall Presentability.
15. Rate the overall Marketability.

[]5

[]4
[]5
[]5
[]5

[]3
[]4
[]4
[]4

[]2
[]3
[]3
[]3

[]1
[]2
[]2
[]2

Comments and Suggestions:

CHAPTER IV: RESULT AND

DISCUSSION
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[]1
[]1
[]1

4.1 System Flow Diagram

LOW

Green leds

MODERATE

Yellow leds

HIGH

Orange leds

CRITICAL

Red leds

FLOOD

Figure 4-A. Block Diagram

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buzzer

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATION
5.1 CONCLUSION
The findings have shown that the project can be an effective early warning device.
Certain adjustments are recommended to be undertaken but the device is already ready
for installation into households, establishments, and small communities.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION
For the future researchers, it is suggested to make better and more resilient hardware.
This is for the device to protect itself from hazards. It is also recommended to try readyto-use sensors. They are higher in cost but they are smarter and gives more accurate
readings.
Through the evaluation of this project, it has shown some potential that future
researchers can embark on. Due to the projects inexpensive cost, it can be reproduced
into multiple number of devices that can be built into a network. The information that
every single device can furnish can be interpreted and be used in a much wider
application.

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