FORM A

PROJECT IDEA SUB MISSION FORM

INTEGRATED ENGINEERING TEAM PROJECT (IETP4115)

Project Title:Automated Irrigation systemAutn Student Name: Nebiyu Zewge  

Student ID: ets1051/13 

Group:29

Proposer's e-mail address:nebiyuzewge@gmail.com

 H/P No:

Department:software engineering

Advisor/s:Dr.Samson Mekbib

Collaborator(s) (if any) : 

Project concept and SDG mapping:

• Water Efficiency: Design an irrigation system that maximizes water efficiency by delivering the right amount of water to plants based on their specific needs, contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and      Sanitation).

• Crop Monitoring and Analysis: Utilize sensors to monitor environmental factors and analyze data to provide valuable insights into crop health and growth, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

• Automation and Control: Automate the irrigation process, reducing manual intervention and aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

• Integration with AI and Decision Support: Utilize artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze data, make intelligent decisions, and optimize the irrigation process, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

• User-Friendly Interface: Develop a user-friendly interface, such as a mobile application or web portal, enabling remote monitoring and control of the irrigation system, promoting user engagement and empowerment, aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Objectives:

1. Precision Irrigation: The system aims to provide precise and targeted irrigation to plants, ensuring that water is delivered directly to the root zone where it is needed the most. This promotes healthy plant growth while minimizing water runoff and evaporation.

2. Time and Labor Savings: An automated irrigation system eliminates the need for manual watering, saving significant time and labor for gardeners and property owners. It can be programmed to operate at specific times and durations, allowing for hands-free operation.

3. Watering Consistency: The system aims to maintain consistent watering schedules and patterns, ensuring that plants receive water on a regular basis. This helps to establish optimal growing conditions, prevent stress, and promote plant health.

4. Customization and Flexibility: An automated irrigation system provides the ability to customize watering schedules, durations, and frequency based on specific plant requirements, soil conditions, and weather patterns. This flexibility allows for adjustments to be made to optimize irrigation efficiency.

5. Monitoring and Control: The system often includes sensors and controllers that continuously monitor soil moisture levels, rainfall, and other environmental factors. This data enables intelligent decision-making and allows for remote monitoring and control of the irrigation system.

6. Integration with Weather Data: By integrating with weather data, an automated irrigation system can adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather conditions. This ensures that watering is adjusted during periods of rain or high humidity, reducing water waste.

7. Plant Health and Growth: The primary objective of an automated irrigation system is to promote healthy plant growth by providing adequate water at the right time. Proper irrigation helps to prevent under-watering or over-watering, reducing the risk of plant diseases and improving overall plant health.

8. Cost Savings: By optimizing water usage and reducing manual labor, an automated irrigation system can lead to cost savings in terms of water bills, maintenance, and plant replacement. It provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for managing irrigation needs.

9. Sustainability: Incorporating an automated irrigation system contributes to sustainable practices by conserving water resources, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting efficient water management in landscaping and agricultural settings.

10. Water Conservation: One of the primary objectives of an automated irrigation system is to conserve water by efficiently delivering the right amount of water to plants based on their specific needs. This helps to avoid overwatering and reduces water waste.

 Short summary of the project (not more than 200 words):

An automated irrigation system has several key objectives that contribute to efficient and effective water management. First and foremost, it aims to conserve water by delivering the right amount of water to plants based on their specific needs, avoiding overwatering and reducing water waste. Precision irrigation is another objective, achieved by targeting water delivery to the root zone, minimizing runoff and evaporation. The system also offers time and labor savings by eliminating manual watering, allowing for automated scheduling and operation. Ensuring watering consistency promotes plant health and stress prevention, while customization and flexibility enable adjustments based on plant and soil requirements, as well as changing weather conditions. The system incorporates monitoring and control features with sensors and controllers, enabling real-time monitoring and remote access. Integration with weather data allows for adjustments based on current weather conditions, optimizing water usage during rainfall. Ultimately, the system aims to promote plant health and growth by providing adequate water at the right time, preventing plant diseases, and offering cost savings through reduced water bills and maintenance expenses. By conserving water resources and promoting sustainable practices, an automated irrigation system contributes to efficient water management and environmental stewardship. 

Materials, Tools, equipment/instruments required:

The project requires the following components:

1. Soil Moisture Sensors: These sensors measure the moisture content in the soil, providing data on the water needs of the plants. Examples include capacitive soil moisture sensors or resistive soil moisture sensors, which measure the moisture content in the soil.

2. Temperature and Humidity Sensors: These sensors monitor the environmental conditions, helping to optimize irrigation schedules based on temperature and humidity levels. Examples include digital temperature and humidity sensors like DHT11 or DHT22, which provide accurate readings of environmental conditions.

3. Actuators: Actuators control the opening and closing of valves to regulate the flow of water to different zones or individual plants. Examples include solenoid valves or motorized valves, which control the flow of water to different zones or individual plants.

4. Control System: A microcontroller or programmable logic controller (PLC) is used to manage the automation and decision-making processes of the irrigation system.  Examples include microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) such as Siemens LOGO! or Allen-Bradley Micro800 series, which manage the automation and decision-making processes of the irrigation system.

5. Communication Modules: Modules such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices enable communication between the system components and the user interface, allowing remote monitoring and control. Examples include Wi-Fi modules like ESP8266 or ESP32, or Bluetooth modules like HC-05 or HC-06, which facilitate wireless communication between system components and the user interface.

6. Power Supply: The system requires a power source, such as batteries or solar panels, to provide energy for its operation. Examples include rechargeable batteries or solar panels with suitable voltage and capacity to power the irrigation system and its components.

7. User Interface: A user-friendly interface, such as a mobile application or web portal, allows users to monitor and control the irrigation system remotely, accessing real-time data and receiving notifications. Examples include a mobile application developed for iOS or Android platforms or a web-based interface accessible through a browser. Frameworks like React Native or Angular can be used for mobile app development, while HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be used for web-based interfaces.

This week, I have been dedicating my time to exploring various components of a project. Specifically, I have been delving into topics such as Arduino, Wi-Fi relay modules, and moisture sensors. In order to facilitate my learning process, I have taken the initiative to install the Arduino work environment.

By familiarizing myself with Arduino, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of its functionalities and potential applications. This microcontroller platform offers a wide range of possibilities for creating interactive projects and prototypes. With the Arduino work environment now installed, I have access to a user-friendly interface that allows me to write, compile, and upload code to the Arduino board.

Moreover, I have been extensively researching Wi-Fi relay modules. These modules enable wireless communication between devices and play a crucial role in remote control applications. By incorporating a Wi-Fi relay module into my project, I can establish a connection between the Arduino board and other devices, facilitating seamless data transmission.

Additionally, I have been studying moisture sensors, which are essential for detecting and measuring the moisture levels in various environments. These sensors provide valuable data that can be utilized in a multitude of applications, such as irrigation systems or environmental monitoring.

By focusing on these components and investing time in understanding their functionalities, I am confident that I will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in my project. I look forward to further expanding my knowledge and applying it to create innovative solutions.

This week, on Monday, we had a meeting with our group members to allocate different tasks based on our field of study. As a software student, I was assigned the task of managing the code part of Arduino and building the user interface for our website. After the meeting, I took the initiative to delve into the details of the different materials we will be working with, such as Arduino, a WiFi relay module, and a sensor.

During the meeting, we discussed and assigned tasks based on our areas of expertise. As a software student, I was specifically assigned the responsibility of managing the code part of Arduino and developing the user interface for our website.

Following the meeting, I took the initiative to conduct in-depth research on the various components we will be working with. These include Arduino, a versatile electronics platform and  WiFi relay module.By gaining a deeper understanding of these materials, I aim to enhance my knowledge and effectively contribute to the project.

In our project, we will use the Arduino UNO R3 board because it is widely recognized and supported in the Arduino community, making it easier to find resources, tutorials, and troubleshooting assistance. The Arduino UNO R3 is well-documented, Additionally, its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of shields and modules allow for easy expansion and integration of additional components, such as the moisture sensor in our smart irrigation system. Furthermore, the Arduino UNO R3 offers a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for our project's requirements. 

Also, we will use the WiFi relay with ESP8266 in our project because it provides wireless connectivity capabilities, specifically through the built-in WiFi module. This allows us to remotely control the relay over a network connection, which is essential for our smart irrigation system. By integrating the ESP8266 with the WiFi relay, we can establish communication between the Arduino board and the relay, enabling us to control the irrigation system from a centralized location or even through a web-based interface. The ESP8266's compatibility with Arduino and its availability of libraries and resources make it a convenient choice for implementing wireless communication in our project.

And also, I am exploring how Arduino and the WiFi relay module work together to enhance our smart irrigation system. If you would like to learn more about it, I have attached a YouTube video link below for you to watch and gain a deeper understanding. 

LInks

https://www.instructables.com/Wifi-Relay-With-ESP8266/

https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/uno-rev3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cjufbgOBYo&pp=ygUraG93IGRvZXMgYXJkaW5vIGFuZCBXaWZpIFJlbGF5IFdpdGggRVNQODI2Ng%3D%3D

On Monday, our team convened to discuss the forthcoming proposal for friendy. The meeting proved to be highly constructive as we collectively defined the project's scope, intricately detailing its objectives, tasks, and overall goals. Notably, there were comprehensive discussions surrounding the materials essential for the project's success, encompassing technology tools, software, and hardware requirements. The collaborative atmosphere fostered effective information sharing, with team members providing updates on their respective areas of responsibility. Progress reports, challenges encountered, and proposed solutions enriched the collective understanding of the project landscape. Decision-making processes were transparently navigated, whether through consensus-building or other methodologies, ensuring a unified approach. As a culmination, the meeting concluded with clearly outlined action items and responsibilities for each team member, establishing a roadmap for the project's seamless progression. The session's outcomes not only solidified our project strategy but also set the stage for a dynamic and well-coordinated team effort.

On Friday, we engaged in a collaborative session with our advisor to discuss the draft of our proposal. During the meeting, we sought guidance on refining our proposal to align it with the required format. The advisor provided valuable insights and suggestions, guiding us in making necessary adjustments to enhance the overall quality and coherence of our proposal. This interaction proved instrumental in ensuring that our document not only meets the specified format but also adheres to the standards expected for a successful submission.

This week, i dedicated time to studying the functionality of weather APIs and exploring ways to integrate them into our project. The focus was on understanding the underlying mechanisms of how weather APIs operate, including data retrieval, format, and the range of information available. Through this exploration, we aimed to grasp the technical aspects of implementing a weather API seamlessly into our project. 

important Link

https://openweathermap.org/guide 

This week, I am exploring how to build simulations using the Protus software. Specifically, I am interested in simulating mobile connections with Protus. I want to understand the process of simulating mobile networks and how Protus can be utilized for this purpose. 

Protus is a software tool primarily used for electronic circuit simulation and design. It is widely utilized by engineers, students, and hobbyists for developing and testing electronic circuits before physically implementing them. Protus offers a comprehensive suite of features that enable users to design, simulate, and validate circuits efficiently.

The software provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to create circuit schematics using a vast library of electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, transistors, microcontrollers, and more. These components can be interconnected and configured to represent complex electronic systems.

One of the key strengths of Protus is its simulation capabilities. It employs various simulation algorithms to analyze and predict the behavior of electronic circuits. Users can simulate circuit operation, analyze voltage and current waveforms, measure signal characteristics, and perform various types of analysis, such as transient analysis, frequency response analysis, and more.

Protus also supports mixed-signal simulation, allowing users to combine analog and digital components in a single circuit design. This feature is particularly useful for simulating systems that involve both analog and digital signals, such as microcontroller-based projects.

In addition to circuit simulation, Protus offers tools for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design. Users can transfer their circuit designs to the PCB layout module, where they can arrange components, define copper traces, and generate manufacturing files for producing physical PCBs.

Overall, Protus provides a powerful and versatile platform for designing, simulating, and prototyping electronic circuits and systems. Its intuitive interface, extensive component library, and simulation capabilities make it a popular choice among electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike.

important Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et2XXjf__Sc

Last Monday, we held a group meeting to discuss the project prototype. During the meeting, we determined its dimensions and visualized its final appearance by sketching on a piece of paper. On Wednesday, we met with our advisor to seek guidance and feedback on our ideas. 

This week, I've been working on building the website that we'll ultimately use for our project. The website consists of both frontend and backend components. Currently, I'm focusing on developing the frontend, which involves creating the visual appearance of the website. 

I'm currently working on the frontend using HTML, Tailwind CSS, and JavaScript to craft the visual aspects of our website 

In recent weeks, I've been researching how to implement remote control for a smart irrigation system with a user interface. I've discovered that Arduino IoT Cloud can be used to control Arduino devices while providing a user interface experience.

 Here are the steps to set up a smart irrigation system with a user interface using the Arduino IoT Cloud:

1. Account Creation:

- Visit [Arduino IoT Cloud](https://create.arduino.cc/iot/) and create a new account.

2. Thing Configuration:

- Navigate to the Arduino IoT Cloud dashboard.

- Create a new Thing, providing a name and selecting the appropriate board type (e.g., Arduino Uno, MKR WiFi 1010).

3. Variable Customization:

- Customize variables based on requirements, such as "moistureLevel" and "pumpStatus."

4. Dashboard Design:

- Access the "Dashboard" section.

- Add controls (e.g., sliders, buttons) for the defined variables.

- Customize the dashboard layout for an optimal user experience.

5. Arduino Sketch Setup:

- Install the Arduino IoT Cloud library in the Arduino IDE.

- Open the Arduino IoT Cloud sketch.

- Replace default WiFi and IoT Cloud credentials with personal credentials.

- Upload the sketch to the Arduino board.

6. Monitoring and Control:

- Access the Arduino IoT Cloud dashboard.

- Observe the status of the Thing and use the controls for remote monitoring and control.

7. Weather API Integration:

- Obtain an API key from a weather service provider (e.g., OpenWeatherMap).

- Modify the Arduino sketch to incorporate HTTP requests to the weather API.

- Update irrigation decisions based on weather conditions.

8. Testing and Refinement:

- Test the smart irrigation system in various scenarios to ensure proper responses to soil moisture and weather conditions.

- Refine the dashboard and controls for an improved user experience.

9. Scaling and Optimization:

- Scale the system by adding more sensors or actuators if necessary.

- Optimize the Arduino sketch for power consumption and efficiency.

important Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaLrmLCqGnc

https://cloud.arduino.cc/

Throughout this week, Yordanos Nigusu and I collaborated on an extensive project involving the creation of an interface and the modeling of a prototype. We utilized the Arduino IoT Cloud to implement this system. The primary function of the interface is to enable remote control of the Arduino device. Additionally, it provides a dynamic display of the current status of various variables, including but not limited to soil moisture levels and weather conditions. This development is a significant step in enhancing the functionality and accessibility of our project.

This week, we purchased all the materials and began working on the prototype. We are implementing the simulation in a practical way. As you can see in the picture, we have divided the work according to our respective departments. Next week, we will combine all the components and complete our project.

In the course of this week, our primary focus has been on bringing the Smart Irrigation System project to completion. The concerted efforts have been directed towards finalizing both the mechanical and software components, ensuring a comprehensive and functional solution to optimize water usage in agriculture.

This week has seen dedicated endeavors to address the outstanding aspects of the project, with particular attention given to refining the mechanical and software elements. Both aspects are integral to the system's overall efficacy, and substantial strides have been made in bridging any existing gaps.

Challenges Overcome

In the pursuit of completing the project, we encountered certain challenges. Technical glitches in the software component were identified and promptly addressed through rigorous testing and debugging processes. This proactive approach ensures a robust and reliable smart irrigation system.

User Engagement and Education

Recognizing the importance of user understanding, efforts have been directed towards conducting workshops and developing comprehensive documentation. This initiative aims to educate end-users about the functionalities and benefits of the Smart Irrigation System, fostering a sense of confidence and competence in its operation.

Conclusion

The progress made during this week underscores our dedication to delivering a robust and comprehensive Smart Irrigation System. The integration of both mechanical and software components positions the system as a cutting-edge solution in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on user education and engagement, we are poised to create a positive impact on global agricultural practices, promoting water conservation and enhancing crop yield.