LEAK KILLER DESIGN CHALLENGE

1. Project description

The device is combined with a few elements working either independently or in line with each other. There is the main station supplied by either DC or AC with sensors (such as flood, gas, smoke, temperature etc.), stop valve and flow-meter. Configuration and management of the system use the advanced Android application (Wio – play store) through Wi-Fi network. Supporting links:

• http://iot.seeed.cc/getting_started.html
• http://iot.seeed.cc/index.html
• http://wiki.seeed.cc/Wio_Node/
• http://wiki.seeed.cc/Wio_Link/

Application in the base to build user interface/user preferences. Wio_Link and Wio_Node connectors in line with Wio app are base factors to build compatible system to IoT.

2. DETECT FLOW CHALLENGE

2.1. Description of flow meter

Sensor for water flow is for detecting any small leak or unproperly closed tap. It gives information to the user if any of this occurs. Working voltage for the flow meter is from 3V to 18V DC

2.2. Connection

2.3. Cost estimate

2.4. Description of the leak device controller

Device for flow/valve control is designed to be small and easy to use. System contains:

• mini module Wio Node Wi-Fi
• capacious battery 1600mAh
• power socket
• on/off switch
• sensors sockets
• 2 sockets for water valves 12V

You can charge the device with the included charger 5V/0,5A.

The main board of the device is Wio Node Wi-Fi, which contains:

• Microcontroller ESP8266 IoT
• 2 connection GROVE
• Connection for battery with built-in charging settings
• USB connection for program upload/upgrade/battery charging
• Built-in Wi-Fi module
• 2 ports I/O
• 1 port UART
• 1 port I2C
• 1 analogue plug in
• Readiness for IoT

Furthermore, the device contains battery voltage converter from 3,7V to 12V, which can control the stop valve. For the open/close water (Stop) valve, there is a module designed with MOSFET transistor. Every part of this device is easily accessible in the market and could be replaced by other components.

Whenever the battery level is low, a special message pops out in the application installed on the smartphone, alerting that the device needs to be connected to the 5V/0,5A charger included. Charging is indicated by a red LED until it is fully charged (then the light will turn off).

Detection of a leak is through a moisture and temperature sensor connected e.g. to RJ11 or by a sensor configured with Wi-Fi network. If there is unusual activity, such as high and quick increase of moisture with a temperature drop, the controller will sense that as a threat or risk and will send information to the application user. Furthermore, if there is stop valve included in the user's system, with adequate configuration, the valve will close automatically. You are also able to connect a flow sensor to the RJ11, which, if adequately configured, will sense every leak in the plumbing of the home.

2.5. Schematic diagram of the controller

2.6. Cost estimate for the device controller

2.7. Visualization

3. DETECT AND MONITOR LEAKS CHALLENGE

3.1. Description of leak sensor

The sensor was designed as a small and easy to use device which can work either independently or with other devices. System contains:

• miniature module Wio Node Wi-Fi
• capacious battery
• power socket
• Switch on/off
• Moisture sensor
• Temperature sensor

Power socket allows charging by included 5V/0,5A charger.

The main board of the device is Wio Node Wi-Fi, which contains:

• Microcontroller ESP8266 IoT
• 2 connection GROVE
• Connection for battery with built-in charging settings
• USB connection for program upload/upgrade/battery charging
• Built-in Wi-Fi module
• 2 ports I/O
• 1 port UART
• 1 port I2C
• 1 analogue plug in
• Ready for IoT

Whenever the battery level is low, a special message pops out in the application installed in the smartphone, alerting that the device needs to be connected to the 5V/0,5A charger included. Charging is indicated by a red LED until it is fully charged (then the light will turn off).

Leaks are detected by the moisture and temperature sensor when moisture will quickly increase and temperature will drop in the area where the leak sensor is mounted. The leak sensor will understand that change as water increases in the area and will send a message to the smartphone application with relevant information. If the system is set up in line with the stop/water valve, then the controller will automatically stop water flow as well.

3.2. Schematic diagram

3.3. Cost estimate

3.4. Visualization

4. SUPPLY SHUT OFF CHALLENGE

4.1. Stop valve description

Valve is designed to close water flow if the risk of flood or leak is detected. There is a plug to connect that valve to (point 2.4.) leak device controller or to the main station (point 5.) Servomotor of the valve is powered by 12 V. When the voltage is conducted to the device the valve closes down, without voltage the valve remains open. The valve contains a sensor of the current state and there is the possibility of a manual change of state of the valve.

4.2. Connection of the stop valve

4.3. Cost estimate

4.4 3D printed alternative mountings.

5. OPTIONAL - MAIN STATION WITH BATTERY

5.1. Description of the main station

A Main Station supplied by DC may apply to any place where there is no provided AC connection, this might be under the sink or under the bath or any other place at risk. The device is supplied with:

• Sufficient battery
• 3 connections for different sensors
• 1 connection for stop valve
• Switch on/off
• Power supply socket for battery charging

The device can work either independently through a Wi-Fi network or with other devices e.g. a leak sensor. System management is through an Android application installed on a smartphone.

You are able to add more elements to the device, such as water stop valve, gas sensors, smoke sensors, CO2 sensors, etc. Communication between devices is by home Wi-Fi network.

The main board of the device is Wio Link Wi-Fi, which contains:

• Microcontroller ESP8266 IoT
• 6 connection GROVE
• Connection for battery with built-in charging settings
• USB connection for program upload/upgrade/battery charging
• Build in Wi-Fi module
• 3 ports I/O
• 1 port UART
• 1 port I2C
• 1 analogue plug in
• Readiness for IoT

Furthermore, the device contains a battery voltage converter from 3,7V to 12V, which controls the stop valve. For open/close water (Stop) valve, there is a module with MOSFET transistor.

As before, whenever the battery level is low, a message will pop out in the application installed in the smartphone, alerting the user that the device needs to be connected to the 5V/0,5A charger included.

You are able to connect wired sensors by using the included 2 connections RJ11, such as flood sensor, temperature sensor, gas sensor, smoke sensor, CO2 sensor, etc. Furthermore, there is the possibility to connect other control systems in your home by serial communication I2C/UART. The device contains one RJ12 connection for stop/water valve on 12V, which can stop the main water supply if a flood or leak is detected (system management will send a message in the application, that this occurred).

5.2. Schematic diagram

5.3. Cost estimate

6.4. Visualization

6. OPTIONAL - MAIN STATION WITH 230V AC SUPPLY

6.1. Description

A Main Station supplied by AC can be connected everywhere in the home, anywhere we have power sockets. This device has an additional power socket designed for direct connection to another appliance, e.g. boiler, though this device. This might automatically shut down heating water when pre-set threat/risk is detected.

The device contains:

• 1 sensor connection
• 1 stop valve connection
• Switch on/off

The station can work alone in a Wi-Fi network or co-operate with different systems (e.g. flood sensor). System management is through the installed Android application on a smartphone via Wi-Fi Network.

You are able to add extra elements such as water/stop valve, smoke/gas sensor etc. Communication between devices is by Wi-Fi Network.

The main board of the device is Wio Link Wi-Fi, which contains:

• Microcontroller ESP8266 IoT
• 6 connection GROVE
• Connection for battery with built-in charging settings
• USB connection for program upload/upgrade/battery charging
• Built-in Wi-Fi module
• 3 ports I/O
• 1 port UART
• 1 port I2C
• 1 analogue plug in
• Readiness for IoT

The device contains a power supply unit 230V/5VDC with 5VDC voltage converter to the 12V, which controls the water/stop valve. To open/close water valve there is a module with a transmitter. Elements of the device were picked because they are easily accessible and interchangeable. This device does not contain a battery, so there is no charger needed/supplied.

You are able to connect wired sensors by included 2 connections RJ11, such as flood sensor, temperature sensor, gas sensor, smoke sensor, CO2 sensor, etc. Furthermore, there is the possibility to connect other control systems in your home by serial communication I2C/UART. The device contains one RJ12 connection for stop/water valve on 12V, which, for example, can stop main water supply, if flood or leak is detected (system management will send a message in the smartphone app that this occurred).

6.2. Schematic diagram

6.3. Cost estimate

6.4. Visualization

TEAM

Beata Olszewska

Adam Olszewski

Wojciech Olszewski

If there is interest in co-operation to build and test these devices, we are open to giving technical support to assemble devices and user interface. Looking forward to your response.