Saluki Engineering Company
Engineers for Tomorrow
F07-53-H2OQLCTL
Water Quality Controller
Proposal
By
Saluki Engineering Company Team 53
Adam Miller
Darin McCoy
Ean Seals
Mitchell Ward
November 14, 2007
November 14, 2007
Saluki Engineering Company
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
College of Engineering - Mailcode 6603
Carbondale, IL 62901-6603
miller.siu@gmail.com
Dr. N. Botros
Engineering Innovations, Inc.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901-6603
(618) 453-7028
Dear Dr. N. Botros,
On September 18th, 2007 we received your request for a proposal for the design of a water
quality controller. We would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to bid on this
project.
Lately there has been a national need to monitor natural resources, specifically water quality, for
the purpose of early warning of rapid environmental changes due to either natural or man-made
threats. Through the use of remote sensing and wireless communications, natural resources can
be effectively monitored to aid in the protection of vital infrastructure.
The design described in the proposal is of a water quality control system developed to
automatically sense and correct various factors of water quality. The project involves using a
microcontroller to receive water quality information for a body of water using sensors and
communicate via the Internet to a personal computer. The different parameters we plan to
measure include pH, temperature, pressure, and chlorine and the parameters to be corrected are
pH and chlorine.
Thank you again for the opportunity to bid on this project. If you have any questions please feel
free to contact us. We are looking forward to working with your organization.
Sincerely,
Adam Miller
Project Manager, Water Quality Controller
Saluki Engineering Company
2
Executive Summary
The monitoring of water supplies is vital to the health and safety of a population. If a water
supply is not monitored, the population’s safety can be at risk due to inadequate water treatment.
With a water quality controller, changes can be immediately detected and, if possible, corrected
back to proper levels. Since water quality is a worldwide concern, a general purpose water
quality controller could be used in thousands of different places and applications.
This paper is a proposal for a water quality controller. The controller will take sensor readings of
water temperature, pressure, pH, and chlorine. A microprocessor will input these readings and
calculate whether corrective action is needed. If correction is needed, the microprocessor will
activate pinch valves that will dispense the calculated dosage of correction chemical. The
readings and amount of corrections done will then be recorded, with periodic results being sent
via email to a remote computer. The system will also be set up to email an alert message via the
XPort if there is a sudden change in one of the parameters, alerting the remote user to potential
problems immediately.
The projected cost for the design and testing of this water quality controller is $565.
3
Non-Disclosure Statement
RESTRICTION ON INFORMATION OF DISCLOSURE
The information provided in or for this proposal is the confidential, proprietary property of the
Saluki Engineering Company of Carbondale, Illinois, USA. Such information may be used solely
by the party to whom this proposal has been submitted by Saluki Engineering Company and
solely for the purpose of evaluating this proposal. The submittal of this proposal confers no right
in, or license to use, or right to disclose to others for any purpose, the subject matter, or such
information and data, nor confers the right to reproduce, or offer such information for sale. All
drawings, specifications, and other writings supplied with this proposal are to be returned to
Saluki Engineering Company promptly upon request. The use of this information, other than for
the purpose of evaluating this proposal, is subject to the terms of an agreement under which
services are to be performed pursuant to this proposal.
Validity Statement
This proposal is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of the proposal. After this time,
Saluki Engineering Company reserves the right to review it and determine if any modification is
needed.
4
Table of Contents
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. 6
List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction (MW) .......................................................................................................................... 7
Literature Review............................................................................................................................ 8
Introduction (ES) ........................................................................................................................ 8
Microprocessor (DM) ................................................................................................................. 8
Xport Direct ™ (DM) ................................................................................................................. 9
Solenoid (ES) ............................................................................................................................ 10
Thermistor (MW) ...................................................................................................................... 10
pH Electrodes (ES) ................................................................................................................... 11
Water Treatment (MW) ............................................................................................................ 12
CHEMTROL-PC7000 (AM) .................................................................................................... 13
SCADA Systems (DM) ………………………………………………………………………13
Works Cited (AM) .................................................................................................................... 15
Basis of Design (DM) ................................................................................................................... 17
Project Description (MW)............................................................................................................. 17
Subsystems .................................................................................................................................... 18
Testing Rig (AM) ...................................................................................................................... 18
Power Distribution Subsystem (AM)........................................................................................ 19
Sensor Subsystem (MW) .......................................................................................................... 19
Correction Subsystem (ES) ....................................................................................................... 21
Xport Subsystem (DM) ............................................................................................................ 22
Microprocessor Subsystem (MW) ............................................................................................ 23
Organizational Chart (ES) ............................................................................................................ 25
RASI Chart (ES) .......................................................................................................................... 25
Action Item List (MW) ................................................................................................................ 26
Team Timeline (DM) ................................................................................................................... 27
Resources Needed (ES)................................................................................................................. 28
Appendix A: Resumes (MW) ...................................................................................................... 29
5
List of Figures
Figure 1 Block Diagram for Xport System ......…………………………………………………...9
Figure 2 Solenoid Operation …………………………………………………………………….10
Figure 3 Wheatstone Bridge.…………………………………………………………………….10
Figure 4 pH Electrode Circuit...………………………………………………………………….11
Figure 5 E Coli Culture.………………………………………………………………………….12
Figure 6 CHEMTROL-PC7000 Water Quality Controller…...………………………………….13
Figure 7 Block Diagram of Water Quality Controller…..……………………………………….17
Figure 8 Circulation Pump……………………………………………………………………….18
Figure 9 pH Electrode……...…………………………………………………………………….20
Figure 10 Xport Direct Device...…………………………………………………………….......22
Figure 11 PSoC Diagram…………………………………………………………………...........23
Figure 12 Organizational Chart..………………………………………………………………...25
List of Tables
Table 1 Necessary Chlorine Residual..…………………………………………………………..12
Table 2 RASI Chart.……………………………………………………………………………..25
Table 3 Action Item List…..…………………………………………………..………………....26
Table 4 Schedule for Water Quality Controller (Team 53)…….……………..………………....27
Table 5 Resources Needed...…………………………………………………..………………....28
6
Introduction
In recent years, growing concern over the quality of our environment has prompted a need to
develop new technologies for the purpose of monitoring environmental changes. Whether the
types of changes are natural or man made, long term or rapid, keeping a close watch is believed
to benefit the public and private sectors.
The focus of this project is directed towards intelligent water quality control. This controller will
be responsible for sensing chlorine, pH, temperature, and pressure, and for keeping the levels of
chlorine and pH at the desired parameters. For example, assume an individual has a private water
supply that is to be used for their home. Bacteria in the water can be harmful to humans; thus
keeping a safe level of chlorine in the water will help prevent sickness. Maintaining pH at the
correct level will also prevent corrosion and buildup from occurring within pipes. By using
pressure, we will also be able to determine the total depth of the water and by using this; the
volume of the water can be calculated and used for determining corrective action needed. During
cold weather, monitoring the temperature of the water can aid in preventing pipes from bursting.
Automatic notification of problems with the water system can help to reduce major maintenance
issues.
The design described in the proposal is of a water quality controller developed to automatically
sense and correct various factors of water quality. The project involves using a microcontroller to
receive water quality information about a body of water using sensors. The system will then use
chemicals to automatically adjust the water to the correct levels and communicate sensor and
correction data via email to a personal computer. The different parameters we plan to measure
include pH, temperature, pressure, and chlorine and the parameters to be corrected are pH and
chlorine.
A test-bench will be constructed to develop procedures, device integration, and system
parameters. By testing the system, we will be able to develop intelligent correction. The testing
will also allow work to be done on increasing the scale of the project and for implementing the
system on a much larger water supply.
7
Literature Review
Introduction
This literature review covers the background information used to design the water quality
controller. This information will help the reader understand the key components of the controller.
Topics to be covered include microprocessors, Xport devices, solenoids, thermistors, pH and
chlorine electrodes, how chlorine is used in water treatment, a similar water controller device,
and SCADA systems, which is a type of system that our device falls within.
Microprocessor
A microprocessor is a complete computer fabricated on a single chip. The invention of
the microprocessor was a major step in computer design. Before this, many different components
had to be wired together to form the entire computer. Using this single chip architecture,
developers were able to reduce both the cost and complexity of the system [1].
Microprocessors are measured on several different criteria. They are measured on the
amount of transistors they have, the micron width of the smallest wire on the chip, the clock
speed, the width of the microprocessors ALU, and the amount of instructions that it can perform
in one second. One of the most crucial ratings of a microprocessor is how many instructions it
can perform in one second. Obviously, it is better to have a microprocessor that can perform
many instructions per second; however, some applications may not require that much demand on
the chip [2].
The main components of a microprocessor include registers, the address bus, the data
bus, read and write control signals, a clock input, a reset input, and the ALU (Arithmetic Logic
Unit). The ALU is the part of the microprocessor that performs the mathematical operations on
the rest of the chip. If a chip has a very large and powerful ALU, it will reduce the number of
instructions needed to run complex codes; thus, the chip will operate “faster” and more
efficiently [3].
To get a microprocessor to work for a particular application, however, requires a couple
of other key components. First, a memory system is needed that is large enough for the
application. This memory system may be constrained by size of the processor that is chosen. If
the processor that is being used only has 8 bits (thus, 8 address line bits) available, the maximum
amount of RAM or ROM memory that can be accessed would be 28 or 256 Bytes. Second, for
the system to be usable, it must have some form of input/output system. This system would allow
for control from the outside world into the realm of the microprocessor. Finally, the system
would have to be wired with all the control signals in the right place for the application.
8
Xport Direct ™
The technological invention of the Ethernet network has been around for years; however,
devices that can connect to an Ethernet network have usually been limited to computers, printers,
or other large commercial electronic components. As time has progressed, custom engineering
solutions have emerged on ways to connect ordinary electric devices (such as building lighting,
energy readings, or metering applications) to an Ethernet network. Xport Direct™ is a chip level
solution to the problem of connecting an ordinary device (such as a toaster, stove, or stereo) to an
Ethernet network [4].
Xport Direct ™ is a computer chip equipped with a microprocessor, an Ethernet jack, and
the capability of network enabling a device to the internet. Figure 1 shows the block diagram as
well as the pin numbers for the major signals
of the Xport system.
Central to the Xport system is the
Lantronix ® custom made DSTNi
microprocessor. This communicates from
within the Xport chip to the rest of the
output of the system. The printed circuit
board conditions the output of the
microprocessor to a format usable by the
rest of the circuit. The main output,
described as “Data Out” on Figure 1, is an
asynchronous serial UART output type.
Communication from the output of
this pin can be connected to another device
that accepts UART such as another
microprocessor, ASIC, or FPGA. XPort
allows configurations using any of the
following:

7 or 8 stop bits

Odd, Even, or No parity bits

1 or 2 stop bits

RS-232C or RS-485 communication [4]
Figure 1 – Block Diagram for Xport System1
The XPort system runs on a 16-bit, x86 architecture microprocessor that uses a 48MHz
clock. It has 256KB of SRAM and 128KB flash memory. It has two GPIO (general purpose
input output) pins, an external reset (Reset#), and several communication pins (CTS, DTR,
RTS). [5]
1
Figure 1 - Referenced from http://www.lantronix.com/pdf/Xport-Direct_IG.pdf Retrieved October 24, 2007
9
Solenoid
A solenoid is a mechanical device capable of linear
motion. There are three main types of solenoids:
hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical.
These solenoids all operate on the same basic
principal; when supplied with electrical energy, the
solenoid will produce a mechanical force [6].
The basic operation of a solenoid is similar
to that of an electromagnet. As seen in Figure 2, the
basic construction of a solenoid consists of a wire
coil wound around a movable slug of steel or iron.
When the coil is energized, it repels or attracts the
slug, causing it to move [6]. Most linear solenoids
are pull type solenoids, in that when the magnetic
field is induced it causes the slug to move into the
coil. Solenoids can also be built with a hole on the
inner side of the coil, allowing the slug to produce a
pushing motion in that direction. When the coil is
not energized, the energy required to return the slug
to its normal position comes from either the load the
solenoid is pushing against or from an internal spring [7].
Figure 2 – Solenoid Operation2
Thermistor
A thermistor is simply a resistor whose resistance
changes with temperature change. Thermistors are used in
virtually any application where a temperature reading is
needed; including water temperature readings, disposable
medical thermometers, and in electronic devices for
temperature compensation. Thermistors are often used
because they can accurately measure very small
temperature changes, have a very low excitation power
requirement, and are very reliable in terms of resistance
output and longevity [8].
Figure 3 – Wheatstone Bridge3
There are two types of thermistors that are produced: a negative temperature coefficient
(NTC) thermistor and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor. An NTC thermistor
will decrease in resistance as temperature increases, while a PTC will increase in resistance as
temperature increases [9]. NTC thermistors are created by mixing powders of metal oxides
together and firing them at temperatures of around 1000° C to harden them. Various metal
oxides used include manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel [8]. PTC thermistors are made of doped
polycrystalline ceramic on the basis of barium titanate [10].
2
Figure 2 - Referenced from http://www.societyofrobots.com/actuators_solenoids.shtml Retrieved November 11, 2007
Figure 3 - Referenced from http://www.omega.com/toc_asp/frameset.html?book=Temperature&file=THERMISTOR_APP_REF Retrieved
Oct. 25 2007
3
10
Although thermistors can be used in many types of circuits, one of the most common
ways of measuring temperature is to put a thermistor as one leg of a Wheatstone bridge circuit
and three equal and known resistances as the other three legs as seen in Figure 3 [11]. The
circuit works by applying a known voltage across the bridge and then measuring the voltage
across the middle of the bridge as seen in Figure 3. The measured voltage will then change
based on the resistance of the thermistor. This measure voltage can then be compared to a table
or entered into an equation to determine what the temperature is.
pH Electrodes
A pH electrode is a device that produces a voltage proportional to the pH of the solution
it is located in. In order to understand how this voltage is created, one must first understand the
pH scale and how it is determined. The pH of solutions normally lies between 0 and 14 pH with
7 being neutral; however, higher positive values and negative values are possible. All water
solutions contain both H+ and OH- ions, with their proportion in the solution determining the pH
value. If the values of both ions are equal, the solution is neutral and is given a pH value of 7. If
the solution contains more H+ ions than OH- ions, the solution is acidic and has a pH value lower
than 7. When the solution contains more OH- than H+ ions, the solution is basic and has a pH
value higher than 7 [12]. The equation that determines the actual value of the pH is pH = log10([H+]) [13].
Most pH electrodes are glass
electrodes that feature thick glass side walls
and end with a thin glass bubble. The glass
used in the measuring electrode is normally
composed of alkali metal ions. The ions of
the glass react with the H+ ions of the solution
and create a potential difference. The
electrode also contains a reference electrode
which reacts with a reference solution to
generate a constant voltage. These
combination electrodes output a varying
voltage from the measuring electrode and a
constant voltage from the reference electrode.
The output has a very high impedance which prevents
Figure 4 - pH Electrode Circuit4
connecting the electrode directly to a voltage meter [14].
The voltage generated by the pH electrode ranges from -420 to 420 mV with a voltage of
0 being generated at 7 pH. The voltage change is approximately 60 mV per pH and
increases/decreases linearly. For example, a pH of 4 would generate 180 mV. Buffer solutions
with known pH values are used to calibrate the electrode and ensure that the electrode is reading
solutions at the correct pH.
Reading the voltages from the pH electrode requires the circuit shown in Figure 4. The
op-amp shown in the circuit must be able to input a voltage coming from a high impedance
source [15]. The reason for this is that the pH electrode will have an impedance in the range of
50 to 500 MΩ [16].
4
Figure 4 - Referenced from http://www.66pacific.com/ph/simplest_ph.aspx Retrieved October 25, 2007
11
Water Treatment
In water treatment, a major concern is the level
of bacteria in the water. Bacteria, such as E coli seen in
Figure 5, can result in diseases such as typhoid,
dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, and giardiasis. In order to
make the water safe for human consumption, the
harmful bacteria in the water must be killed. There are
several treatment methods available to accomplish this:
boiling water, chlorine treatment, treatment with iodine,
and ultraviolet light. Although all of these methods
have advantages and disadvantages, the most
commonly used and reliable way to do the
Figure 5 – E Coli Culture5
treatment is by adding chlorine [17].
Chlorine has been used for water treatment since 1908 due to its many advantages over
other treatment methods. Chlorine works great as a bacterial disinfectant, but it also treats other
water problems such as iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide by binding with them. In
addition to being readily available, chlorine is reasonably priced and is capable of treating large
volumes of water. Perhaps the greatest advantage of chlorine treatment is that it leaves residual
chlorine in the water. Residual chlorine in the water will treat bacteria and other contaminants
that might get into the water supply after initial chlorine treatment [17].
Although chlorine is very effective in deactivating bacteria and other contaminants,
treatment is not instant and depends on several factors; these relationships can be seen in Table 1
[17].
Table 1. Necessary chlorine residual to disinfect water for
various contact times, water temperatures and pH6
Water Temp. 50 degrees F
Contact time
(minutes)
40
30
20
10
5
2
1
5
6
Necessary chlorine residual (mg/l)
pH 7
pH 7.5
pH 8
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.6
0.8
0.8
1.2
1.6
1.6
2.4
3.2
4
6
8
8
12
16
Figure 5 - Referenced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:EscherichiaColi_NIAID.jpg Retrieved November 11, 2007
Table 1 - Referenced from http://ohioline.osu.edu/b795/b795_7.html Retrieved November 11, 2007
12
Water Temp. 32 – 40 degrees F
Necessary chlorine residual (mg/l)
pH 7
pH 7.5
pH 8
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.4
0.6
0.8
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.2
1.8
2.4
2.4
3.6
4.8
6
9
12
12
18
24
Contact time
(minutes)
40
30
20
10
5
2
1




As the concentration of the chlorine increases, the required contact time to disinfect
decreases.
Chlorination is more effective as water temperature increases.
Chlorination is less effective as the water's pH increases (becomes more alkaline).
Chlorination is less effective in cloudy (turbid) water
After the initial chlorine treatment, residual chlorine still remains. If this residual level is too
high for human consumption ( > 4mg/L), additional treatment is needed to remove chlorine to a
safe level.
Chlorine levels in water can be detected by the use of a chlorine electrode. The electrode
works by producing an electric potential when the sensor comes in contact with chlorine in the
water, with great potential being produced at higher chlorine concentrations. This electric
potential can then be measured and the total chlorine level can be determined [18].
CHEMTROL-PC7000
The CHEMTROL-PC7000 is a microprocessor-based programmable controller for
automated control of water chemistry and filtration, with a solid state sensor for free chlorine and
duplex operation by remote computer. It is an ideally suited control system for automated water
treatment in swimming pools, spas, cooling towers, and industrial water treatment.
Figure 6 – CHEMTROL-PC7000 Water Quality Controller7
7
Figure 6 - Referenced from http://www.sbcontrol.com/pc7000.htm Retrieved November 11, 2007
13
The CHEMTROL-PC7000 is a controller that incorporates automated control of water
chemistry and filtration in a single unit with choice of backwash programs for single or multiple
filters. The menus are displayed in either US or metric units. Each unit is supplied with an
operation manual, onsite startup, and training. As shown in Figure 6, this device provides:














PPM (Parts Per Million) Control
ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) Control
pH Control
Heater Control
Main Pump Control with Flow Rate
Influent/Effluent Pressure
Automated Backwash
Langelier Saturation Index (water chemistry / corrosion and scale-formation)
Automatic Data Logging
Conductivity Control
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) monitoring
Water Level Control
Remote Computer Operation and Graphic Data Display
Voice Telephone status reports, remote control, and alarm callouts [19]
SCADA Systems
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (or SCADA) are currently being used
to monitor a variety of environmental and industrial systems. These include factories,
manufacturing systems, power systems, water systems, or other biological systems [20].
SCADA systems are being considered by the government to help establish a national cyberspace
response system. This system would be able to rapidly identify and respond to cyber incidents
and help control the damage done by these attacks [21].
A SCADA system has many components to accomplish its purpose of remotely
monitoring and collecting data about its environment. It usually includes signal hardware,
controllers, networks, a user interface (or HMI), communications equipment, and software.
Together, these subsystems can monitor an entire system in real time. This is accomplished
through reading meters, sensors, and other data elements and communicating them to the human
interface.
The Human Machine Interface (or HMI) is the part of the SCADA system where the data
is processed and presented to a human operator. The HMI compiles the information from RTU
(Remote Terminal Units) and PLC (Programmable Logic Chip) and displays this information to
the user. In summary, this system is used to remotely monitor a variety of different systems [20].
14
Works Cited
[1] “How Microprocessors Work,” http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm
Accessed October 28th, 2007
[2] “Microprocessor Progression: Intel,”
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor1.htm Accessed October 28th, 2007
[3] “Microprocessor Logic,” http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor2.htm Accessed
October 28th, 2007
[4] “XPort Direct,” http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/embedded-deviceservers/xport-direct.html Accessed October 24th, 2007
[5] “XPort Direct Product Brief,” http://www.lantronix.com/pdf/XPort-Direct_PB.pdf Accessed
October 24th, 2007
[6] “ACTUATORS – SOLENOIDS,” http://www.societyofrobots.com/actuators_solenoids.shtml
Accessed October 27th, 2007
[7] “Solenoid Theory 101,” http://www.jewellinstruments.com/soltheory101.htm Accessed
October 27th, 2007
[8] J. M. Zurbuchen, “Precision Thermistor Thermometry,” http://www.measspec.com/myMeas/MEAS_download/ApplicationNotes/Temperature/MEAS%20TPG%20T
D002_Thermometry%20-%20.pdf Accessed Oct. 29, 2007.
[9] “U.S. Sensor: What is a Thermistor?,” http://www.ussensor.com/pdfs /technical_data.pdf
Accessed Oct. 29, 2007
[10] “The PTC-Working-Principle,” http://www.ptc-ceramics.com/principal_frame.htm
Accessed Oct. 29, 2007
[11] “OMEGA® Interchangeable Thermistor Applications,” http://www.omega.com
/toc_asp/frameset.html?book=Temperature&file=THERMISTOR_APP_REF Accessed
October 25, 2007
[12] “pH scale,” http://www.ph-meter.info/pH-scale Accessed October 25, 2007
[13] “pH definition,” http://www.ph-meter.info/pH-definition Accessed October 25, 2007
[14] “OMEGA ENGINEERING – Electrode Basics,” http://www.omega.com/techref/ph3.html Accessed October 25, 2007
[15] “The Simplest Possible pH Meter,” http://www.66pacific.com/ph/simplest_ph.aspx
15
Accessed October 25, 2007
[16] “Glass Electrode,” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH_glass_electrode Accessed October 25,
2007
[17] “Bacteria in Drinking Water,” http://ohioline.osu.edu/b795/index.html Accessed November
11, 2007
[18] “Orion Residual Chlorine Electrode,” http://www.orionelectrochimie.com/orion%AE/ged/fiches+techniques/9770sc-or.pdf Accessed November 11,
2007
[19] “CHEMTROL -PC7000 Integrated Controller,” http://www.sbcontrol.com/pc7000.htm
Accessed November 11, 2007
[20] “What is SCADA,” http://www.tech-faq.com/scada.shtml Accessed November 19, 2007
[21] Scada Systems and the Terrorist Threat: Protecting the Nation’s Critical Control Systems,
Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2007
16
Basis of Design
The following documents provide the basis of design for Water Quality Controller of Team #53
of the Saluki Engineering Company
• Request for Proposal (RFP) September 18, 2007
• RFP Attachment 1: Project Definition September 18, 2007
• RFP Attachment 2: Design Report Deliverables Checklist September 18, 2007
• Team #53 Proposal November 14, 2007
The documents above are listed in order of precedence. In the event of conflicting statements in
design, the proposal will be the ultimate authority.
Project Description
Power System
Sensors
Electrical Signal
Microcontroller
Electrical Signal
Biological Signal
Chemicals
Environment
Correction
Electrical Signal
XPort
Figure 7 – Block Diagram of Water Quality Controller
A water quality controller is a device that will actively monitor a water supply to detect
and respond to rapid environmental changes. This water quality controller will monitor the key
water parameters of pH, chlorine, temperature, and pressure. Figure 7 shows the subsystems
required to create this controller. These subsystems include the power distribution subsystem,
sensor subsystem, correction subsystem, Xport communication subsystem, and the
microcontroller subsystem.
17
The power distribution subsystem will provide power to the individual subsystems of the
device from a power supply. The power supply will convert AC voltage from the power grid
into the DC voltages required by the various subsystems. These subsystem voltages range from
5V DC to 12V DC.
The sensor subsystem will monitor the quality of the water using various parameters.
Chlorine and pH electrode sensors will be used to monitor the chemical makeup of the water. A
thermistor will be used to monitor the temperature of the water. This calculation will be used as
both a parameter of the water quality and in calculation of the pH and chlorine measurements.
The pressure sensor will be used to calculate the amount of water in the reservoir. The volume
of water calculated by the pressure sensor will then be used to determine the amount of
chemicals needed for correction.
The correction subsystem will use the data provided by the sensors to intelligently adjust
the pH and chlorine levels to preset values. In order to quickly and evenly distribute the
corrective chemicals, the test system will include a pump to circulate water. Correction will be
accomplished using gravity fed lines passing through normally closed solenoid pinch valves.
The chemical will be dispensed when the controller triggers the valve to open.
The Xport subsystem will allow communication between the water controller and a
remote computer. Water quality parameter measurements and corrective actions taken will be
sent from the microcontroller to the Xport. The Xport system will then send these results via
TCP/IP protocols to a pre-specified email address at predetermined time intervals.
The microcontroller subsystem coordinates the actions of the other subsystems. The
microcontroller will use the sensor data and the preset parameter levels to determine if corrective
action is needed. If corrective action is needed, the microcontroller will send a signal to the
appropriate pinch valve to dispense the amount of chemical needed for correction. The
microcontroller will also store sensor data and corrective actions taken, and will output this
information via the Xport to a remote personal computer periodically.
Subsystems
Testing Rig
Since it is not feasible to go and test our water controller on a
large water supply, we have elected to construct a small scale model
with which we can easily control the water parameters we want to
test. Our model will consist of a 10 gallon tank to hold the water, a
pump for water circulation, and stand to support the sensors,
correction valves, and chemicals. For a pump we intend to use a 10
gallon aquarium filter (as shown in Figure 8). We will use the filter
without the filter media so that it will serve only as a pump. The
stand will support the correction chemicals above the pinch valves so
that gravity can be used to introduce our chemicals into the water.
The stand will also serve to hold the sensors at the appropriate level
in the water.
8
Figure 8 – Circulation Pump8
Figure 8 - Referenced from http://www.petsandponds.com/c6270p16348414.2html Retrieved November 7, 2007
18
Design Activity List

Design/Build sensor and correction chemicals support structure

Setup water tank for testing

Assemble controller circuit box

Install sensors

Install correction subsystem

Install power subsystem

Create different water quality test cases

Test system and record data

Determine feasibility for larger bodies of water
Power Distribution Subsystem
The power distribution subsystem will consist of a power supply that will plug into the
power grid and convert 120V AC into the needed DC voltages. The power supply will provide
+12V and -12V to operate our amplification and conditioning circuits. The +12V will also be
used to power the solenoid pinch valves. The microprocessor circuit and Xport will be powered
by +5V provided by the power supply. The +5V will also be used to operate the thermistor and
pressure sensors.
Design Activity List

Construct circuits to supply necessary voltage levels from power supply

Provide power to every subsystem
Deliverables List

Power schematic for system

120 AC to DC power supply and conditioning circuits

Documentation of design process
Sensor Subsystem
The sensor subsystem will consist of two electrodes, a passive sensor, and an active
sensor. The two electrodes are the pH electrode and the chlorine electrode. Temperature will be
measured through a passive thermistor sensor and pressure will be determined using an active
pressure sensor. The primary purpose of this subsystem is data acquisition, which will be used
as the basis for all corrective actions.
19
The pH electrode, shown in Figure 9, generates a voltage based on the H+ ions in the
water. This voltage will be amplified and conditioned by a high impedance input op-amp. The
voltage will then be run into an analog to digital converter on the microprocessor. The
microcontroller will then use the digital signal for pH correction and data analysis.
Figure 9 – pH Electrode9
The chlorine electrode also generates a voltage in the range of -100 mV to 100 mV based
on the amount of chlorine in the water. This voltage will be handled in a similar fashion as the
pH electrode voltage. The microcontroller will use the chlorine data to detect the amount of
chlorine in the water and to initiate corrective actions.
The pressure sensor will be used to calculate the depth of the water. The pressure sensor
will be located at the bottom center of the tank. This allows for the most accurate reading of
total water pressure at the bottom of the tank (which can be used to calculate the depth of the
liquid in the tank). The formula for calculating pressure (in kPA) of the sensor is (Vsignal / Vs +
.0638) / 0.005413 (Vs = 5.00V). The output of the pressure sensor is dependent on the input
voltage (Vs).
The temperature will be calculated using a thermistor. The thermistor is a device that
changes in resistance with temperature. Our thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient
(NTC) thermistor, which means the resistance will increase as the temperature decreases, and
vice-versa. We will use the thermistor in a Wheatstone bridge application as shown in Figure 9.
By placing the thermistor in any one of the four locations on the bridge and placing three
identical resistors on the remaining three locations, we can measure the voltage difference across
points B and D to determine the temperature.
Design Activities List

Test operation of all sensors

Build signal conditioning circuits

Determine optimal sensor location

Create graphs/lookup tables of sensor results

Determine optimal ranges for sensors
Deliverables List

pH electrode and conditioning circuit

Chlorine electrode and conditioning circuit
9
Figure 9 - Referenced from http://electrodesdirect.com/section_id/2/category_id/193/product_id/162 Retrieved November 7,
2007
20

Thermistor and conditioning circuit

Pressure sensors and conditioning circuit

Sensor care/maintenance sheets

Documentation of design process
Correction Subsystem
The correction subsystem will be responsible for maintaining the water pH and chlorine
parameters at predetermined levels. The correction subsystem will consist of containers filled
with all required corrective chemicals, solenoid pinch valves, and tubing running from the
containers through the valve into the water.
The solenoid valves will be normally closed, thus pinching the tubing and preventing
flow of chemicals. When the microcontroller determines that correction is needed based on the
sensor data, it will send a signal to open the appropriate solenoid pinch valve and release the
chemical needed for correction. The amount of chemical dispensed will be determined by an
algorithm programmed into the microcontroller. Tubing will dispense chemicals near the
circulation pump in order to allow for rapid and even distribution.
Correction of chlorine and pH will be done with three solutions. Since high
concentrations of chlorine do not naturally occur in water, and there is no need to remove
chlorine unless it is over treated, our system will only add chlorine to keep the water at adequate
and safe concentrations. Chlorine will be added by using a diluted bleach solution (as suggested
by the American Red Cross for simple water treatment). Our pH correction chemicals will allow
us to both raise and lower any pH level. The chemical we will use to lower pH, thus making the
water more acidic, will be hydrochloric acid (HCl). We will raise pH by using caustic soda,
more specifically lye (NaOH), thus making the water more basic.
Design Activities List

Create chemical solutions

Determine correct correction dosages

Create correction lookup tables

Determine flow calculations

Determine timing calculations for pinch valves

Determine safe disposal of chemicals
Deliverables List

Chemical solutions
21

Solution containers and tubing

Solenoid pinch valves

Chemical mixing directions

Document of safe chemical handling and disposal

Documentation of design process
Xport Subsystem
The Xport Direct™, seen in Figure 10, will be used to
email the results of the results of the sensing and correction
systems. The microprocessor will send the sensor information
(ph, pressure, temperature, and chlorine) along with the
amounts (if any) of corrective fluid that has been added in the
past time period. It will communicate this information by
sending an email to a predetermined email address through an
10
Ethernet network.
Figure 10 – Xport Direct Device
The data contained within the email will allow the user to know how the system is
operating. It will communicate every 24 hours, providing the sensor readings and corrective
measures that have been taken. With this information, the user will be able to monitor both the
short and long term health of the water supply. There will also be email alerts allowing the user
to know when dangerous spikes in the monitored parameters occur or when the system is
running low on corrective chemicals.
Design Activities List

Design interface with PSoC

Determine TCP/IP emailing protocols

Determine email content and frequency

Create parameters for email alerts
Deliverables List

Xport device

Programming code
Figure 10 – Referenced from http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/embedded-device-servers/xport-direct.html
Retrieved November 7, 2007
10
22

Email format and configuration

Documentation of design process
Microprocessor Subsystem
The device used to control our sensor network and
to calculate and control correction will be implemented
by using a Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC).
Specifically, we will be using the CY8C29466 made by
the Cypress Semiconductor Corporation due to its
capabilities and availability. The PSoC consists of four
main functional blocks; the PSoC core, the digital
systems, the analog system, and the system resources, all
of which can be seen in Figure 11.
The PSoC core is built with a CPU, memory,
clocks, and general purpose inputs and outputs. The CPU
is a 24 MHz processor utilizing an 8-bit Harvard
architecture. The memory consists of 32 KB of flash
memory for program storage and 2 KB of SRAM for data
storage. Clocks on the system include a 24 MHz internal
main oscillator which can be doubled to 48 MHz for use
in the digital system, and a low power 32 kHz internal
low speed oscillator for use as a sleep timer. Finally, the
general purpose inputs and outputs allow for
communication with the CPU, digital system, and analog system of the PSoC.
Figure 11 – PSoC Diagram
11
The digital system is constructed of 16 8-bit blocks that can be used either individually or
in combination with other blocks to form larger (up to 32-bit) peripherals. Peripheral
configurations available include pulse width modulators, counters, timers, and digital filters.
The analog system consists of 12 configurable blocks, each containing an op-amp circuit.
These blocks are configurable for analog functions such as analog-to-digital conversion,
amplifiers, and high current output drivers.
The system resources of the PSoC give the controller additional capabilities. These
capabilities include digital clock dividers, an internal 1.3 V reference, and a power on reset
circuit.
For our system, the inputs into the controller will be pH, chlorine, pressure, and
temperature sensors. From the sensor readings, an algorithm will determine if any correction is
needed and, if so, how much chemical needs to be dispensed. Correction will only be done after
several consistent readings have been taken, preventing corrective actions from being taken due
to erroneous readings. Corrective action will be done by activating a pinch valve on the
appropriate corrective chemical for the calculated length of time, allowing it to dispense the
amount of chemical needed. The data gathered by the sensors will be stored in the PSoC
Figure 11 –Referenced from http://download.cypress.com.edgesuite.net/design_resources/datasheets/contents/cy8c29466_8.pdf
Retrieved November 7, 2007
11
23
memory system, along with the records of correction. This data will then be sent to the Xport
subsystem for external communication.
Design Activities List

Create algorithm for measuring water volume

Create algorithms for pH and chlorine corrections

Construct controller housing

Develop code for correction using flow and response calculations

Develop code for Xport interface

Create sensor and correction taken data storage
Deliverables List

PSoC with programming encoded

Programming code

Controller housing

Documentation of design process
24
Organizational Chart
Dr. Botros
Technical Advisor
Adam Miller
Electrical Engineer
Project Manager
Microcontroller/Integration
Darin McCoy
Ean Seals
Mitchell Ward
Electrical Engineer
MatchPort
Electrical Engineer
Correction
Electrical Engineer
Sensors
Figure 12 – Organizational Chart
RASI Chart
Table 2 – RASI Chart
Responsibility
MatchPort System
Correction System
Sensor System
MicroController/Integration
Adam
Miller
I
S
S
R
Key
Responsibility
Approval
Support
Information
R
A
S
I
Darin
McCoy
R
I
I
S
Ean
Seals
S
R
I
S
Mitchell
Ward
S
I
R
S
Dr.
Botros
A
A
A
A
25
Action Item List
Table 3 – Action Item List
26
Team Timeline
27
Resources Needed
Table 5 – Resources Needed
28
Appendix A: Resumes
Mitchell Ward
Permanent Address:
RR 4 Box 128
Albion, IL 62806
618-445-3361
mward04@siu.edu
School Address:
219 Pierce, Thompson point
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-302-0030
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, May 2008
Plan to attend graduate school at SIUC Fall 2008 to obtain M.S in EE
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL Current GPA 4.0/4.0
Relevant Coursework
• Technical Writing • Mechatronics System Design • Power Systems Analysis
• Digital Circuit Design • Synthesis with Hardware Description Languages
• Electromechanical Energy Conversion • Mathematical Statistics in Engineering
EXPERIENCE:
Engineering Corporate Internship, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2007
 Performed Quality Assurance regression and bug testing on CAT Electronic
Technician software under Windows XP and Vista
 Updated over 50 regression tests to be clearer and easier to complete
 Began creation of an automated installation test of CAT Electronic Technician
Factory work, Champion Laboratories, Summer 2006
Volunteer computer work, Albion Public Library, 2003-Present
Edwards County Health Office, 2005
Custodial work, Edwards County Community Unit #1 School District
May-August 2003 and 2004
SKILLS:





Experienced with Windows 95, 98, XP, and Vista
Familiar with JAVA, C, VHDL, and Verilog programming languages
Troubleshooting and removal of spyware and virus computer infections
Familiar with Matlab, Microsoft Word and Excel
Co-Organized and hosted 1st Public LAN gaming party in Edwards County
HONORS / AWARDS:
 Member of IEEE, 2006-2007
 Member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, inducted Spring 2005
 Member of Active Community Team for Youth, a teen volunteer organization in
Edwards County, 2002 - 2004
29
Ean Seals
Permanent Address:
RR 1 Box 131A
Ellery, IL 62833
618-445-2725
eseals@siu.edu
School Address:
219 Pierce, Thompson Point
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-302-0087
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, May 2008
Plan to attend graduate school to obtain Masters in Electrical Engineering in Fall 2008
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Current GPA 3.781/4.0
Relevant Coursework
● Systems and Control ● Systems and Signals ● Mechatronics System Design
● Synthesis with Hardware Description Languages
● Electronics
●Introduction To Data Communication Networks
EXPERIENCE:
Engineering Corporate Internship, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2007
 Worked in Systems, Controls, and Components
 Project – designed a control system in Matlab using Simulink/Stateflow, tested the
system by interfacing with the device and using an xPC
Factory work, Champion Laboratories, Summer 2006
Harvesting and Maintaining of Produce, Seals Orchard, summer of 2003 – 2006
SKILLS:






Familiar with Matlab, Simulink, and Stateflow
Experienced with building and setting up computers for myself and for hire
Familiar with CAN
Experienced with Windows XP
Familiar with JAVA and C programming
Experience with troubleshooting both hardware and software computer problems
HONORS / AWARDS
 Member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, inducted Spring 2005
 Member of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University Honors Program,
joined Fall 2004
 Member of Active Community Team for Youth, a teen volunteer organization in
Edwards County, 2002 – 2004
 Member of IEEE, 2006
 Member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, 2006
 SIUC Presidential Scholarship award winner 2004
30
Darin McCoy
Permanent Address:
706 Westgate Road
Washington, IL
309-472-9249
mccoydj1@hotmail.com
School Address:
704 E Park Street APT A3
Carbondale, IL 62901
309-472-9249
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, May 2008
Plan to attend graduate school at Bradley University Fall 2008 to obtain MBA
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL Current GPA 4.0/4.0
EXPERIENCE:
Engineering Corporate Internship, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2007
 Worked on Object Detection systems
 Researched and formulated possible ECM cooling systems
 Conducted virtual harness audits
Engineering Corporate Internship, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2006
 Worked on creating bench setups for new backhoe loader applications
 Researched quality information
 Worked on a six sigma project to inventory materials for a move to North Carolina
Engineering Corporate Internship, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2005
 Created harness models in Pro/E
 Researched component health from a financial perspective
 Gained business interaction experience
Engineering Student Trainee, Caterpillar Inc., Summer 2005
 Created scripts to run Electronic Control Modules
 Researched component health from a financial perspective
 Gained business interaction experience
SKILLS:
 Excel (Arranged and taught a class on the subject)
 Matlab / Simulink
 C, C++, Flash, Java, Visual Basic, Visual Test, Matlab programming
ACTIVITES, HONORS, AND AWARDS
 2006-2007: InterVarsity Vice President
 2006-2007: Caterpillar Excellence Scholarship
 2006-2007: Omron Electric Scholarship
 2005-2006: InterVarsity Exec Member
 2004-2006: Dean’s Scholarship – Southern Illinois University Carbondale
 2004-2006: College Math Club President
 2004-2005: InterVarsity Leader
31
Adam J. Miller
Permanent Address:
9177 McLean Rd.
Minier, IL
309-392-2153
miller.siu@gmail.com
School Address:
713 W. College
Carbondale, IL 62901
309-838-5881
EDUCATION
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering May 2008; Current GPA 2.957/4.0
Minor in Mathematics
WORK EXPERIENCE
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois September 06-Present
Lab Instructor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, September 2006- Present
 Manage other teaching assistants and organize lab experiments
 Topics include Xilinx & MATLAB programming, circuit design principles, and lab safety
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois September 07-Present
Tutor & Supplemental Instructor, Engineering Department, September 2007- Present
 Tutor engineering students in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Electrical Engineering courses
 Supplemental Instructor for Math 150 (Calculus I)
Newell House Carbondale, Illinois
Waiter, May 2006 – September 2007
 Serve clientele and provide excellent customer service
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois
Student Mentor, College of Engineering, summers of 2006 & 2007
 Chosen by faculty and administration to serve as a positive role model for incoming freshmen and
transfer students during Engineering Success Week
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Engineering Courtyard Cleanup Project
Project Coordinator, 2006 – 2007
 Coordinate effort by Engineering Student Council to bring life back into the area surrounded by
the SIUC Engineering and Applied Sciences Building
 Handled funds, coordinated volunteers and design proposals
Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer, Fall 2005
 Helped with the construction of a local home
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Engineers Without Borders
 Fall 2007 Founding Father & President
Engineering Student Council
 2006-2007 President
 2005-2006 Representative
SIUC Hovercraft Build & Design Team
 (06-present) Vice-President, (05-06) Engineering Student Council Rep., (04-06) Treasurer
IEEE 2005-07 Member
Dean Kenneth E. Tempelmeyer Outstanding Student Leadership Award Committee
Dean’s List Summer 2006-Present
32