Water Quality Detector
Project Type
Course Project
Project Overview
In a Sustainable Energy Engineering class, my team and I developed a water quality detector to assess the drinkability of remote water sources. This project involved a combination of design, programming, and hardware selection.
Lessons Learned
Iterative Design:
This project reinforced the importance of iterative design. The initial concept evolved significantly as we tested and refined the enclosure and internal structure.
Integration of Components:
Learned to seamlessly integrate various components, ensuring they work together efficiently. This included the precise alignment of sensors and wiring within the compact enclosure.
Practical Problem-Solving:
Faced and overcame challenges related to fitting all necessary components into a small, portable device without compromising functionality or durability.
Device Functionality
The detector works by filling a removable cup with a water sample. Once the cup is slid back into place, the sensor array analyzes the water, and the device displays the relevant information on the screen. This setup ensures the device is easy to use and effective in providing critical water quality data.
Project Contributions
Enclosure Design:
I designed and 3D printed the enclosure, creating both the exterior and the internal structure. The internal structure included guides and mounting points for the display, battery, Arduino, sensor array, and wiring.
Arduino Programming:
Assisted in programming the Arduino to process sensor data and control the display.
Hardware and Sensor Selection:
Contributed to selecting appropriate hardware and sensors for adequate water quality analysis.
