Overload Protector using Arduino

Overload Protector with Temperature & Oil Level Monitoring using Arduino

Introduction:

This project describes an overload protector circuit built with Arduino that controls four relays and monitors temperature and oil level. The system offers overload protection, temperature monitoring, and oil level sensing with SMS alerts for critical events.

Components:

• Microcontroller: Arduino Uno or compatible board
• Relays: 4 x SPDT relays (rated for your load current)
• Switches: 4 x Pushbuttons or toggle switches
• Current Sensor: Able to measure up to 1A (select based on total load)
• Temperature Sensor: (e.g., LM35)
• Ultrasonic Sensor: HC-SR04 or equivalent
• LCD Display: 16×2 character LCD
• GSM Modem: SIM900A or compatible module
• Power Supply: Regulated power supply for Arduino, relays, and sensors

Functionality:

1. Overload Protection:

   • A current sensor monitors the total load current through the relays.
   • The Arduino continuously reads the current sensor value.
   • If the current exceeds a predefined threshold (e.g., 700mA), the Arduino trips all relays, disconnecting the load.

2. Relay Control:

   • Four push buttons or toggle switches control individual relays.
   • Each switch press toggles the corresponding relay on/off, allowing users to control connected devices.

3. Temperature Monitoring:

   • A temperature sensor monitors the system’s temperature.
   • The Arduino reads the sensor value and displays it on the LCD.
   • If the temperature exceeds a set point (e.g., 60°C), the Arduino triggers an SMS alert to a predefined mobile number.

4. Oil Level Monitoring:

   • An ultrasonic sensor measures the oil level in a container.
   • The Arduino calculates the oil level based on the sensor’s reading.
   • The oil level is displayed on the LCD.
   • Low oil level conditions can be programmed to trigger SMS alerts.

5. SMS Alerts:

   • The Arduino communicates with the SIM900A GSM modem to send SMS messages.
   • SMS alerts are sent for overload events, high temperature, and potentially low oil level (depending on your programming).

6. LCD Display:

   • The 16×2 LCD displays the current status, including:
     • Relay status (On/Off) for each relay
     • Total load current
     • Temperature reading
     • Oil level reading

Software:

• The Arduino is programmed using the Arduino IDE.
• Libraries for the current sensor, LCD, GSM modem communication, and ultrasonic sensor (if applicable) are required.
• The code includes functions for reading sensors, controlling relays, sending SMS messages, and updating the LCD display.

Report Sections:

• Project Overview: Briefly describe the purpose and functionalities of the overload protector.
• Hardware Components: List and explain the functions of each hardware component.
• Software Development: Explain the programming language, libraries used, and the overall program flow, including relay control logic, sensor data reading, SMS sending functions, and LCD updates.
• Overload Protection: Describe the current sensing method, overload threshold, and relay tripping action.
• Temperature & Oil Level Monitoring: Explain sensor selection, data acquisition, and SMS alert triggers for critical conditions.
• SMS Communication: Explain the GSM modem setup and SMS sending process.
• LCD Display Design: Describe the layout of the LCD displaying relay status, current, temperature, and oil level.
• Results & Discussion: Discuss the functionality of the system, potential improvements (e.g., automatic load reconnection after overload reset, buzzer alarms), and any challenges encountered during development.
• Conclusion: Summarize the project’s achievements and its potential applications for protecting equipment from overload and monitoring critical environmental factors.

Additional Considerations:

• Include schematics and code snippets (commented) in the report for better understanding.
• Implement safety features like fuses or circuit breakers for additional protection.
• Consider user interface enhancements for the LCD display (e.g., backlighting).
• Explore options for data logging and visualization of sensor readings over time.

By following this outline and including relevant details, you can create a comprehensive report that showcases your work on the overload protector with temperature and oil level monitoring using Arduino.