Hello there, folks, and welcome back to Digital Electronics Circuits Lab! I'm Sudipta, and today we've got something truly essential to discuss, especially for those of us who rely on overhead water tanks to quench our thirst and meet our daily needs.

Are you tired of the constant guessing game, wondering how much water is left in your overhead tank? Do you find yourself climbing up those stairs or ladders, only to realize it's time to call the water truck? Well, worry no more because today, we're diving into the world of water level indicators for overhead tanks!

Whether you're a homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or just someone curious about improving their daily life, this video is for you. We're going to explore the ins and outs of water level indicators, why they're crucial, how they work, and even guide you through a step-by-step installation process.

But before we dive into this informative journey, if you haven't already, make sure to visit my Youtube channel and hit that subscribe button and ring that notification bell, so you never miss out on our latest tech and DIY videos.

Alright, folks, let's not keep you waiting any longer. It's time to demystify the world of water level indicators for overhead tanks. Let's get started!"

Supplies

Materials Required

CD4511
74HC147
Resistance of 10K, 33K, 5.6K and 560K
BC547
7 segment display (common cathode)
Header Pins (optional)
Connecting wires
5V 500mA DC power supply

Tools Required

Soldering Iron
Solder wire
Solder flux
Perf board or vero board or DIY PCB

Step 1: Understanding the Circuit

Here we have designed a Numeric Water Level Indicator using ICs 74147 and CD4511. It is a Digital water level indicator using a common cathode 7-segment display to show the water level in numeric structure from 0 to 9 digits. In this design 0 represents low or minimum level and 9 represents full or maximum level.

Because of high input impedance, 74HC147 senses water in the water tank from its nine input terminals. IC 74174 has nine dynamic low input sources and changes over the dynamic contribution to dynamic low BCD output. The input L-9 has the most elevated need. The outputs of 74HC147 (A, B, C, and D) are taken care of by CD4511 by means of transistors Q1 through Q4. The transistors used are BC547 NPN transistors. This logical inverter is utilized to change over the dynamic low output of 74HC147 into dynamic high for CD4511.

When the water tank is empty, all the inputs of 74HC147 remain high. As a result, its output also remains high, making all the inputs of CD4511 low. Display at this stage shows ‘0,’ which means the tank is empty. Similarly, when the water level reaches L1 position, the display shows ‘1’ and when the water level reaches the L8 position, the display shows ‘8’. Finally, when the tank is full, all the inputs of 74HC147 become low and its output goes low to make all the inputs of CD4511 high. The display now shows ‘9’ which means the tank is full.

Step 2: Circuit Diagram

Circuit diagram and datasheet of ICs are attached.

Step 3: Soldering All the Components Together

After all the components are soldered together, its time for testing!

Step 4: Conclusion

Water level indicators serve several important purposes in various applications. Here are some of the common uses of water level indicators:

Overhead Water Tanks: Water level indicators are commonly used in households with overhead water tanks. They help homeowners monitor the water level in the tank, preventing overflows or running out of water unexpectedly. This ensures a steady and reliable water supply.

Agriculture: In agriculture, water level indicators are used to monitor water levels in irrigation systems. Farmers can efficiently manage water resources, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water without overusing it.

Industrial Applications: Industries often use water level indicators in their storage tanks to maintain a consistent supply of water for various processes. This is crucial for manufacturing, cooling systems, and other industrial applications.

Swimming Pools: Swimming pools require precise water level management to maintain water quality and safety. Water level indicators help pool owners maintain the appropriate water level and avoid overfilling or draining the pool.

Water Treatment Plants: Water level indicators are vital in water treatment facilities to monitor the levels in different tanks and ensure a continuous flow of water through the treatment process.

Sewage and Wastewater Systems: In sewage and wastewater treatment plants, water level indicators help control the flow of wastewater through different treatment stages, preventing overflows and system malfunctions.

Boilers: Boilers in industrial settings require precise water level control to operate efficiently and safely. Water level indicators are used to monitor and control the water level inside the boiler to prevent damage and ensure proper operation.

Hydroponics and Aquaponics: Water level indicators are essential in hydroponic and aquaponic systems, where precise water levels are critical for the growth of plants and aquatic life.

Reservoirs and Dams: Large-scale water level indicators are used in reservoirs and dams to monitor water levels and assess the risk of flooding or drought. This information is crucial for managing water resources and preventing disasters.

Environmental Monitoring: Water level indicators are used in environmental monitoring systems to measure water levels in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This data is essential for assessing environmental conditions and managing natural resources.

Fish Tanks and Aquariums: Aquarium enthusiasts use water level indicators to maintain the water levels in fish tanks and ensure a stable environment for aquatic life.

In summary, water level indicators are versatile devices that play a crucial role in various sectors, from domestic applications to industrial processes and environmental monitoring. They help ensure the efficient and safe management of water resources in different settings.