Design and implementation of a smart prepaid water meter system

Abstract

This project presents the design and implementation of a Smart Prepaid Water Meter System, integrating LoRa (Long Range) communication technology and a prepayment system equipped with valves to automatically cut off users when their credit runs out. The system aims to revolutionize water management by providing real-time data access to both users and utility providers, thus eliminating billing disputes arising from manual meter readings and reducing operational costs associated with manual meter readings. Utilizing LoRa modules for communication, the system enables seamless transmission of water consumption data between the meter and a central gateway. This eliminates the need for manual meter readings, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors and disputes in billing. Moreover, the inclusion of a prepayment system with automated valves ensures that users are promptly notified and disconnected when their credit balance is depleted, enhancing accountability and reducing the risk of unpaid bills. Furthermore, the realtime data access provided by the system empowers users to monitor their water usage patterns and make informed decisions to conserve water. Simultaneously, utility providers can remotely monitor consumption and manage resources efficiently through a centralized dashboard. By eliminating the reliance on manual meter readings, the proposed Smart Prepaid Water Meter System offers long-term cost savings for utility providers. The automation of metering and billing processes reduces operational costs and enhances overall efficiency in water management. Inorder to achieve the set out objectives, the system requirements were determined through a literature review and stakeholder consultations. This was followed by the system design where a system architecture and schematic were designed. System development was then done through hardware and software development to build a system that meets the requirements. Testing and evaluation in a controlled environment were done to ensure that the system can achieve the set out objectives. The desired functionality of the system was achieved and from the project, key recommendations for such a system were developed.