Development of Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System - CE 2 Report

This report details the development of a solar-powered smart irrigation system, a project aimed at boosting agricultural output in Nigeria. The project, led by the student, YOSOLA ODUNAYO, involved designing a system that utilizes solar energy to power a water pump and automate irrigation based on soil moisture levels. The report outlines the project's background, objectives, and the student's role in designing the inverter circuit, automatic valve regulation, and managing component procurement. The student implemented a moisture-sensing circuit to control the water flow and used a stepper motor for automated valve control. The report also discusses the engineering knowledge applied, including the use of a PWM technique for efficient electricity generation. Challenges included ensuring system efficiency and managing soil moisture identification, which were addressed through the implementation of a soil moisture sensor probe. The project's success is attributed to collaborative work and the effective contributions of each team member. The system successfully automates the irrigation process, allowing farmers to manage water flow based on crop needs and soil conditions.

COMPETENCY
DEMONSTRATION REPORT
Career Episode 2
YOSOLA ODUNAYO

CE 2.1 Project Information
Name of the project: Development of Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System
Location of the project: [PLEASE FILL]
Project Duration: [PLEASE FILL]
Organization: [PLEASE FILL]
Role and Designation during the time: Team Leader
CE 2.2 Project Background
CE 2.2.1 Characteristics of the project
The agriculture system of the Nigeria is still far behind the rest of the world and it is the
need of the time to present a solution, which is capable of boosting the production and output of
the agriculture sector. I suggested my team to work on the project that is capable of meeting this
need. The suggested solution was the solar powered water pump that can automatically control
the flow of the water in the field after analysing the moisture at the ground. This project will be
helpful in managing the power for the water pumps and manage the flow of water for the
irrigation purpose. The purpose of the project was to utilize the solar energy for producing
enough power that can run the water motor.
CE 2.2.2 Objectives developed for the project
Following are the objective developed for the project in manner to concentrate on the
objective and deliver the constraints of the project:

 To present an alternative source of power that can run the motor for the irrigation
system
 To boosting the irrigation system through the implementation of this advanced
system that will be handling the whole
 To utilize the solar energy in an efficient and better way
 To develop an automated system that can sense the moisture and provide services
according to the need of the surface
CE 2.2.3 My area of work
I was leading the team as I was assigned as a leader of the team and manage all the
activities related to the development of this project. I designed the inverter that was capable of
converting the 230 V input voltage to 12 V D.C through the application of the boost converter. I
had also designed the automatic Valve Regulation, I used the stepper motor in manner to
establish the automatic valve control, and it was connected to the tank’s outlet valve. I managed
the shopping for the electronic components considering the budget and quality of the component
being utilized within the project.

CE 2.2.4 Project Group
CE 2.2.5 My responsibilities throughout the project
I was responsible for establishing the design of the circuit and establishing of the
electrical components in the board. I evaluated the electrical components before and after the
application of the electrical components using the multi-meter. I initiated the project and took the
responsibility of managing all the operational activities within the project in manner to make
them all successful in an efficient and effective manner. I managed the roles and responsibilities
of my team members through identifying their strength and weaknesses in certain sectors.

CE 2.3 Distinctive Activity
CE 2.3.1 Comprehending the theory of the project
The proposed design consist of two modules including the automated irrigation system
and solar plumbing module and both the modules were essential objects for the successful
accomplishment of the proposed project. The developed system was comprised of the four major
components including the solar panel, converter, water pump and battery. The control circuit will
be used to charge the battery, the charge battery will be supplying power to the motor of the
water pump, and thus the water will be drawn from the well to the overhead tank in manner o
store the water for a while before spreading it on the ground. The whole system will be
controlled automatically allowing the automation of the system through the application of the
sensor.
CE 2.3.2 Engineering knowledge and skills applied in the project
The outlet valve of the tank will be controlled electronically through the application of
the moisture sensing circuit. I implemented the moisture sensing circuit in the field where the
crops will be cultivated. I adjusted the connection of this sensing circuit in manner to allow the
farmers to adjust the moisture level as per the condition of the corps. The voltage difference
between the moisture level and sensing circuit will be proportional to the level of the water
needed for the irrigation in the field. I had implemented a control signal to the stepper motor and
adjusted the rotational angle as per the voltage difference between the circuit and the ground.
Thus, the established infrastructure will be helpful in relating the water flowing considering the
moisture differences.

CE 2.3.3 Accomplishment and task performed
I developed the design of the circuit, the electrical components were established
accordingly, and rest of the team members executed the activities as per the developed design.
The stepper motor and moisture-sensing circuit was developed for the establishment of the
designed system. I managed the project as the leader and tried to motivate the team members
towards accomplishing the objectives of the project. I performed the calculations and based on
that electrical components were bought from the market and the electrical components were
fixed accordingly. In manner to automate the system, it was necessary to implement the sensing
circuit with the ground.
CE 2.3.4 Identified issues and their solutions
2.3.4.1 Issues
I identified that efficiency of the system needs to be managed effectively in manner to
assure that the power collected from the solar energy is capable of providing necessary input
power to the water motor. Identification of the soil moisture was the most crucial aspect for the
delivery of the project and the team was not able to identify how it could be managed.
2.3.4.2 Solutions
I implemented the soil moisture sensor probe in manner to assure that the water level of
the water released by the stepper motor is according to the need of the soil and ground. I used the
PMW technique in manner to generate the electricity efficient for the motor. Following was the
developed circuit for making it happen in the real world:

Figure 1: Inverter Circuit
(Source: Created by author)
CE 2.3.5 Plan to produce creative and innovative work
I collected the information related to the previous attempts delivered on the same topic
and identified that something is missing that is restricting the automation level of the system
being proposed. I implemented the soil moisture sensor probe that is helpful in identifying the
moisture level of the ground and send signal to the circuit that will alternatively on the stepper
motor and thus whenever the recorded value of the moisture is less than the estimated value, the
system will be automatically triggered. I also balanced the current flow and water level in single
relation ensuring the adjustment that can be applied for controlling the flow of the water from the
stepper motor.
CE 2.3.6 Collaborative work
The project was delivered successfully because of the contribution made by every team
member in the project assuring that the output of the project has been highly effective and

efficient. I managed the team members however; they had also successfully and efficiently
contributed in the development and growth of the project. Every team member within the project
contributed in same manner assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the project. Every
individual was assigned with different roles and sections of the project and every individual had
a crucial role to play in the project. The project was successfully delivered because of the
contribution made by each and every individual.
CE 2.4 Project Review
CE 2.4.1 Project Overview
The project resulted in the positive manner and a successful project was developed that
can be utilized for automating the irrigation system and allowing the farmers to use the system
for the irrigation system. The developed project efficiently collects the solar power through the
solar panel and utilizing that energy for running the water motor and brewing water from
underground tanks to the overhead tank. The water will be stored in the overhead tank and the
system will allow the water to flow in the conditions when the moisture sensor circuit notifies
that the level of the moisture level is lower than the need of the soil. The farmers are allowed to
adjust the water flow and control them as per the nature and type of the corps planted.
CE 2.4.2 My contribution to work
I contributed in the identification of this topic for the project and executing the respective
activities those could be utilized for the growth and development of system that can
automatically irrigate the ground without any manual command. I developed the design of the
circuit, the electrical components were established accordingly, and rest of the team members
executed the activities as per the developed design. The stepper motor and moisture-sensing

circuit was developed for the establishment of the designed system. I managed the project as the
leader and tried to motivate the team members towards accomplishing the objectives of the
project. I performed the calculations and based on that electrical components were bought from
the market and the electrical components were fixed accordingly. In manner to automate the
system, it was necessary to implement the sensing circuit with the ground.