Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Problem Summary
Gasoline/Diesel pump are cheating with common man nowadays. Numerous of the gasoline/diesel pumps today manipulate their pumps, such that it displays the amount as entered, but in truth, the quantity of gasoline/diesel entered in the customer’s tank is very less than the displayed value. The pumps are being used for the profit of the gasoline pump owner. This results in huge profits for the gasoline/diesel pumps,. but at the same time the common man is being cheated. Mostly of the two wheelers and four wheelers vehicles in India consists of analog meters which will not show accurately the quantity of gasoline/diesel present in the vehicle and also it is not likely to cross verify the capacity of gasoline/diesel filled at the gasoline pump.
In addition, this current and competitive world, goods are being digitized owing to its remunerations, user easiness. So we took a project named “Digital Gasoline/diesel Meter”. It consists of a digital screen for the precise quantity of gasoline/diesel enclosed in the gasoline/diesel container. The above furnished fact is measured in the project and it’s found out that a correct answer for signifying the exact availability of gasoline/diesel in the tank digitally. A level sensor and an ECM/ECU is used to find out the gasoline/diesel height which is fiscal and also precise.
This document focuses on the study of a variety of gasoline/diesel level measuring sensors appropriate for our development. A number of issues with respect to the current level measurement technique are identified and so an improved alternate digital sensing technology has been suggested, described and justified.
1.2 Aim and Objectives
In this current and express running world the whole lot is going digital to be easily clear and also to give correct answer. Considering this idea we started a project, “Digital Gasoline/diesel Meter”, which shows the precise amount of gasoline/diesel residual in the gasoline/diesel tank as compared to the formerly used gasoline/diesel meter in which a needle moves to give a uneven estimate of the gasoline/diesel left.
A gasoline/diesel indicator is an instrument used to point to the level of the gasoline/diesel enclosed in the tank. Normally being used in cars and bikes and auto rickshaws, these might also be used in any tanks as well as underground storage tanks.
The value will be in arithmetical digits such as 1, 2, 3 …10 liters. This plan largely focuses on the warning of gasoline/diesel level in automobile vehicles. In the recent times we are constantly hearing about gasoline/diesel fraud. Most of the gasoline/diesel pumps have cheated the common man such that it displays the quantity as entered but the amount of gasoline/diesel entered in the vehicle’s tank is very much less than the displayed value. In India, most the automobile vehicles consist of analog meters that are why it is not convenient to accurately find out the amount of gasoline/diesel available in the two wheelers and four wheelers. And it is also not convenient to examine the amount of gasoline/diesel in the petrol pump filled in the vehicle.
The main objective of this project is to create a digital display to show the correct amount of gasoline/diesel contained in the vehicles tank and also helps in cross inspection of the quantity of gasoline/diesel filled at the gasoline/diesel pump.
1.3 Problem
1.3.1 Gasoline/diesel Gauge
A gauge is a gadget used to point out the level of gasoline/diesel stored in a tank. Basically used in cars, two wheelers and other automobile vehicles and may also be used for any other type of tanks.
The system consists of two prominent parts: sensor and indication of gasoline/diesel level. The sensor unit typically uses a float type sensor (level sensor) to measure gasoline/diesel level while the indicator system measures the quantity of electric current flowing during the sensing unit and indicates the gasoline and diesel level.
There are main two types of techniques are:
• Conventional float type
• Microcontroller based measurement technique
Commonly, the fundamental gasoline/diesel indicator system makes use of a resistive float type sensor to measure the level of gasoline/diesel in the tank. It consists of the sender unit responsible to calculate the level of gasoline/diesel in the tank, and the gauge until accountable to display the measured gasoline/diesel level to the driver.
1.3.2 Flow Sensors
The sensors are used to calculate the quantity of fuel in the tank. It is made from aluminum and its alloys. They are calibrated during the manufacturing process with proper standards and specifications.
A level sensor has to work under every possible atmospheric condition. It’s not only exposed to a great deal of changeable temperatures and vibrations, nevertheless it also has to work under the fuels itself including ethanol, methanol, acidic sulphur or fuel additives that can impact the dependability of the sensor.
1.3.3 Analog Fuel Meter
Around the globe, mostly all the vehicles are fitted with an analog fuel meter. It shows three levels of fuel that are, Empty, Half and Full. Therefore it is not possible to predict the actual fuel available in the fuel tank. In Fig1, we can see analog meter, which shows the fuel level by using needle. Therefore we do not get accurate knowledge of the fuel available in the tank. Due to less knowledge of fuel present in the tank we can be in trouble due to low fuel in the vehicle.
Fig 1: Analog Meter
In the project we are going to implement digital fuel meter.
1.4 Literature Survey
Firstly, we went to different service stations, garages and industries to find out the basic problem that is being faced by common man. And talked with public and to know more about the problems they are facing during the operation of vehicle. So, the basic problem we found out was the theft of fuel from the petrol pumps. And the indication of fuel in the vehicle wasn’t proper and they tend to get trouble somehow.
So that made us to take this project. In this, we wanted to create a digital meter with liquid crystal display to show the accurate amount of fuel left in the tank accordingly with the help of new flow sensors and level sensors and ECM/ECU.
Secondly, we searched the information on the internet to find out more about the current trends and the digital meter. We found the analog to digital conversion and the papers on the current topic. We thoroughly read the papers and patents from other parts of the world and authors to know more about the topic.
Thirdly, we took help of the internal guide and the faculty members of our college to know more about the sensors and the materials of the system, the circuit diagram, and etc. They told us to refer different kinds of books and references to get equipped with the details of the topic i.e. “Digital Fuel Meter.”
Nitin Jade, and Co. worked on modified type digital fuel indicator system which encases the advancement of the current fuel meter to the new digital type unit. They modified the sensors uses with the new level sensors which has accuracy up to 85-95%. They made an effective design that prevents petrol theft at the various petrol pumps in the country.
A review by Umesh P. Hade, Prof A.R. Suryawanshi made a review on the mileage indication of the vehicles by implementing a new digital meter in the system with new flow type sensors and microcontrollers. They calculated various different mileage techniques which can further use fuel economically and avoid fuel wastage.
Avinashkumar and his team prepared and establish a paper on digital fuel level indicator for two wheelers with accurate distance traveler. They converted analog to digital which had two parts namely sender and receiver without accurate signals generating unit. So they tend to device it due to problem arising because of it. It has future advancements to for the later development in the devices. The main advantage was to develop a device that can accurately measure the level of fuel in the tank and to correctly determine the distance it can travel with the remaining amount of fuel.
1.5 Tool/Materials
1.5.1 Flow Meter
It is a device to calculate the non-linear, linear, volumetric and mass flow rate of the liquid.
Fig 2: Flow Meter
The different types of flow meters are:
• Mechanical Flow Meter
o Piston Meter
o Gear Meter
o Variable Area Meter
o Turbine Flow Meter
o Woltman Meter
o Single Jet Meter
o Paddle Meter
• Pressure Based Meters
o Venturi Meter
o Orifice Meter
o Cone Meters
• Optical Flow Meters
• Sonar Flow Meters
• Vortex Meter
1.5.2 Level Sensors
They detect the level of fuel in the tank.
Fig 3: Level Sensor
The different types of level sensors are:
• Float Sensors
• Capacitance Sensors
• Magnetic Sensors
• Pneumatic Sensors
The basic considerations are:
• Density and viscosity
• Chemical composition
• Atmospheric conditions
Level Detection and Measurement by Using a Float Sensor
Fig 4: Working Principle of Level Sensor
Basic Principle: It works on the principle of buoyancy, which states that the weight of the body immersed in liquid is equal to the level of liquid displaced by it.
Construction: It consists of a float, a sensor unit, a temporary magnet and a switch controller at the end of the rod. A scale is attached to the indicate the level of liquid displaced.
Working: To find out the level of the liquids is usually carried out with the help of float sensors. The float moves up and down due to the movement of liquid and transfer movement to the rod which indicates the reading on the scale.
It is very simple, accurate and usable for all types of units.
It needs many types of equipment including pressure vessels.
Largely used in storage tanks for precise measuring the level of liquid in it.
1.5.3 Fuel Tank
It is a container which is safe for flammable fluids. They are manufactured through casting process and are made available in variety of sizes and shapes.
Fig 5: Fuel Tank
1.5.4 Digital Fuel Meter
Fig 6: Digital Fuel Meter
Fig 5 is the basic circuit diagram of the digital fuel meter.
It uses float sensor, a battery, ignition system, a relay switch, resistance and coil. With the help of float sensors it sends the signals electrically to the displaying unit which converts the signals into readable form and displays on the screen numerically.
Chapter 2: Design: Analysis, Design Methodology and Implementation Strategy
In this chapter, we are going to discuss about the development that we did along the course of the semester. It deals with different types of canvas such as Ideation, Product Development, AEIOU Matrix and Observation Matrix.
It relates with the processes that we did along the course of the project. It highlights all the details that are carried out in the project.
2.1 Observation Matrix
Fig 7: Observation Matrix
In this matrix or framework, we went to different places of work and met different people to know about the general problems they are facing. The users and stakeholders are the persons we met and had a long discussion with them.
The basic activities that are carried by the general system used in the vehicles is being shown here. It includes passenger transport, goods carriage, heavy loaded wheels, etc.
The stories that are shown in the figure relates to the project and suggests us to take up the project. The sad and happy stories individually suggests what is beneficial and what not.
2.2 Ideation Canvas
Fig 8: Ideation Canvas
It relates to the ongoing system that is being employed. The cheating factor and not accurately displaying the fuel level in the tank is the basis for us to take up this project. The ideation canvas tells us what’s going on in the current scenario and what is being needed in the future. The basic solution is to convert analog to digital and use of new float sensors and equipments. Accurately show the level of fuel in the tank digitally.
2.3 Product Canvas
Fig 9: Product Canvas
This canvas deals the project related topics and how to implement, construct and carry on in the market. It tells us the purpose of the project, which is to get analog to digital and numerically show the level of fuel in the tank. And to add a LCD screen in the interior. And remove theft of petrol from the petro pumps.
It benefits the general public like students, common man, sports stars, etc.
The experience of the product is good as reviewed by the public cause now they can be sure of the level of fuel in the tank which is displayed digitally in the screen and with the help of it they can’t be cheated by the petrol pump.
The change it needs is to make it less expensive by using other types of sensors and to have easy operating principle.
The review is good as said by the public by their experience.
2.4 AEIOU Matrix
Fig 10: AEIOU Matrix
It is a general matrix related to Activities, Environment, Interactions, Objectives, and Users (AEIOU).
Activities include those activities which are related to the current system used in the vehicles that is analog system. They tend to show the cons of the system and the problems arising due to it. Therefore it is an important part of the matrix as it highlights the problem of the project.
Environment is related to the atmospheric conditions which affect the system as fuel tanks should be kept away from the engine and direct heat of the sun. The wiring of the system must be well insulated and sensors must work under all kinds of environment.
Interactions are done with common man which help us to make more changes to the project and to do our work.
Objectives are those which define the project work. The most important objective of our project is to convert analog system to digital system and to display it on the screen numerically and accurately measuring the level of fuel in the tank.
2.5 Computer Aided Design
Fig 11: Circuit Diagram
We with the help of CAD/CAM software made a rough circuit diagram of the basic components of the system. It includes a fuel tank, sensors, wirings, ECU/ECM module and a LED Display. Sensors sense the level of fuel in the tank and pass on the signals to the next part which interprets the signals and to the calculations and produce the results on the screen.
Fig 12: Components of the Digital Fuel Meter
Chapter 3: Summary
The current system that uses microcontroller and float type sensors is not as accurate and are more traditional. Nevertheless the microcontroller based method is extra precise than the former one.
The Digital Fuel Meter is much more precise than the analog meter. And more reliable and will cost much lesser than the former. They will digitalize the system with the new type of sensors and ECM/ECU module and displaying on screen. They precisely measure the amount of fuel in the tank and also notify us the distance it can travel with the amount left.
In this semester, our team decided to work on “Digital Fuel Meter”. It indicates the level of gasoline/diesel numerically and theft detection can also be done.
It provides much more accurate results up to 90-95% than the analog meter.
Our plan is very helpful for a ordinary man as it avoids him by getting cheated.
3.1 Advantages
The following are the advantages of the digital fuel meter.
• It helps to point out the amount of fuel in the tank.
• Also shows the amount of fuel left and the distance it can travel with the remaining amount.
• Theft of petrol at the petrol pumps can be reduced widely.
• It also dictates the mileage of the vehicle with proper calculations.
• More precise than the analog meter.
• Reduce errors to an extent.
• Parallax errors that occur in analog meters are reduced.
• It shows the results numerically
• No moving part in the system so reduce the risk of damage.
3.2 Disadvantages
The following are the disadvantages of the digital fuel meter.
• Highly costly.
• Construction is difficult.
• It requires high maintenance.
• Sensors need separate maintenance and care.
• LCD’s work with the help of batteries so when get discharged, the display will be poor and unable to read.
• If there are fluctuations, readings can vary.
3.3 Future Scope
This device can be improved or modified in the near future.
• It can help to find the location of the vehicle.
• Can be used to control theft of vehicle.
• It can be used to control the speed of the vehicle by indicating it on the screen.
References
1. Daniel R. McGlynn, “Vehicle Usage Monitoring And Recording System”, US Patent 4072850, February 1978.
2. G.Kiran Kumar, Associate Professor and HOD, MRL Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, “Digital Fuel Meter.”
3. Nitin Jade, Pranjal Shrimali, Asvin Patel, Sagar Gupta “Modified Type Intelligent Digital Fuel Indicator System” IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) e-ISSN: 2278-1684, p-ISSN: 2320-334X PP 20-23 in International Conference on Advances in Engineering & Technology – 2014 (ICAET-2014).
4. Patent US 8281655 B2, “Fuel Gauging System Utilizing A Digital Fuel Gauging Probe.”
5. Patent US 3537302 A, “Automatic Digital Fuel Indicator For Car.”
6. Patent US 4102191 A, “Digital Fuel Gauge.”
7. Patent US 20080309475 A, “Vehicular Meter Unit and Display Device.”
8. Patent US 3812710 A, “Electronic Fuel Consumption Meter.”
9. www.google.co.in
10. https://patents.google.com/
11. Sarang R. Gogilwar and Co., International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, Vol.2, No.4, April 2014. E-ISSN: 2321-9637, “Fuel Level Measurement Techniques: A Systematic Survey.”
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