Gas Level Indicator for LPG Cylinders

AIM:

To design and develop a gas level indicator system for LPG cylinders using a load cell, I2C LCD display, and Arduino, providing both visual and auditory alerts when gas levels are low.

PURPOSE:

This project simplifies gas level monitoring, ensuring timely refills and avoiding disruptions caused by empty cylinders. The I2C LCD reduces wiring complexity while displaying real-time gas levels.

DESCRIPTION:

The system integrates a load cell with an HX711 module for measuring the cylinder's weight. The Arduino processes the data, calculates gas levels, and displays the percentage on the I2C LCD. A buzzer provides an auditory alert when gas levels drop below a predefined threshold.

Key Components:

1.    Arduino Uno/Nano: Microcontroller for processing and controlling components.

 

2.    Load Cell: Measures the weight of the LPG cylinder.

3.    HX711 Module: Amplifies and converts the load cell's signal for Arduino.

4.    I2C LCD Module (16x2): Displays gas levels in percentage format.

     

5.    Buzzer: Sounds an alert when gas levels are low.

6.    Power Supply: 9V or USB for Arduino and components.

WORKING:

1.    The load cell detects the weight of the LPG cylinder.

2.    The HX711 module amplifies the signal and converts it to digital form.

3.    The Arduino processes this data and calculates the gas level.

4.    The gas level percentage is displayed on the I2C LCD.

5.    If the gas level falls below a threshold, the buzzer sounds, alerting the user.

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Hardware:

• Microcontroller: Arduino Uno/Nano
• Load Cell: 10kg or appropriate for the cylinder
• HX711 Module: Signal amplifier and ADC
• I2C LCD Display: 16x2 with I2C interface
• Buzzer: 5V buzzer for alerts
• Power Supply: 5V/9V for Arduino

Software:

• Arduino IDE: To program and upload the code to Arduino.
• Libraries:
• HX711.h (for load cell)
• LiquidCrystal_I2C.h (for I2C LCD display)
  
  

WORKING EXPLANATION:

1.    The load cell and HX711 module measure the cylinder's weight and send the data to Arduino.

2.    Arduino calculates the gas level using the known full and empty weights of the cylinder.

3.    The gas level is displayed on the I2C LCD as a percentage.

4.    If the gas level drops below 15% (adjustable), the buzzer sounds an alert.

BLOCK DIAGRAM:

1.    Load Cell → HX711 Module → Arduino → I2C LCD (16x2)

2.    Arduino → Buzzer (for alerts)

3.    Power Supply → Arduino, LCD, HX711 Module

Applications:

1.    Households: Monitors LPG levels for timely refills.

2.    Commercial Kitchens: Prevents disruption in cooking operations.

3.    Industries: Tracks gas usage in large-scale setups.

Advantages of Using I2C LCD:

1.    Simplified Wiring: Requires only two pins (SDA and SCL).

2.    Space-Efficient: Reduces Arduino pin usage.

3.    Versatile: Can integrate multiple I2C devices like sensors.

Future Enhancements:

1.    Integrate Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for remote monitoring via mobile apps.

2.    Add a GSM module for SMS alerts when the gas level is low.

3.    Use a larger display for more detailed information.

This Gas Level Indicator System with an I2C LCD is an efficient and user-friendly solution for monitoring LPG levels.