This project is modelled on the National 4 Flood Protection System assignment.

Bilge Pump System: the problem

Marine Engineers are modelling a system which will monitor the water level in the bilge (the bottom) of a boat.

It will turn on a pump when the water level is over a certain level, and display warning lights and sound an alarm when the water is too high.

Sensors in the bilge  monitor the water level as shown in the boat cross-section diagram below.

These sensors give a digital output of 0 when dry, and an output of 1 when in contact with water.

Both sensors have to be monitored continuously, using a microcontroller.

The output from sensor 1 is used to control a pump:

• If the water is above sensor 1, a pump switches on

• If the water is below sensor 1, the pump switches off

The output from sensor 2 is used to control a warning light and a buzzer alarm:

• If the water is above sensor 2, a warning light and a buzzer alarm are activated

• If the water is below sensor 2, the warning light and buzzer are de-activated

Your task is to analyse this problem, then design, construct and test a solution.

Task 1

Your task is to analyse this problem, then design, construct and test a solution.