ABSTRACT
The more urbanized and industrialized a city becomes, the more trash it produces. Waste management has been a crucial issue to be considered. While the concept of smart cities is intriguing, there is a pressing need for intelligent approaches to waste management. The Smart Dustbin was conceived as a solution for use in intelligent buildings, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, estates, and bus stops. Because of this, it is believed that the Smart Dustbin is an upgrade on the traditional dustbin by making it smart via the use of sensors and logics. Via ultrasonic sensors for waste level monitoring and delivering message to the user updating the state of the bin using GSM module and open/close the dustin automatically as it senses users, Smart Dustbins are a novel concept of implementation that makes a regular dustbin smart. Smart dustbins are also known as intelligent garbage cans. As soon as the Dustbin is brimming, a system for collecting intelligent solid waste will be activated. It is not uncommon to see rubbish scattered in and around the waste baskets as it has been known to happen. Insects that might transmit illness, such as mosquitoes, flies, bees, and driving ants, may make their home in the area around dust bins that have not been adequately managed. The surroundings of a garbage can are also likely to contribute to an increase in the amount of pollutants in the air. The contamination of the air caused by a littered Dustbin may lead to the production of germs and viruses, both of which can lead to life-threatening illnesses in humans.
The design shows that GSM module and ultrasonic sensors interfacing using Arduino nano board as platform can make garbage collection operations smarter, more efficient and less wasteful. To be more energy-efficient, solar power will be incorporated into future designs.
INTRODUCTION
Total waste in the world is enormous. According to Simmons in her article in Los Angeles Time in April 2012, more than half the world’s population lacks access to systematic garbage collection.
As a result of population growth, urbanization and rising consumption, the amount of waste will probably double in African and Asian cities, according to United Nations Environment Program.
Poor waste management which includes poor handling, collection, transportation, and dumping resulted negative impacts on human health and environment. Improper waste disposal can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances. Uncollected waste can be a breeding ground for bacterial diseases, place where pathogenic parasites can grow resulting to unsanitary conditions especially during the rainy season. Polluted water flowing from waste dumps and disposal sites can cause serious pollution to the surface water and the surrounding environment.
In this study, Smart Dustbin is being designed using Arduino nano board as platform to make garbage collection operations smarter, more efficient and less wasteful. Arduino nano microcontroller is used as the heart of the design since all communications pass through this board. GSM module and ultasonic sensor are being used as interface of the system design to monitor the waste level in the dustbin and send an SMS/CALL notification to the waste manager as the Dustbin is brimming. The second ultrasonic sensor is used to monitor the closeness of the user to the Dustbin so as to automatically opens the lid and closes the lid as soon as the user has trash his/her waste. This design will eliminate over-filling of garbage bins and can be remotely monitored and provents the users from having body contact with the Dustbin. This proposed system reduces cost, optimizes resources and helps to control contact diseases like corona virus.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The study aimed to design a smart bin based on GSM module, ultrasonic sensors, servo motor interface using Arduino nano board as platform.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Smart bin
Smart Dustbin is equipped with HC-SR04 ultrasonic ranging sensor2 which measures the level of garbage inside the bin.
Once the garbage level is less than 15cm to the lid of the dustbin, the ultrasonic sensor2 will send a high logic command to the arduino microcontroller. The arduino will trigger the GSM module and an instant message is sent to the assigned authority mobile phone number as programmed in the code.
The smart dustbin is also equiped wth another HC-SR04 ultrasonic ranging sensor1 which measures the distance between the dustbin and the user. Once the distance between the user and the dsutbin is less the 30cm, the ultrasonic sensor1 will send a high logic command to the arduino microcontroller. The arduino will then trigger the servo motor to rotate 900, and inturn open the lid of the dustbin automatically without any human effort.
System Architecture
In this project, designing of smart bin based on GSM module, servo motor and ultrasonic sensors interface using Arduino nano board as platform is presented. This system is composed of hardware interface module and software communication module. Being the heart of the system, all communication and control shall pass through the arduino microcontroller.
The hardware required materials in this design are Arduino nano, 12V5AH battery, GSM module SIM800, two Ultrasonic Sensors (HC-SR04), servo motor (MG996), battery charger (laptop charger with XL4016 300W 9A DC-DC CC/CV Buck converter) and connecting wires. The following figures show the hardware materials needed in this project. The software requirement is Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Figure 1. Circuit Diagram of Smart Dustbin
Arduino Nano board:
Figure 2. Arduino microcontroller
Arduino nano as shown in figure 1, is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328. This microcontroller has 14 digital input/output pins, 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. This microcontroller can be supplied with a battery, a computer and a AC-to-DC adapter to get started. Ths is the main brain of the design, it has an ATmage328p microcontroller on board that is programmed directly from the computer using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
GSM Module (SIM800L):
Figure 3. GSM Module SIM800
SIM800 GSM module as shown in figure 2, is an ultra-compact and reliable wireless. This is a complete Quad-band GSM module in a SMT type and designed with a very powerful single-chip processor integrating AMR926EJ-S core. As an industry-standard interface, the SIM800 delivers GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz performance for voice and SMS in a small form factor and with low power consumption. With a measurement of 24mm x 24mm x 3 mm, SIM800 can fit for slim and compact demands of design.
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04):
Figure 4. Ultrasonic Ranging Module HC - SR04
Figure 4 above shows a HC-SR04, an ultrasonic ranging module, which provides 2cm - 400cm non-contact measurement function. Ultrasonic sensor measures distance using sound waves. The distance can be calculated by the elapsed time of sending the sound wave and the time it bounces back. The ranging accuracy of the sensor can reach to 3mm. The ultrasonic sensor module includes ultrasonic transmitters, receiver and control circuit. This module emits an ultrasound wave at the frequency of 40khz. If an object is detected along its way, a sound wave bounces back to the sensor. VCC (Power), Trig (Trigger), Echo (Receive), and GND (Ground) are the four pins of the ultrasonic module
Figure 5. Diagram of the basic ultrasonic sensor operation.
Figure 6 below shows the transmitter diagram. The status of garbage is measured by the ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) which the signal from the sensor passes through the arduino. The main control unit consists of arduino, signal passes through arduino and reaches the user mobile through GSM as shown in Figure 6 below Figure 6 . Transmitter Block Diagram
With this project, the arduino is uploaded with a series of program that allows the full function of both ultrasonic and GSM to work. When the ultrasonic sensor reaches the fill level, based on the program, it will trigger the GSM to send a message to the number that is also inputted to the program.
The following are the steps in making this design:
Figure 7. Reciever Block Diagram
Servo Motor:
The term "servo" refers to a sort of error-sensing feedback control that is used in order to improve the functioning of a system. In addition to this, it calls for a controller of an advanced level, often a specialized module that was developed only for integration with servomotors. DC motors known as servo motors allow for very fine control of an object's angular position. They are essentially DC motors, and the gears bring the speed down to a more manageable level. Servo motors typically have a rotation cutoff that ranges from 900 to 1800.
Figure 8. servo motor A number of the servo motors also feature a revolution cutoff that is more than 3600. Servo motors, on the other hand, do not spin continuously. Their rotation is constrained by the fixed angles that are between them.
Battery Charging Process: This project was designed to have a backup battery so as to enable it work when there is no public power supply. The charging is achieved by using an SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) to convert AC to DC for the XL4016 DC-DC CC/CV buck converter. The bulk converter is used to regulate the 18VDC input from the SMPS to 15VDC for charging the 12V5AH Lead acid battery. This battery is used to power the entire system.
XL4016 300W 9A DC-DC CC/CV Buck Converter: This is a powerful and versatile module designed for efficient voltage regulation in various electronic projects. Capable of delivering up to 300W and 9A, this converter supports both constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) modes, making it ideal for battery charging, power supply regulation, and LED driving applications. Featuring high conversion efficiency and a wide input voltage range, the XL4016 ensures reliable performance and energy savings. Its robust design includes various protection, ensuring safe and stable operation. Perfect for hobbyists and professionals, this buck converter is a reliable choice for high-power applications.
Figure 9. XL4016 300W 9A DC-DC CC/CV Buck Converter
Specification:
Module Nature: non-isolated buck constant current, constant voltage module (CC CV) charging module
Input Voltage: 5-40V
Output Voltage: 1.2-35V
Output Current: up to 9A
Conversion Efficiency: up to about 95% (the higher the output voltage, the higher the efficiency)
Working Frequency: 300KHZ
No-load Current: typical 20mA (24V to 12V)
Constant Current Accuracy and Temperature: In actual test, the temperature on the module changes from 25 degrees to 60 degrees, and the constant current value changes less than 5% (constant current value 5A)
Potentiometer Adjustment Direction: clockwise (increase), counterclockwise (decrease) close to the input potentiometer for voltage regulation (CV), near the output potentiometer for current regulation (CC)
Indicator Light: Two-color indicator light, the indicator light is red during charging, the charging completion indicator is green (no load is green). The indicator without constant current is red.
Output Short Circuit Protection: Yes, constant current (current setting constant current value)
Application: adjustable power supply (12A power is large enough), high power LED driver, LED display driver, lead battery charging, lithium battery charging, vehicle power supply, car laptop power supply (buck), regulated power supply, low voltage system power supply.
Battery Charging Usage:
1. Determine the float voltage and charge current of the rechargeable battery you need, the input voltage of the module;
2. Adjust the constant voltage positioner and adjust the output voltage to about 5V.
3. Use the multimeter 10A current block to measure the output short-circuit current, and adjust the constant current potentiometer to make the output current reach the predetermined charging current value;
4. Adjusting the constant voltage position device to make the output voltage reach the float voltage;
5. Connect the battery and try to charge.
12V 5AH Lead Acid Battery: This serves as the backup power to enable the Dustbin work when there is no public power supply. It is a 12V 5AH battery that can carry that power the dustbin for more than 7days of continuous use without being charging.
Figure 10. 12V 5AH Lead Acid Battery
The 12V battery is charged through the SMPS that converts 100-220vac supply to 18Vdc, the 18v dc is applied as input to the XL4016 dc-dc buck converter/charger. The XL4016 does the voltage and current regulation for charging the battery efficiently with the necessary protections like over charge/under discharge protection. This will help to save the life of the battery.
System Power Supply: The arduino nano microcontroller, the ultrasonic sensors, servo motor and other circuit in the project requires 5V to operate optimally, so the LM2596 buck dc-dc converter was used to convert the 12V from the battery to 5V to be able to power the system.
LM2596 Buck DC-DC Converter Module: The LM2596 buck dc-dc power module is a versatile step-down voltage regulator used to convert a higher input voltage to a lower, stable output voltage. It features the LM2596 integrated circuit and is widely used in various applications requiring efficient power conversion. This module is known for its high efficiency, adjustable output voltage, and ease of use.
Figure 11. LM2596 buck dc-dc converter module
Technical Specifications:
Input Voltage Range: 4V to 40V DC
Output Voltage Range: 1.25V to 37V DC (adjustable)
Output Current: Up to 3A (continuous)
18650 Lithium-ion Battery (3.7V 3800mAH):
A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses the reversible intercalation of Li+ ions into electronically conducting solids to store energy. It is a common rechargeable power source in various electronics especially handheld appliances.
In this project design, two of this batteries are connected in parallel to get 3.7V 7600mAH to be able to power SIM800L Module efficiently. SIM800L draws up to 2A during transmission, so the lithium battery must support at least 2A continuous discharge. That’s why two of them are connected in parallel to get high current capacity to be able to support the SIM800L module.
Figure 12. 18650 Lithium-ion Battery (3.7V 3800mAH)
TP4056 18650 lithium Battery Charger module The TP4056 18650 1A LiPo Battery Charger with Protection Module is a compact and efficient charging solution for 18650 Lithium-ion and LiPo batteries. It includes charging and protection functions, ensuring safe and reliable operation. This module is ideal for battery-powered devices and projects requiring a reliable charging solution with built-in safety features.
Figure 13. TP4056 18650 lithium Battery Charger module
The TP4056 18650 1A LiPo Battery Charger with Protection Module is a compact and efficient charging solution for 18650 Lithium-ion and LiPo batteries. It includes charging and protection functions, ensuring safe and reliable operation. This module is ideal for battery-powered devices and projects requiring a reliable charging solution with built-in safety features.
This module was included in the project design to charge the lithium ion batteries that require about 4.2V for charging. The lithium ion battery is used to power the GSM module (SIM800L) that requires maximum of 4.4V, 2A to operate optimally.
Key Features:
TP4056 charging IC for efficient and accurate charging
1A charging current for fast charging of 18650 LiPo batteries
Protection features for overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit
LED indicators for charging status
Compact design for easy integration into various projects
Technical Specifications:
Charging Current: 1A
Input Voltage: 5V (via micro USB or direct input)
Battery Type: 18650 Lithium-ion or LiPo
Charging Voltage: 4.2V ± 1%
Protection Features: Overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONː In this project, a design of smart bin based on GSM module (SIM 800L) and ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04) and servo motor interface using Arduino nano board as platform is built. The working unit of the proposed system has been successfully developed. GSM SIM800L module is used to send the messages/call while the servo motor is used to open/close the Dustbin lid automatically making it a complete seemless system.
It consists of two ultrasonic sensors (sensor 1 and sensor 2). Sensor 1 is used to detect human presense (about 30cm from the dustbin as set in the program in the chip), once sensor 1 detect an object less than 30cm from the dustbin, it will send signal to the arduino nano, which will in turn send a PWM signal to the servo motor to rotate 900. This 900 rotation will open the dustbin lid through an attached mechanical lever. The lid will remain open until the user moves back a distance greater than 30cm from the dustbin. The servo motor closes the lid as soon as the user moves back a distance greater than 30cm. This is done automatically through the help of the ultrasonic sensor, servo motor and the arduino nano microcontroller.
The sensor 2 was attached to the top of the dusbin to help monitor the depth of the garbages in the dustbin. Once the garbages fill the dustbin to a set depth (about 15cm from the lid), the sensor will send signal to the arduino nano microcontroller. The arduino will interprete the signal from the sensor and signal a corresponding signal to the GSM module (SIM800L) with standard communication interfaces.
Arduino nano board is used as microcontroller platform. Interfacing is done between GSM module and Arduino board by connecting RX pin of module to TX pin of board and vice-versa. ECHO and TRIGGER pins of ultrasonic sensor is connected to digital pins 5 and 13 of Arduino board. Arduino board works at 5V power supply and GSM module requires 2A to power on. Because of the power requirement of the SIM module, two additional lithium batteries (3.7V 3800mAH) connected in parallel was used to power the SIM module. In this design, threshold stature is set at 15cm. Threshold distance is the difference in height at which sensor is placed and the level of garbage fill. During garbage accumulation, whenever the difference falls below threshold value, GSM module is activated to send an alert signal to the concerned authority through an SMS and as well ON a red LED indicator showing that the dustbin is full.
CONCLUSION:
A design of smart bin using GSM module (SIM800L), ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04), servo motor and Arduino nano is successfully developed. A working design has been built to open/close the dustbin lid automatically and monitor the status of the garbage bin through SMS. This smart dustbin can contribute a lot towards clean and hygienic environment. GSM module and ultrasonic sensor, proved to be very efficient in designing a smart bin with arduino as platform. It is concluded that the design of smart bin using gsm module, ultrasonic sensors, servo motor and arduino effectively eliminate over-filling of garbage bins, offer remote smart monitoring and eliminates human contact with the waste bin lid. This smart dustbin can contribute a lot towards clean and hygienic environment.
RECOMMENDATION: Implementation is done only for a single bin. Integration of many bins, each with a unique ID can be monitored by creating database for each bin which can be maintained by using SQL technology. With integration of smart bins, collection can be smarter, more efficient, and less wasteful.
The project can also be redesigned to be powered by solar panels if the dustbin will be located outside the building. Making it more efficient since it will no longer be dependent on the public power supply.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH: The circuit design can be introduced at the garbage collection section of the city making garbage collection operations smarter, more efficient and less wasteful. The design concept can also be evaluated by stakeholders alike for acceptability and impact.
