Overview
Things
Story

Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Components
Step 2: Design the System
Step 3: Wiring the Circuit
Step 4: Write the Arduino Code
Step 5: Test the System
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Step 7: Enclose the System

Published December 25, 2024 © Apache-2.0

HydroPaws: Arduino-Based Automated Pet Hydration Station

An Arduino-powered automated pet water dispenser ensures pets stay hydrated by dispensing water based on time and water level.

IntermediateFull instructions providedOver 2 days108

HydroPaws: Arduino-Based Automated Pet Hydration Station

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Arduino UNO

tubing

Relay Module (Generic)

water level sensor

9V battery (generic)

water pump

Solderless Breadboard Full Size

Jumper wires (generic)

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Story

Working Prototype

Block Diagram

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Components

Step 2: Design the System

Block Diagram:

Water Level Sensor detects the water level in the bowl.
Arduino receives data from the water level sensor and processes it.
Relay Module receives signals from the Arduino and controls the Water Pump.
Water Pump activates to fill the bowl when the water level is low.
Power Supply provides energy to the system.

Step 3: Wiring the Circuit

Water Level Sensor:

VCC connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
GND connects to the GND pin on the Arduino.
Signal Pin connects to an analog pin (e.g., A5).
Water Level Sensor:VCC connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino.GND connects to the GND pin on the Arduino.Signal Pin connects to an analog pin (e.g., A5).

Relay Module:

VCC connects to the 5V pin on Arduino.
GND connects to the GND pin on Arduino.
IN Pin connects to a digital pin (e.g., D3) on Arduino.
COM connects to the positive terminal of the water pump.
NO (Normally Open) connects to the positive side of the power supply.
NC (Normally Closed) is unused in this setup.
The negative terminal of the water pump connects to the negative terminal of the power supply.
Relay Module:VCC connects to the 5V pin on Arduino.GND connects to the GND pin on Arduino.IN Pin connects to a digital pin (e.g., D3) on Arduino.COM connects to the positive terminal of the water pump.NO (Normally Open) connects to the positive side of the power supply.NC (Normally Closed) is unused in this setup.The negative terminal of the water pump connects to the negative terminal of the power supply.

Water Pump:

Connect to the relay module as outlined above.
Water Pump:Connect to the relay module as outlined above.

Power Supply:

Use a 9V battery or a DC power supply to power the Arduino and the pump.
Power Supply:Use a 9V battery or a DC power supply to power the Arduino and the pump.

Step 4: Write the Arduino Code

Step 5: Test the System

Connect the Components: Set up the circuit on the breadboard, ensuring all connections are secure.
Upload the Code: Use the Arduino IDE to upload the code to the Arduino.

Power the System: Connect the power supply and monitor the system's behavior.

Test the water level sensor: Check if the sensor detects the water level accurately.
Test the relay and water pump: Ensure that the relay module activates the water pump when the water level is below the threshold.
Power the System: Connect the power supply and monitor the system's behavior.Test the water level sensor: Check if the sensor detects the water level accurately.Test the relay and water pump: Ensure that the relay module activates the water pump when the water level is below the threshold.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Adjust the Water Level Threshold: You can modify the waterLevelThreshold value to suit your specific needs (i.e., how high or low you want the water level to be before activating the pump).
Debugging: Use the serial monitor in the Arduino IDE to view real-time readings from the water level sensor and ensure proper operation of the pump.

Step 7: Enclose the System

Enclosure: Place the components in a protective enclosure to prevent damage and ensure safety for pets.
Pet-Friendly Design: Ensure there are no sharp edges or easily detachable components that could harm pets.
Test Again: Perform final tests to ensure that the system works as expected in a controlled environment.

Code

HydroPaws Code

 // Define the pins connected to the components
 const int relayPin = 3;
 // Pin connected to the relay module
 const int waterLevelPin = A5; // Analog pin connected to the water level sensor
 // Variables
 int waterLevelThreshold = 300; // Set your desired water level threshold value
 int waterLevel;
 void setup() {
 pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT); // Set relay pin as output
 digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW); // Ensure the relay is initially off
 Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication for debugging
 }
 void loop() {
 // Read the water level sensor
 waterLevel = analogRead(waterLevelPin);
 // Print the water level value (for debugging purposes)
 Serial.print("Water Level: ");
 Serial.println(waterLevel);
College of Engineering– Department of Electrical Engineering
 // Check if water level sensor value is below a certain threshold indicating no water
 if (waterLevel == 0) {
 // If water level is below the threshold, indicate that there is no water
 Serial.println("No water detected!");
 Serial.println("Pump ON");
 digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
 } else if (waterLevel > waterLevelThreshold) {
 Serial.println("Water is High");
 Serial.println("Pump OFF");
 digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
 } else if (waterLevel < waterLevelThreshold) {
 Serial.println("Water is Low");
 digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
 Serial.println("Pump ON");
 }
 delay(1000); // Adjust delay time as needed to avoid rapid readings
 }

Credits

Maria Angeline Adajar

3 projects • 1 follower

I'm a Computer Engineering student passionate about hardware-software integration, data analytics, and embedded systems.

Thanks to Jamaica Kaye Lopez, Mark Joshua Rodil, Carlos Miguel Marabe, and Peter Arellano.

HydroPaws: Arduino-Based Automated Pet Hydration Station