AbstractBy Daniel Reichardt, Amber Reichardt, Thimira Asurapmudalige
The Alaska Tank Sensor is a system designed to address the challenge of monitoring fluid levels in water or heating oil tanks, which is particularly pertinent in Fairbanks’s harsh Arctic conditions. Traditionally, tank levels are checked manually using dipsticks, a method that can be inconvenient and even dangerous, especially during the winter months when tanks may be buried under snow.
To alleviate this issue, the Alaska Tank Sensor utilizes a submersible pressure transducer placed inside the tank to monitor fluid levels continuously. This transducer is connected to a control box installed on the tank's vent pipe. The control box wirelessly transmits data to an interior digital display using a Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller. This display provides real-time information on the tank's fluid levels and temperature, allowing homeowners to monitor their tanks inside their homes conveniently.
The system is designed specifically for the unique challenges of the Fairbanks environment, where extreme cold, darkness, and snow can make manual tank checking difficult or impossible. By offering a reliable and user-friendly monitoring solution, the Alaska Tank Sensor aims to prevent issues such as running out of fuel or water, which can lead to property damage and inconvenience.