Extension of Engine Oil Life in the Rural Genset Operation Through Automatic Oil Change.

1. Project Scope:

Genset integration is common in most hybrid power systems. It typically runs continuously if there is a limited scope of renewable energy integration, it runs frequently even though the hybrid system is coupled with other renewable energy sources. It is common practice to replace the engine oil after running a fixed cycle or hours of operation (200-300 hours). Besides, most of the hybrid power systems are installed in rural and hilly areas which adds extra difficulty to maintaining the proper genset maintenance plan including engine oil change. Therefore, the integration of automatic engine oil change options after running the defined cycles or hours of operation would be the potential solution to extend the engine oil life while serving in difficult terrain and ease the smooth operation of the hybrid power system.

2. Project objectives:

In this project, the following are the main objectives to support the project work:

• To develop a prototype of automatic oil change operation using the existing Arduino and stepper pump. Water will be demonstrated as a fluid moving from one container to another after a defined time.
• To Integrate stepper controller and develop the controller circuits.
• To develop the Arduino code to simulate the operation using preliminary circuits connections.

Followings are the major components used in this project:

i.                Arduino Uno

ii.              Breadboard

iii.            Stepper motor

iv.            Stepper motor driver module

v.             Two containers

vi.            Different size jumper cables

vii.           ½” ID Silicone tubing and

viii.         Power supply (Battery casing and batteries).

Resources:

1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0819HMWGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BND65C8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
3. 840Pcs Breadboard Jumper Wire kit for Arduino, 14 Vaules, 2 mm/0.08"-125 mm/4.92" Minidodoca U-Shape Magnetic Jumper Wires Assortment kit & 4Pcs 34cm/13.4 inch Length Alligator Clip Test Leads: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
4. Amazon.com: Stepper peristaltic pump 24V high flow Kamoer KPHM400 lab liquid dosing pump 400ml/min variable speed : Industrial & Scientific
5. Amazon.com: YOUHO 20 Feet PVC- 3/8" ID Clear Vinyl Tubing Food Grade Multipurpose Tube for Beer Line, Kegerator, Wine Making, Aquaponics, Air Hose : Home & Kitchen
6. How To Control Stepper Motor with A4988 Driver and Arduino (howtomechatronics.com)
7. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/ascii/all?print=1.

The base circuit assembly is developed using existing Arduino Uno, breadboard, and metal board. 

The stepper motor controller and heat sink came separately. The heat sink is attached to the controller before installing it on the breadboard. The controller circuit diagram is important to complete all jumper cable connections. It is suggested to keep another controller at hand to review the cable connections, otherwise, the wrong connection might burn the controller, or it will not work. 

After installing the heat sink on the controller, all jumper cables are connected with respect to the controller circuit diagram. 

Trimming of Silicone tubing as needed and installing it with the stepper motors. Then connect the stepper motor with the connection as shown in Fig. 4. 

Connection of the stepper motor with the overall controller circuit assembly and connected to the power source. A 24V power supply is recommended for the stepper motor. In this project, 10 x 1.5V Duracell AA batteries were used to provide power to the stepper motor. 

Connection to the computer: select the COM port, NL & CR in the serial monitor, and 9600 baud in the serial port connection and run the circuit accordingly. 

Use the attached code and run the code. Select R for clockwise and C for counterclockwise rotation and mention the rotation as needed. Check the code for the allowed rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise), speed, and stop functions.