Remote Controlled Hydro Trash Collector

A research proposal submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirement in Practical

Research 2, during the Second Semester

AGONOS, ANGELA

DELOS SANTOS ROCHELLE

GUAZON, MARIELLE VIANCA

INTIA, GAYE ALEC

LAGRIMAS, PERCIA MARIE

NUÑEZ, JOLENA

REYES, HAZEL

TALAGTAG, DARWIN

Proponents
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Trash or dirty waste materials that are either biodegradable or non-biodegradable

spread almost everywhere especially in this country like a disease that threatens the

environment the same way a disease threatens an individual which eventually causes

death of humans and other living organisms.

As stated by One Green Planet org, there is approximately 300 million tons of

plastic materials generated every year, and 85% of the world’s plastic is not being

recycled meaning, 85% is sent to landfills and more likely than not, the oceans, rivers,

and creeks. This problem gets worse when people lack discipline and awareness,

thinking that it is convenient to throw garbage on a creek than wait for a garbage truck

for collection.

The World Health Organization stated that water-related diseases could kill 135

million people by 2020. Considering that the earth is 70% water and the Philippines is

an archipelago, it can be concluded that when garbage continues to become a problem,

the world we live in is in great danger.

 To help address the above problems, the researchers will be conducting an

experiment to formulate a device called the Remote Controlled Hydro Trash Collector

which is an innovation of a previous automated water garbage collector that

continuously runs and collects waste from bodies of water. Several foreign and local

studies were previously conducted but the effect is not as evident as expected. Some

related devices that were made are too big and costly and are only available in certain

places that have enough fund and facilities to be able to operate and maintain such

device. Other devices were not being reproduced and implemented, some are smaller

and have limited functions that do not feature a speed controller.

This study aims to design and develop a device that is cheaper, efficient and

large enough to contain a reasonable amount of garbage in particular creeks and help in

cleaning small bodies of water in the municipality of Nabua, Camarines Sur to minimize

the waste and mitigate possible diseases that may break out due to floods and dirty

water. It will be made using the combination of electronic and mechanical parts such as

Remote Control, Servo motor, 12-V Relay, Speed Controller, propellers and Arduino

Microcontroller.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study’s goal is to formulate a device called Remote Controlled Hydro Trash Collector

which will be tested for efficiency. It specifically aims to answer the following questions:

1. How will the air resistance affect the device?

2. How functional is the device in terms of:

 a. Operation

b. Effectiveness

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study will focus on testing the efficiency of the device in cleaning the creeks within

the vicinity of Nabua, Camarines Sur by means of collecting and gathering common

garbage using the Remote Controlled Hydro Trash Collector including plastic bags,

sachets, diapers, plastic bottles, dry leaves and sacks from households and nearby areas

of the creek which will be conducted from October 2018 to March 2019. The researchers

limited the study to the big bodies of water as it only aims to efficiently reduce garbage

in creeks and to help mitigate floods and diseases that may break out due to it. The

researchers considered creating a realistic and proper design based on the function of

the device.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of this study will provide suggestive solutions in minimizing waste in small

bodies of water and will benefit the following:

Community. This study will help the community in minimizing hazardous waste that

can lead to water-related diseases and mitigate floods caused by clogged creeks and its

nearby areas that are being used as dump sites.

Environment. Cleaning up waste in creeks can help in reducing the risk of water

pollution, conserve marine life and ecosystem.

Local Government Units (LGUs). This study might lessen the time, manpower and

money allotted in collecting garbage in creeks. It can be a great help for the programs

conducted by the government which are related to water waste management and flood

mitigation.

Waste Collectors. The success of this study will be of great help to the cleaners of

the community because they will be introduced to a new method and technique of

cleaning creeks without soaking themselves in contaminated water.

Students. This study might boost the interest of the students to further knowledge and

skills for them to acquire the expertise needed for their respective degree programs in

the future.

Future Researchers. This study can contribute as a guide and basis of the future

researchers who plan to conduct a related study.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In the study of Audal J. Z. et.al,. (2017) entitled “Ecological Waste Analysis of

Balayan Creek”, the researchers stated that there are different producers of garbage
that are found in the Balayan Creek (Nabua, Camarines Sur) and most came from

municipal, business establishments and residential areas. There are different kinds of

wastes found such as plastic wrappers, used diapers and napkins, scrap metals, sand

papers, cleaning agents, lighters, and used batteries. These wastes are much

concentrated in downstream compared to upper and mid-stream of creeks.

Other countries already proposed and made a solution to address their problems

regarding the floating garbage in the bodies of water. An example is the study of

Nurlansa et. Al, 2014 which aims to design and make AGATOR (Automatic Garbage

Collector), a rotor robot model as automatic garbage collector to counter accumulation

of garbage in the river which has no flow effectively and efficiently. The method of

implementation of the study is design and construction which includes the identification

of needs, analysis of the components required specifically, hardware and software

engineering, developing, and testing. Obtaining the data requires the test result by

specification of AGATOR includes IC ATMega16 with 5 Volt voltage and 1,1 mAmpere

current, IC Driver with 12 Volt voltage and 1,2 Ampere current, and Limit switch as the

controller. Support devices of the robot include mechanical robot, robot control system,

sensor system, and actuator robot. The maximum load drives the garbage receptacle

until 5 kg. The average speed of robot when taking out garbage is 0,26 m/s.

In Project “Advanced River Cleaner”, the researchers introduced an advanced

river cleaning system in their community. Sirohi P. S. et.al,. (2017) states how the

project helps their community and how it works. The device has turbines that are

generated by the movement of flowing river water. Through mechanical gear

arrangement, two conveyor belts were arranged. The first conveyor belt is used for

collecting garbage from rivers and the second conveyor belt is used to push the garbage

out from river. Solid waste is collected and then by proper method, solid waste

management is done.

Jadhav P. V. et.al. “Design and Fabrication of River Waste Cleaning Machine”

introduced a machine designed to clean river water surface. The remote operated river

cleaning machine can help in river surface cleaning in an effective and ecological friendly

way. This machine consists of DC motors, RF transmitter and receiver, propeller, PVC

pipes and chain drive with the conveyor attached to it for collecting wastage, garbage &

plastic wastages from water bodies.

Soumya, H. M., & Gadgay, B. (2018) created a device called the “Pond Cleaning

Robot'' which helps in cleaning ponds to reduce water pollution. It involves the removing

of the waste debris from water surface. The pond cleaning robot works via navigation of

Bluetooth devices to extract waste water debris, plastics & garbage from Godavari River

at Nashik. The researchers used a Bluetooth module to operate the robot via 2 DC

motors at 300RPMappox. The device can be controlled by android smartphones that

feature Bluetooth.

In the study entitled “Design and Analysis of River Water Skimmer” of Munde, K.,

& Wagh, M. N. (2018), it was presented that the researchers invented a machine that

can clean rivers within their community. The machine is remote operated to reduce the

manpower and time consumption for cleaning the river. In this project, the researchers
have automated the operation of river cleaning with help of a motor and chain drive

arrangement. Using RF transmitter and receiver, the machine can be controlled.

Automation can be achieved through computers, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, etc.,

of these sources, pneumatics forms an attractive medium for low cost automation.

In the Philippines, a study entitled Efficient Waterwheel Garbage Collector was

conducted. The researchers made a boat that has a conveyor and a waterwheel that is

placed on the shaft & bearings support. According to Briones C. et.al,. (2018), this boat

will be anchored in rivers facing directly towards the current of the water. Due to the

current, the waterwheel turns. Power is transmitted to the conveyor system by means of

a belt drive and a pulley mounted on the shaft. As the conveyer moves, it collects the

water debris, waste garbage & plastics from rivers. The garbage collected by the

conveyor will be put in the plastic box located at the rear view of the boat. When the

box is full, the garbage can be collected manually.

Calimlim J. and Castanianes B. (2018) generated a robot specifically designed for

exploration and solid waste collection. The conveyor consists of Rubberized belt and

arduino based system. The device has four propellers for navigation. All of which are

made from Lego Robotics. It also features LED Lights for night vision. The Machine is

made out of recyclable materials. Entirely, this robot is made out of PVC pipes, storage

boxes, polycarbonates, acrylic sheets and pool needles as floaters. The project was

purposely built mainly to protect and save Benham Rise from destruction caused by

human irresponsibility.
 Some studies are already well-developed and funded by companies like the Mr.

Trash Wheel. It is now used in Baltimore waterfront. As written in The Journal of Ocean

Technology, Lindquist A. (2016) wrote that John Kellett, a local man who was tired of

seeing trash flow into the Baltimore Harbor during rainstorms, invented the device

known as Mr. Trash Wheel. Kellett had the ingenious idea of combining new and old

sustainable technologies to cleanly and efficiently collect trash at the end of the river

before it reaches the open waters of the Baltimore Harbor and Chesapeake Bay. Mr.

Trash Wheel’s primary engine is a 4-meter steel water wheel powered by the current of

the river. It also has an array of thirty solar panels to power pumps that pump water

onto the wheel so that the machine can continue to operate even when the current of

the river is slow. During a large rainstorm these two systems work in tandem to give the

machine the strength it needs to collect anything that floats down the river, from a

single cigarette butt to an entire tree.

END NOTES

Daniels, N. C. (2014). Drainage System Cleaner A Solution to Environmental Hazards.

International Referred Journal of Engineering and Science, Vol No-3.

http://ijariie.com/AdminUploadPdf/AUTOMATIC_FLOATING_WASTE_COLLECTOR_ijariie5459.pdf

Nurlansa, O., Istiqomah, D. A., & Pawitra, M. A. S. (2014). AGATOR (Automatic Garbage

Collector) as Automatic Garbage Collector Robot Model. International Journal of Future

Computer and Communication, 3(5), 367.

http://baltimorewaterfront.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/V11N2-essay-Lindquist.pdf

https://seabinproject.com/pdf/seabin_overview_book.pdf

Sirohi, P. S., Dev, R., Gautam, S., Singh, V. K., & Kumar, S. (2017). Advance River

Cleaner. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 3(4).

Idhris, M. M., Elamparthi, M., Kumar, C. M., Nithyavathy, D. N., Suganeswaran, M. K., &

Arunkumar, M. S. Design and fabrication of remote controlled sewage cleaning Machine.

Rafique, S. M. S. M., & Langde, A. Design And Fabrication Of River Cleaning Machine.

Soumya, H. M., & Gadgay, B. (2018). POND CLEANING ROBOT.

Munde, K., & Wagh, M. N. Design and Analysis of River Water Skimmer

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Craig_Refugio/publication/325651911_Efficient_W

aterwheel_Garbage_Collector/links/5b1a9fd0a6fdcca67b670a56/Efficient-Waterwheel-

Garbage-Collector.pdf?origin=publication_detail

https://pop.inquirer.net/48903/pinoy-students-design-robots-explore-protect-benham-

rise

SYNTHESIS OF THE STATE-OF-THE-ART

Improper waste segregation and disposal happens not just in a particular place

but almost everywhere on the planet. In Southeast Asia, Philippines ranked 2nd, next to

Vietnam, and ranked 66th in the world for the “dirtiest country” according to the
Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2016. One of its effects is Water Pollution.

Philippines has been facing this environmental problem since then. It causes flash floods

in urban and in low-lying areas. It is because household waste are sometimes dumped

in creeks and rivers creating clogs or blockages. One of the communities that are prone

to flood is the municipality of Nabua. Short periods of rain causes flood to some areas

especially those which are within the vicinity of creeks and drainages. Aside from

garbage, another factor that causes flood is the topographical location of the

municipality being 12.9 meters above sea level which is lower compared to its

neighbouring towns.

In solution, local governments implement clean-up drives and perform several

ways to collect floating waste. Some can be done either manually or using nets with

long handles, by means of using a boat, skimmers and others. But aside from being

risky, costly and time consuming, these traditional methods are inefficient compared to

what the modern technology can offer. Some studies are conducted to effectively and

efficiently collect surface waste materials on water, ranging from small devices to large

devices, with cheap to expensive materials and these studies aim to achieve one goal

which is to clean up the bodies of water and save them from pollution. The proponents

of the previous studies have created devices that may suggestively help their respective

communities in waste management. It is identified that the studies have several

similarities with the present study that is to be conducted by the researchers such as the

use of solar panels for power supply in order to run the device and also the use of

microcontroller as the brain and its control mechanism.

GAP TO BE BRIDGED BY THE STUDY

From the cited related Literatures and Studies, it can be concluded that there are

specific differences between the existing studies and the present study being conducted

which will be given emphasis in this part such as the type of mechanism structure,

motor, the sensors, power supply and the type of microcontroller used.

AGATOR (Automatic Garbage Collector), the study of Nurlansa O. et.al,. the

researchers used AVR ATMega16 microcontroller which is a controller that is more

complex compared to the PIC 16F877A microcontroller that is much easier to manipulate

so the researchers in this study decided that they will be using the PIC 16F877A as an

alternative for the AVR ATMega16.

The researchers in this study will be using a Servo Motor for more accurate

movements and higher torque performance of the device as recommended in the study

of Jadhav P. V. et.al,. & Soumya, H. M., & Gadgay, B., wherein the researchers used the

type of motor called the DC Motor.

Another recognized difference is in the study of Briones C. et.al,. that uses the

current of river as its main source of power. The previous studies have varying choices
of power sources but the researchers decided that since the energy coming from the

heat of the sun can be harnessed for free, they might as well use it.

Control System Theory

(Microcontroller)

REMOTE
Principle of CONTROLLED Concept of
HYDRO
Robotics Motors
TRASH
COLLECTOR
Figure 1. Theoretical Paradigm

FEEDBACK
 Figure 2. Conceptual Paradigm

Conceptual Framework

The researchers adopted the system approach which includes input, process, and output

system in formulating the conceptual framework of the study

Theoretical Framework

Control system theory. Control system theory deals with the control of continuously

operating dynamical systems which is a subfield of mathematics. The objective of this

theory is to develop a control model for controlling to ensure control stability. To come

up with this, a controller with corrective behaviour is required. The controlled process

variable (PV) is monitored by the controller, and the reference or set point (SP) will be

compared to it. The error signal is the difference of the actual and desired value of the

process variable (PV) which is called SP-PV error, and is applied as feedback to manage

a control action to guide the controlled process variable to the same value as the set

point (SP).

A proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID) is control technique and is widely used

in control systems. Stability, controllability and observability and model identification and
robustness are included in control system theory. There are two types of control

systems, the Open loop control system (non-feedback control systems) and closed loop

control system (feedback control systems).

Since the device will be Remote controlled, the Open loop control system will be used to

be able to control and manage it.

Concepts of electric motor. An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy

to mechanical energy. Interaction between the motor's field and winding currents to

manage force in the form of rotation is how the electric motors operate. Direct current

(DC) sources, such as batteries, vehicle's motor or Alternating current (AC) sources such

as power grid, and electrical generator are the things that can power an electric motor.

Electric motors can be classified as power source type, internal construction, application

and type of motion output. Electric motors are mainly found in industrial fans, pumps,

machine tools, household appliances and power tools. Linear or Rotary forces (torque)

are produced by electric motors. Electric motors can be composed of rotor, bearings,

stator, air gap, windings and commutator.

The position of servo motors can be controlled more precisely than those of standard DC

motors, and they usually have three wires (power, ground & control). Servo motors do

not rotate freely like a standard DC motor and are designed for more specific tasks. Its

angle of rotation is limited to 180 Degrees (or so) back and forth. Servo motors receive

a control signal that represents an output position. When a servo is commanded to

move, it will move to the position and hold on to it, even if external force pushes against
it and it will be a good factor to take note of considering that the device will operate on

a creek wherein the movement of water has a specific direction which may interfere

with the device. The servo will resist from moving out of that position, with the

maximum amount of resistive force the servo can exert being its torque rating.

Principle of robotics. Robot is originated from the Czech word "forced labor". Basically, a

robot is made up of mechanical structure, sensors and systems. It is designed for any

industrial applications and can be classified based on their operational modes, control

systems, mounted tools or interactive mechanism and arm geometry.

Robotics can be applied in the device for it to be programmed and controlled easily.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were operationally defined according to their function in this study:

Trash – discards, scraps or unwanted solid waste materials that are no longer useful.

Remote Control – uses battery as a power source and is used to control the directions

and movement of the device.

Servo motor – the researchers will be using this kind of motor to operate the device’s

movement which has the ability to resist outside forces (i.e. water current) that may

interfere its operation.

12-V Relay- provides complete electrical isolation between the control circuit and the

circuit being controlled which will be used in the Arduino Microcontroller

Speed Controller – used to control the operational speed of the device.

Propellers - consisting of a revolving shaft that has angled blades attached to it

transmitting power by converting rotational motion into thrust, causing the device to

move to the desired direction with the use of the remote control

Conveyors – transport the trash towards the device which will be collected in the trash

container/bin

Arduino Microcontroller – is a type of integrated circuit (IC) or "chip" which activates the

motor of the device

Operational - is a parameter that determines if the device is capable of working properly

when being used.

Effectiveness - is a parameter that measures how efficient is the device in terms of its

functionality.

Functionality - is a parameter that determines if the device is able to perform its function

and carry out the objectives stated in the study.

CHAPTER III
 This chapter presents the methods to be used in the study. It also describes the

research procedure, planning and preparation, designing of the device and the materials

to be used. This study will determine the effectiveness of the water trash collector in the

creeks of Nabua, Camarines Sur.

Research Procedure

The researchers will adapt a well-planned procedure of the device to come up

with the desired output. This includes the planning and preparation, designing,

procedure and testing.

Planning and preparation

Planning is the first stage in developing the device. In this stage, the researchers

will gather data that will be used in fabricating the device by surfing the internet,

consulting skilled people who are knowledgeable about this topic and reading the

recommendations of the previous study that the researchers will innovate. In chapter 3,

the electronic components and materials will be prepared and properly selected.

Designing
 After the planning stage, the researchers will gather data of possible modification

of different parts of the device in terms of its individual functions. Wide understanding

and proper scrutiny of materials may lessen or avoid problems in the future.

Materials

Required electronic components and materials will be bought and canvassing will

be done beforehand to avoid possible cost overrun.

The next topics are the procedure for the fabrication that will be needed for the

construction of the device.

A. Block Diagram

Block diagram is defined as a diagram in which the units of the device system

are drawn by indicating the correct measurements of each dimensions.

B. Schematic design

Schematic is a representation of the elements of the device using graphic

symbols, lines or abstract rather than realistic images.

Procedures

Assembling the Device

With the sufficient knowledge about the process and the right materials, the

planned design will be constructed.

Programming the PIC

 Two computer softwares will be used in programming the PIC (PIC16F877A),

MPLAB.IDE and PIC Kit 2. First, the program codes will be encoded using the

MPLAB.IDE. It generates the equivalent hex file from the program codes. After saving

the file, the PIC will be connected to the computer through the module. PIC Kit 2 will

detect the PIC and will burn the hex file into it with the help of the module. It will

Definition Pass criteria Failed Criteria

display a notification if the PIC has been successfully programmed.

Testing

The device will be tested in terms of its efficiency in operating, effectiveness and

sensitivity in order to obtain the required data. The test will be performed in the Balayan

Creek of Nabua Camarines Sur.

Figure 3. Criteria for Functionality

Operational is a parameter

that determines if the

prototype device is capable of

working properly when being

used.

Effectiveness is a parameter

that measures of how

efficient is the device in terms

of its functionality.

Sensitivity is the degree to

which the device’s test or

procedures respond to small

of or slight changes