Flood Finder - IoT Flood Detection Network

Role: Sole Engineer | Collaboration with Golden Beach Vice Mayor & Town Manager
Tools: Tinkercad, ESP32 microcontroller, Ultrasonic Sensors, Soldering and Circuitry, WiFi, Data Management, VSCODE (In development), LoRaWAN (In development)

Overview:
Flood Finder is a real-time flood monitoring network designed to help track and therefore prevent property damage in flood-prone neighborhoods such as Golden Beach.

Engineering Process:
First I identified the issue which was unpredictable flooding in my neighborhood. This led to me coming up with the concept of flood finder which would be a simple way to monitor flooding in the neighborhood by tracking the height of water in the streets. After identifying the key components for the first iteration, which consisted of an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, ESP32, LiPo Battery, and solar panels, I soldered them all together and fit them inside a custom 3D printed case. I then uploaded a code that allows the data received from the distance sensor to be sent wirelessly to a database. That completed my first prototype. I then met with both the Vice Mayor and Town Manager of Golden Beach to receive full permission for the piloting of the devices. Currently, I am in the process of creating an app to more easily track flooding as well as integrating LoRaWAN data in order for it to operate seamlessly across the neighborhood.

Impact:
Currently being installed across Golden Beach as part of a pilot program with the local government. The system enables early warning and data-driven flood prevention planning for coastal municipalities.

Images and Videos:
Presentation which attained offers of funding and approval of installation by Town