iLeak - Smart Monitoring System of Air Conditioning Water Leakage
Campus Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi)
Year 2023
Technologies / Project Domains Engineering
Smart Areas Smart Living
iLeak is an smart monitoring system designed to address the increasingly prevalent issue of air conditioning water leakage. iLeak offers a low-cost intelligent monitoring solution that combines advanced technology and user-friendly features to detect and prevent water leakage from air conditioning units.

With its real-time data recording, LoRa wireless communication, dual liquid level sensors, Firebase cloud data server, mobile app, and automated alert function, iLeak ensures efficient operation, proactive prevention of water leakage, and timely response to potential issues.
Waterproof Enclosure Design: iLeak is equipped with a robust and waterproof enclosure, ensuring durability and protection against water damage. This design allows for easy and safe installation near the air conditioning unit.

Solar Panel Charging: iLeak utilizes solar panel charging, providing a sustainable and energy-efficient power source. It reduces the need for battery replacement and ensures continuous operation even in areas with limited access to electricity.

Low-Cost and Low-Power Microprocessor (ESP32): iLeak incorporates a low-cost and low-power microprocessor, the ESP32, which enables efficient data processing and transmission while minimizing energy consumption.

Real-time Recording of Ambient Temperature, Humidity, and Vibration Data: iLeak continuously records and monitors the surrounding environment's temperature, humidity, and vibration data in real-time. This data provides valuable insights into potential water leakage risks and helps users take proactive measures.

LoRa Wireless Communication: iLeak utilizes LoRa wireless communication technology, enabling long-range and low-power data transmission. This ensures reliable communication between the monitoring system and the user's mobile app or data server.

Built-in Lithium Battery for Backup: iLeak is equipped with a built-in lithium battery that serves as a backup power source during cloudy or rainy days. This ensures uninterrupted monitoring and alerts even in adverse weather conditions.

Snap-on Design for Easy Installation: iLeak features a snap-on design, making it easy and convenient to install near the air conditioning unit. Users can quickly attach and detach the device without the need for complex installation procedures.

Dual Non-Contact Liquid Level Sensors: iLeak utilizes dual non-contact liquid level sensors to simultaneously monitor the tray and drain pipe conditions. This comprehensive monitoring ensures early detection of water leakage and prevents potential damage.

Firebase Cloud Data Server: iLeak integrates with Firebase, a cloud data server, to securely store and manage the monitoring data. Users can access this data through the mobile app or data dashboard for real-time monitoring and analysis.

Mobile App and Automated Alert Function: iLeak offers a user-friendly mobile app that allows users to monitor the water leakage status, receive automated alerts, and take necessary actions. Users can also bind their accounts to their actual residential units for accurate monitoring.

AIoT Applications:

- Utilizing LoRa wireless communication technology for long-distance and low-power wireless data transmission.
- Building machine learning models to predict the risk level of water leakage in specific units based on sensor data and other temporal data, enabling proactive preventive measures.
- Integrating historical data, current conditions, and AI predictions through algorithms to establish priority monitoring lists.
- Property management companies can quickly grasp the current water leakage situation and identify problem areas through the mobile app or data dashboard charts.
- Automated notification mechanism to contact property management companies, effectively addressing the issue of unaware residents and lack of proper channels for reporting.
- Objective and visualized data that can serve as evidence for future investigations, reducing unnecessary disputes.
- IoT wireless monitoring as a more efficient alternative to traditional on-site inspections or telescopic methods.
- 24/7 operation to effectively cover the prime air conditioning usage period without interruption throughout the year.
- Self-diagnostic function to ensure the proper operation of the monitoring device.