Design of a Shipboard Sewage Treatment Plant Control and Monitoring System Using Microcontroller

This study focuses on the design and simulation of a microcontroller-based control and monitoring system for a shipboard sewage treatment plant aimed at improving operational reliability and automation. The system employs a dual microcontroller configuration using PIC16F84A devices to manage the operation of essential components, including the inlet pump, aerator, discharge pump, and dosing pump under both automatic and manual modes. A timing-based control approach is implemented to ensure proper sequencing of system operations and maintain stable wastewater flow between treatment stages. In addition to control functions, the system incorporates monitoring features that continuously track operating conditions and provide immediate feedback on system status. Abnormal conditions, such as overflow, are detected through sensor inputs and indicated by an alarm system with buzzer notification. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is integrated to present operating modes, system status, and fault indications for effective user interaction. The designed system is modelled and tested using Proteus Design Suite to evaluate its performance under normal and fault conditions. Simulation results indicate stable operation, accurate response to control inputs, and effective detection of system abnormalities. Overall, the designed system offers a practical and cost-effective solution suitable for shipboard sewage treatment applications, with potential for further enhancement in advanced automation systems.