Energy efficiency through mist tap ablution system-based efficient water usage: an empirical study

<p>&nbsp;INTRODUCTION</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Manual water faucets are very common in mosques and homes. They do not control water usage well. This often leads to problems. One big issue is that a lot of water gets wasted when people do not turn off the faucet properly or leave it running for a time. This is not wasting a natural resource but it also increases the cost of running the water system over time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition to the problems with faucets, managing water tanks is also very important for using water. In some cases water tanks are filled up by hand. There is no system to alert people when the tank is full. This can cause the tank to overflow, wasting water and potentially damaging the surrounding area.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To solve these problems a new automated water management system for ablution has been developed using Arduino technology. This system is connected to Telegram, which's a communication platform. The automated water management system aims to make water usage more efficient and convenient for users. It has a faucet that works without people having to touch it. An ultrasonic sensor detects when someones hands or body are under the faucet and it only turns on the water when needed. This greatly reduces the amount of water that is wasted. A solenoid valve is used of a faucet, which gives precise control over the water flow based on what the sensor detects.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The automated water management system also has a feature to monitor the water tank. A water pump is used to refill the tank when the water level gets too low.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To make it easier for people to interact with the automated water management system and monitor it a crystal display or LCD is included. The LCD shows the water level whether the pump is working and whether there is water at the faucet. Furthermore to monitor the automated water management system from a distance the software is connected to Telegram. This way the person in charge of the mosque will get notifications about the status of the water supply.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1.1 Background of the Study</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Water is essential for life. We need water to survive. Water plays a role in our routines. Having access to water is crucial not for drinking but for hygiene and doing chores at home. Therefore it is very important to manage and conserve water resources responsibly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In contexts water has meaning. For Muslims water is necessary for performing Wudu, which's the ritual cleaning that must be done before praying. This involves washing parts of the body including the face, hands, arms, head and feet using running water. Since Muslims pray five times a day the demand for water in ablution is constant in mosques where many people gather to pray.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most mosques still use faucets for ablution. These faucets require people to turn the handles to control the water flow. While this method is simple it is not very efficient. Faucets are often left running for a time because people forget or are not paying attention, which leads to a lot of water being wasted. Moreover using the faucets repeatedly causes the parts to wear out often resulting in leaks that waste water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Another challenge is storing water. Mosques usually rely on tanks on the roof to have a water supply but filling and monitoring these tanks is typically done by hand. If no one checks the tanks the pumps may keep running even after the tanks are full causing the water to overflow, wasting water and using energy. On the hand if the tanks are not checked enough there may not be water during peak usage times.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1.2 Problem Statement</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In mosques the ablution systems still use faucets, which often result in water usage because the flow is not regulated and people do not always use them correctly. Water storage is also managed without automation, which increases the risk of the tanks overflowing or running out of water. Although there are some automated solutions they usually only focus on regulating the water flow. Do not provide a solution to make water usage more efficient. Most of these solutions also lack real-time monitoring or features to save energy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Additionally there is often a gap between the advancements. What people are willing to accept. Some individuals may think that flow or mist-based systems are not as effective for cleaning. Therefore a balanced solution is needed, one that reduces water and energy consumption while keeping users confident and satisfied.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This study introduces an ablution system that uses misting technology along with sensors and monitoring tools to address these inefficiencies and make water usage more sustainable. The automated water management system is designed to reduce water waste and make water usage more efficient&nbsp;</p> <p>1.3 Research Objectives</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The main goal of this research is to compare a misting tap-based ablution system to tap systems and see how well it improves water efficiency and supports energy sustainability. The automated water management system is designed to make water usage more efficient and convenient for users. The main objective is:&nbsp;</p> <p>1. To check at about the comfort level of people, about the Abultion quality and adoption if they want to use the misting tap system, for cleaning compared to regular tap systems by survey analysis</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2. To check how the water level efficiency ,energy level efficiency and how much cost is saved by using the misting tap system against the regular tap system by experimental analysis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1.4 Thesis Outlines</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This thesis talks about the design, implementation and assessment of a mist-based ablution system that aims to improve water sustainability compared to systems. It starts with an introduction that discusses the water scarcity the inefficiencies in ablution practices and the need for ideas. Then it clearly states the objectives and research questions. A thorough review of the literature looks at existing water-saving technologies, smart IoT systems, patterns of ablution water use and the role of machine learning in analyzing user behavior identifying gaps in approaches.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The proposed system includes components like Arduino microcontrollers flow sensors, mist nozzles and automated controls supported by models to estimate flow rates and water savings. To understand user perception a survey was developed that covers aspects like comfort, perceived cleanliness, awareness of sustainability and willingness to adopt the system with data collected from user groups. The responses were analyzed using machine learning techniques, including Logistic Regression and Random Forest to predict user satisfaction and attitudes toward sustainability.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>At the time an experimental setup compared mist-based systems under controlled conditions measuring the water consumption. The results were evaluated using both indicators, such as water saved, energy efficiency and cost benefits and qualitative factors such as comfort, usability and user experience supported by statistical and visual analysis methods. The findings are discussed in terms of implications, advantages and limitations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally the thesis concludes by summarizing the contributions the development of a water-saving solution and the integration of machine learning for user behavior analysis while suggesting improvements, such, as broader IoT connectivity, real-time monitoring and potential large-scale deployment.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1.5 Summery</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This study looks at the inefficiencies, in ablution systems found in mosques and homes where manual faucets often lead to water waste to user control and overuse. The lack of oversight of water storage systems also contributes to overflow, water loss and higher operational costs. To address these issues an automated mist-based water management system i</p> <p>s proposed, using Arduino and sensor technologies.</p> <p>Literature review:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.1 Introduction</p> <p>Water is one of the important natural resources and managing it in a sustainable way has become a big concern because more people are living in cities and using more water. Using water wisely is very important in activities where it is often wasted. One of these activities is ablution, which's a required practice in Islam before prayers. Even though it is important for reasons people often use too much water during ablution which leads to a lot of waste.This chapter looks at research about how much water's used during ablution the problems with old systems and new technologies that can save water. It shows what is missing in solutions and explains the problem this study is trying to solve.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.2 Water Consumption in Ablution Practices</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Using water during ablution is a big issue that is often ignored, especially in places where water is scarce. Millions of people do ablution times a day and even small problems can add up to a lot of water use. In systems people often use more water than they need because the tap is always on there is no way to control the flow and people don't know how to save water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Taps are often left running during the process, which wastes water without making anything cleaner. This overuse puts a lot of pressure on water supplies makes the system for treating and sending water work harder and uses energy and money. Since this is done times each day the total impact on water resources is big.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To fix this people need ways to use water. Technologies like taps that turn on when needed flow control devices and mist systems can help a lot. These systems give water when and where it is needed and in the right amount. When combined with education using these technologies in religious activities can help save water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Changing habits with technology can help make ablution practices more sustainable while still following religious rules.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Studies show that there are problems with how water is used now. Zaied found that 30 to 47 percent of the water used in ablution is wasted because the tap is always on and people have habits. Farooq and Ansari also saw that people use much water because they don&rsquo;t know better and the systems don&rsquo;t control the flow.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Islamic teachings say that water should be saved when there is plenty.. In real life people don&rsquo;t always follow these rules. So there is a need for new technologies that help with saving water and still follow religious beliefs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.3 Limitations of Traditional Tap Systems</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Traditional taps are used a lot in homes, mosques and public places. They are seen as simple and reliable. However they have problems that make them not efficient in places where saving water is important.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One big problem is that the water flow is not controlled. Once the tap is turned on it keeps running at the rate no matter how much is needed. During activities like ablution, where water is not needed all the time this causes much use. People often leave the tap running between steps, which adds up to a lot of wasted water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These systems also depend a lot on what people do. It is up to the user to turn the tap on and off. This means there is a chance that people leave it running by accident or don&rsquo;t turn it off completely. In places where many people use the tap there is not much responsibility making the problem worse. Over time this leads to water loss and higher costs for maintenance and water supply.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Another problem is that traditional taps don&rsquo;t keep track of how much water's used. There is no way to see how much is being used in time which makes it hard to understand how to save water. Without this information people and managers can&rsquo;t see how bad the waste is.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These taps are not built with efficiency in mind. Unlike systems they don&rsquo;t use sensors or automatic controls to change how they work. This means they can&rsquo;t adjust to what people need or the environment. As a result they don&rsquo;t work well as they could.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hygiene is also a problem in public areas. Touching the tap can spread germs. This is more important now because people care more about health.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Abdullah says that old taps are not efficient because they depend on people. These problems show that there is a need for systems that make sure water is used properly without depending on what people do.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In short while traditional taps are cheap and easy to put in their problems like flow, reliance on people, no tracking, being inefficient and hygiene issues make them not good for saving water. Fixing these issues needs more efficient technology.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.4 Smart and Automated Water Control Systems</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Smart and automated water control systems are an improvement in how water is managed today. They use technology, efficiency and sustainability to deal with the problem of water. As more people need water, old ways of using it are becoming wasteful. Smart systems offer a way to use water in a better way.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These systems use sensors, small computers and automatic controls. Devices like flow, moisture and pressure sensors collect data about water use and the environment. Small load condition. As can be seen from the base case demand curve, there is a high computers like Arduino process the data. Decide what to do based on set rules. They can turn water on or off based on if someone's there how much is needed or what the system is doing. This helps stop waste from mistakes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One big benefit is saving water. These systems give water only when it is needed and in the amount. Technologies like taps, valves and mist nozzles help control it. In farming smart systems adjust watering based on how wet the soil's which stops using too much. In homes and public areas they cut down waste without making things less useful.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>They also help track. Look at water use in real time. People can see how much they use find leaks and see where they can do better through displays or apps. This helps people make choices. On a level the data can be used in city plans for better water management.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>More hygiene and ease of use are good things. Being able to use the tap without touching it helps stop germs from spreading in places where a lot of people use it. Automation also makes it easier to use. Water is more available and simpler to use.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With these benefits there are problems. The cost is more than systems and setting them up and keeping them working might need some knowledge. The system also needs to be built and have power. However as technology gets better and cheaper these issues are getting easier to handle.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>New developments in computers have led to new ideas like using Arduino controllers with sensors that control the water flow automatically.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jamil made a system for ablution that saved about 44 percent of water. Siregar used a computer to make a better system that worked better and was easier to use. These systems save a lot of water by not needing people to do things.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In conclusion smart water systems are a way to deal with todays water problems. By using technology in daily uses they help use water better waste less improve hygiene and give useful information through real time data. As the world wants to use water these smart systems will play a big part, in using water wisely.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.5 Misting Technology for Efficient Water Usage</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mist tap technology is a way to save water. It works by turning water into a spray of tiny drops like mist fog. It helps with things like cooling, cleaning and keeping things humid.This is really important because we do not have a lot of water in the world.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The main idea behind misting technology is to break water into drops. We do this by forcing water through nozzles. This makes the water spread out evenly and work better. Misting technology can do the things as old methods but it uses a lot less water.</p> <p>consume surplus energy and grid voltage regulation for managing peak loads. [11]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One of the things about misting technology is that it saves water. Old systems waste water because it runs off or splashes around. Misting technology gives us water in a controlled way. For example when we wash our hands misting technology makes sure we get water without wasting any. This is good for homes and public places.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We also use misting technology to cool things down outside and to help plants grow. When it is hot the fine mist helps cool the air down. In farming misting technology helps keep the air humid and makes sure plants are healthy. It also stops us from using much water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Misting technology is also good for keeping us clean and comfortable. The gentle spray of water makes it nice to use. If we use automation with misting technology it only turns on when we need it which saves more water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are some problems with misting technology. The machines that make the mist can be expensive and if the water is not clean it can clog up the system. We need to take care of the system to make it work well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Misting technology is a way to save water. It gives us water in drops instead of a steady stream. This way we get water to clean things but we do not waste any.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Some studies, like the one by Al-Gheethi show that if we use water but still get everything clean we can save a lot of water. Misting technology is already used for cooling and watering plants. We do not use it much for washing. This means we can come up with ideas to make it better.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In the end misting technology is a way to save water. It helps us use water in a way and does not waste any. We can use it for things like keeping us clean helping plants grow cooling things down and saving water. As we try to find ways to save water misting technology will become more and more important.</p> <p>2.6 System Overview</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This study will use a mix of ways to collect and analyze data. We need to look at how the new misting system works and how people use it. Other studies, like the ones by R. A. Zaied and Farooq and Ansari show that ways of washing waste a lot of water. We need to make automated systems to control the waterThis study will look at both the human sides of the new misting system. We will do things in an order:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1. Design the system</p> <p>2. Test the system</p> <p>3. Ask people what they think</p> <p>4. Look at the data and make models</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We will follow the steps that other smart water systems use, like the ones suggested by IoT based water management system and The water-energy nexus, in Middle East and North Africa.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.1: Proposed Workflow</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The above analytical framework will support the analysis of survey results in implementing a sustainable approach to water usage in ablution activities. By incorporating statistical analysis and machine learning, the study will not only estimate how the proposed system will reduce water wastage but also examine how it affects the behaviors of the users. As a result, the study will be in a position to provide the best strategy that can be used to promote water savings and energy efficiency in the community.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.7 Survey Design</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For the survey component of the research, the convenience sampling technique will be utilized for surveying prospective users of the new mist based Wudu system. This is because the researchers cannot target the entire population of the country but only a representative sample of that population. In addition, several previous studies including Water use and time analysis in ablution from taps by R. A. Zaied [1] and Water conservation in ablution: A case study by Farooq and Ansari [5] indicate the importance of analyzing human behavior towards water conservation devices and systems.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A survey questionnaire will be administered to collect data about user&rsquo;s comfort in terms of convenience and water saving potential of the proposed smart mist based Wudu prototype. The survey questions will be designed to obtain statistical information on user&rsquo;s perceptions and views regarding:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&middot; Comfort in implementing the new system for ablution</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&middot; Perception on water conservation</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&middot; Awareness on energy consumption and saving</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&middot; Level of satisfaction with the new system</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&middot; Likelihood of adopting the system in future</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The survey questionnaire will be administered to mosque visitors, students in institutions of learning, and members of the general public. The data will be collected using both online and manual methods. The online survey questionnaires will be distributed using Google Forms whereas the manual survey will be carried out through direct interaction with the respondents. The combination of both online and manual methods will ensure that the results obtained are statistically reliable and credible. This is because the data collected will not be based on the perspectives of individuals with internet access only but rather people who can provide reliable information about the new system. The current study will be similar to previous surveys such as Water use and time analysis in ablution from taps by R. A. Zaied [1] and Water conservation in ablution: A case study by Farooq and Ansari [5].&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8 Hardware Components</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The new mist based Wudu system will consist of the following hardware components:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8.1. Ultrasonic / IR Sensor: This component will detect the movement and position of an individual&rsquo;s hand close to the water outlet. It will then send a signal to Arduino Uno which will trigger the next procedure. Using sensors in this capacity will ensure minimal amount of water wastage [7].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2,2 Ultrasonic sensor</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8.2. Arduino Uno Microcontroller: This is the main component of the system. It will respond to the signal received from the ultrasonic sensor, process it and react accordingly by controlling the power flow to the other components such as the water pump and the relay. Arduino microcontrollers are commonly used in most automated systems [9] and this study will use them due to their flexibility, features and performance [2].</p> <p>]&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure: 2.3 Aurduino Uno</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8.3. Relay: This component is an electronically operated switch and thus its main function is to control the operation of the water pump. This component allows the Arduino to control the high power pump despite the voltage difference.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.4 Relay Module</p> <p>2.8.4. 12V DC Water Pump &ndash; This will supply water to the mist unit. The power supply to this component will depend on the input signal from the microcontroller. The power rating will be optimized to avoid excessive energy wastage [4].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.5 12V Water Pump</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8.5. Solenoid Valve: This component will be controlled by the microcontroller to open and close the water circuit as needed. The open and close response will be achieved by sending a signal to the solenoid valve through the relay.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.6 Solenoid Valve</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.8.6. Water Flow Sensor : This component will be used to measure the amount of water flowing through the pipe in either direction. The data collected from this sensor will be used to determine the amount of water saved using the new system [5].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2,7 Water Flow Sensor</p> <p>2.8.7. Mist Nozzle &ndash; This component will allow the water to outflow in the form of mist. It will reduce the required amount of water for ablution and therefore help conserve water [8].</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.8 Mist water Nozzle</p> <p>2.9 Experimental Working Principle</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Figure 2.9 Experimental circuit diagram</p> <p>The propose system will ensure appropriate and efficient usage of water, from simple flow to a fine spritz. The main component in the system is the Arduino Nano acting as the master controller.</p> <p>The system has a relay module connected to the arduino nano. On receiving signal from the microcontroller, the relay switches ON to energize the 12v dc power supply. The power supply is connected to the water pump which starts pumping water from the pipeline as well as the solenoid valve which opens to allow water to pass through.</p> <p>The water starts flowing from the pipeline into the water flow sensor that will allow pulses to the arduino nano microcontroller to keep track of the water usage and flow rate. From the sensor, the water flows through to the mist nozzle spritzing water in fine form.</p> <p>The above components play different functions in the system. The arduino Nano handles the switching operations, the relay module handles high power operations, water pump transfers the water from the pipeline, the solenoid valve regulates the water flow, the water flow sensor keeps track of the water being used and lastly, the mist nozzle spritzes the water in mist form to reduce wastage of water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.10 User Behavior and System Acceptance</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There has been a significant relationship between the success rate and the ease of usage of the new system being introduced into the market. This is mainly due to the perception of the system and its efficiency.</p> <p>According to the research made by Brown and Cole [11], factors such as ease of use , feelings of cleanliness and familiarity determine how a system will be received by the user. Hence, there is a need to develop systems that are efficient and user-friendly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2.11 Summery</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This chapter looks at the problems with how water's used during washing rituals. It points out the problems with types of water systems like not being able to control how much water comes out relying on what people do not keeping track of how much is used, being wasteful and not being clean enough. It talks about automatic ways to control water using things, like sensors, small computers, pumps and valves. These systems can watch how much water is used in time and help save water. Special focus is given to a method that uses mist, which turns water into small drops. This method can clean well. Uses much less water. Based on what's missing in current studies the research suggests a smart washing system that uses a small computer sensors that detect when someone is near a switch, a small water pump, a valve that controls water, a sensor that measures water flow and a nozzle that makes mist. The system turns water on and off automatically. Measures how much is used to see how well it saves water. Also a survey will check if people feel comfortable if they know about it if they like it if they would use it and if they are willing to try it. Overall the idea brings together automation</p> <p>tracking how much water is used the mist method, testing, analyzing data and checking how people act to create a more environmentally friendly, efficient, clean and easy-to-use way to wash.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>