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Module 3: Relay Module represents the relay control hardware, physically located in the pump shed. This module contains the actual relay board with appropriate power supplies, a high-current latching relay for pump control, and four peripheral relay outputs for valve control. It includes a manual disconnect switch that allows the pump to be isolated during maintenance, and a buzzer that can substitute for actual pump operation during testing. The temperature sensors, though physically distributed around the property, have their connection points in this module, with signals combined onto a single wire before being routed to Module 4. This centralization of relay hardware in a dedicated module simplifies wiring, improves troubleshooting, and provides a clear physical demarcation between control logic and high-current switching.
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Module 4: Autonomous Control Module, the intelligent control and sensor hub, contains two Arduino microcontrollers working in concert. Arduino AR2 operates as a WiFi access point and functions as the sensor aggregation hub, reading all physical sensors at high frequency and broadcasting this data via UDP. Arduino AR3 connects to AR2's WiFi network as a client, receives the sensor broadcasts, implements the autonomous fire defence algorithms, and manages RS-485 communication back to the house. This separation of sensor acquisition from control logic allows each Arduino to focus on its specific task, prevents sensor reading delays from interfering with communication protocols, and enables the system to continue gathering sensor data even if control logic experiences issues.
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Module 5: Pump Control Module consists of the Small Farm Systems SFS01 commercial pump controller, a dedicated unit responsible solely for managing the diesel pump motor. This controller receives input from both Arduino AR3 via a relay connection and from SMS commands over the mobile network. The dual control paths ensure that the pump can be commanded even if the local control system experiences complete failure, while the commercial nature of this controller provides tested, reliable pump management including safety interlocks and protection against improper operation.
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