Oil Tank Level Monitor

paulgrogan.eu

Hi folks,


Just wondering if anyone has ever had any success with a digital, or smart (preferably) oil tank level monitoring system?


Any tips would be hugely appreciated.


Regards,


P.

893bet

I use the end of the broom!

Quick and easy.

Are you trying to figure out how much you are using? Or just want to ensure you order in time?

Tweaky

paulgrogan.eu wrote: »

Hi folks,


Just wondering if anyone has ever had any success with a digital, or smart (preferably) oil tank level monitoring system?


Any tips would be hugely appreciated.


Regards,


P.

I use Oilpal - I find it good and fairly accurate

https://dunravensystems.com/oilpal/

wexfordman2

Tweaky wrote: »

I use Oilpal - I find it good and fairly accurate

https://dunravensystems.com/oilpal/

I have oilpal, and to be honest, yes it PR idea usage and fuel level info, but beyond that is quite limited. The main limitation is alerts etc (theft, leak, sudden drop, low level) are sent via email and not some form of push. Notification.

Not much point in getting an email to say your tank has been drained due to leak or theft . A serious miss in the way the system is designed in my opinion

paulgrogan.eu

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Yeah, OilPal sounds like it's down the road of what I'd be interested in alright.


I mean it's not the biggest thing in the world and it's down my list of priorities, but at the same time I thought at this day and age there would be something pretty smart available that could say link in with Home Asssitant for example to give data on the level etc. Of course broom handles work, but I thought that given some of the smart stuff available for houses at this stage, oil tank information would be pretty easy!


Thanks all.

Dr4gul4

Tweaky wrote: »

I use Oilpal - I find it good and fairly accurate

https://dunravensystems.com/oilpal/

Use the same here, linked to my Home assistant, I find it useful as i can accurately order a delivery of oil, say when the tank hits 220 liters i can order 700.

It only gives a fairly general calculation based on the dimensions, and the drop from the top of the tank ( ultrasonic reader ) in fact, i think the App gives an automatic negative 10% figure, where as with HA, you scrape the data, and calculate what would be the real figure.

Either way, handy to have. saves a few euro.

paulgrogan.eu

Dr4gul4 wrote: »

Use the same here, linked to my Home assistant, I find it useful as i can accurately order a delivery of oil, say when the tank hits 220 liters i can order 700.

It only gives a fairly general calculation based on the dimensions, and the drop from the top of the tank ( ultrasonic reader ) in fact, i think the App gives an automatic negative 10% figure, where as with HA, you scrape the data, and calculate what would be the real figure.

Either way, handy to have. saves a few euro.

Hi there,


Ok that's interesting that you've got it to work with HA, which is key for me going forward with any home smart tech. Did that take much work to integrate?


Secondly, does anyone have a guide as to how much this system costs to have?


Thanks


Paul

Dr4gul4

paulgrogan.eu wrote: »

Hi there,


Ok that's interesting that you've got it to work with HA, which is key for me going forward with any home smart tech. Did that take much work to integrate?


Secondly, does anyone have a guide as to how much this system costs to have?


Thanks


Paul

If i recall, there's a template you can apply in your Ha config in which you provide the static ip for the internal 'modem' part of the unit.
It's all very rudimentary, it uses a web scrape to grab the numbers from the said modem / webserver and calculates the figure off that.

Nothing fancy or difficult what so ever about it.

In terms of cost, initial purchase, and power for internal modem/webserver i guess.

fergalom

paulgrogan.eu wrote: »

Hi there,


Ok that's interesting that you've got it to work with HA, which is key for me going forward with any home smart tech. Did that take much work to integrate?


Secondly, does anyone have a guide as to how much this system costs to have?


Thanks


Paul

Another option if you're using HA and dont want the cost of oilpal and a cloud service. Depends on if you have wifi near your tank but you can use an ESP32 board and ultrasonic sensor (suitable for outdoors) for < €20. Works very reliably. 3 jumper wires and a bit of preconfigured code to cut / paste. No big hassle to setup if you've already got HA going.

dingdong1234567

fergalom wrote: »

Another option if you're using HA and dont want the cost of oilpal and a cloud service. Depends on if you have wifi near your tank but you can use an ESP32 board and ultrasonic sensor (suitable for outdoors) for < €20. Works very reliably. 3 jumper wires and a bit of preconfigured code to cut / paste. No big hassle to setup if you've already got HA going.

Would you have any guides on such a project? Thanks.

fergalom

dingdong1234567 wrote: »

Would you have any guides on such a project? Thanks.

https://community.home-assistant.io/t/oil-tank-level-sensor/96809

Can share links on items I bought + couple of pics if you like. Have had it in over a year and never missed a beat.

codie

Most people's tanks are away from the main house. Any problems connecting to wifi? My tank is at the other side of my garage .Not a hope would with wifi connection.

paulgrogan.eu

fergalom wrote: »

https://community.home-assistant.io/t/oil-tank-level-sensor/96809

Can share links on items I bought + couple of pics if you like. Have had it in over a year and never missed a beat.

Would also love a few pics & links to this one please, as this looks absolutely perfect for me and what I'm looking to achieve.


Thanks a mill.


P.

webels

I use an Arduino board as described above with an ultrasonic sensor. Its attached to an LCD display so I just uploaded the code and it runs away plugged into a wall socket ( running great this past 2 years). Do not use WiFi. No good to try and monitor theft but great to give a reading for current oil level.

fergalom

codie wrote: »

Most people's tanks are away from the main house. Any problems connecting to wifi? My tank is at the other side of my garage .Not a hope would with wifi connection.

You can get esp32 in multiple configurations, ethernet Poe or rf433mhz etc. I have no issues but as you said, depends your location

dingdong1234567

Tried using the esp32 with home assistant. My head's melted. No joy getting it to work. I'll give it another shot 2m.

Have a look here also:https://www.rogerfrost.com/oil-tank-level-sensor-also-water-softener-salt-level/

fergalom

paulgrogan.eu wrote: »

Would also love a few pics & links to this one please, as this looks absolutely perfect for me and what I'm looking to achieve.


Thanks a mill.


P.

Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071JR9WS9/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_cfDSEb9N8W5FE

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076SWF5FV/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_NgDSEbK3AXX5P

After that, 3 jumper wires, a junction box to mount in and usb cable.

Marlow

Oilfox is supposed to be very good.

https://oilfox.io/?lang=en

Unfortunately, it requires cloud access to work.

/M

paulgrogan.eu

fergalom wrote: »

Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071JR9WS9/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_cfDSEb9N8W5FE

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076SWF5FV/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_NgDSEbK3AXX5P

After that, 3 jumper wires, a junction box to mount in and usb cable.

Amazing, thank you. I assume that board as WiFi built in?


Secondly, did you just follow the exact script on that HA post, assuming you had to modify the dimension calculation to suit your tank?

fergalom

paulgrogan.eu wrote: »

Amazing, thank you. I assume that board as WiFi built in?


Secondly, did you just follow the exact script on that HA post, assuming you had to modify the dimension calculation to suit your tank?

Yes, wifi and bt builtin.

I modified it for my tank and its accuracy is ok for my purposes.
measure distance from bottom of tank and 100% full to sensor is all thats needed if I recall correctly.

Marlow

fergalom wrote: »

Another option if you're using HA and dont want the cost of oilpal and a cloud service. Depends on if you have wifi near your tank but you can use an ESP32 board and ultrasonic sensor (suitable for outdoors) for < €20. Works very reliably. 3 jumper wires and a bit of preconfigured code to cut / paste. No big hassle to setup if you've already got HA going.

I just looked that up. Your setup will also do MQTT and seemingly also has been integrated into OpenHAB by some already.

https://community.openhab.org/t/esphome/71765/11

Brilliant. I guess, that's another thing on the todo list.

/M

emaherx

dingdong1234567 wrote: »

Tried using the esp32 with home assistant. My head's melted. No joy getting it to work. I'll give it another shot 2m.

Have a look here also:https://www.rogerfrost.com/oil-tank-level-sensor-also-water-softener-salt-level/

I'm working on similar at the moment and just got it working. Did you manage to figure it out yourself?

dingdong1234567

emaherx wrote: »

I'm working on similar at the moment and just got it working. Did you manage to figure it out yourself?

Yes got it sorted in the end, just persisted with trial and error.

emaherx

Here is mine,
I went with the linear calibration method.

oil gauges by Emaherx, on Flickr

# Ultrasonic sensor - tank measurement
sensor:
  - platform: ultrasonic
    id: sensor_cm1
    trigger_pin: GPIO15
    echo_pin: GPIO16
    name: "Oil Ultrasonic Sensor"
    icon: "mdi: arrow"
    update_interval: 10s
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    unit_of_measurement: "cm"
    filters:
     - filter_out: nan
     - multiply: 100
     #- sliding_window_moving_average:
      #   window_size: 12
       #  send_every: 12

# Oil Level Sensor
  - platform: template
    id: sensor_cm2
    name: "Oil Level"
    icon: "mdi: arrow"
    update_interval: 10s
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    unit_of_measurement: "cm"
    lambda: 
      return 120 - id (sensor_cm1) .state;

# Oil Percentage Sensor
  - platform: template
    name: "Oil Percentage"
    icon: "mdi: water"
    update_interval: 10s
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    unit_of_measurement: "%"
    lambda: 
      return id (sensor_cm2) .state;
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
        - 0 -> 0
        - 110 -> 100

# Oil Litres Sensor
  - platform: template
    name: "Oil Litres"
    icon: "mdi: oil"
    update_interval: 10s
    accuracy_decimals: 0
    unit_of_measurement: "L"
    lambda: 
      return id (sensor_cm2) .state;
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
        - 0 -> 0
        - 110 -> 1300

Delboy5

Anyone know anything about this:

Is it new to the market?

https://www.tanks.ie/oil-tanks/oil-tank-accessories/tank-gauges/sensit-smart-monitor.html

Delboy5

Delboy5 wrote: »

Anyone know anything about this:

Is it new to the market?

https://www.tanks.ie/oil-tanks/oil-tank-accessories/tank-gauges/sensit-smart-monitor.html

Does this just take the place of the cap?


I got an oil pal but then chickened out on boring a hole in the top of my tank.

emaherx

SouthWesterly wrote: »

Does this just take the place of the cap?


I got an oil pal but then chickened out on boring a hole in the top of my tank.

No, instructions show drilling hole in tank.

Clareman

I had 1 of the old school yokes that you plugged into the socket, I think most oil tanks have the hole put in for where to put the sensors. Personally I've the handle of a brush left beside the tank I use every 6 months or so to see if I need oil or not.

emaherx

Clareman wrote: »

I had 1 of the old school yokes that you plugged into the socket, I think most oil tanks have the hole put in for where to put the sensors. Personally I've the handle of a brush left beside the tank I use every 6 months or so to see if I need oil or not.

It's crude and I'm sure it works, but I'm not sure it falls under home automation though

Clareman

I've being toying with the idea of getting rid of the oil completely, I've a couple of Dyson heaters in the house and I'm thinking of changing to storage heaters, especially as the price of oil keeps going up and up.

davo2001

Clareman wrote: »

I've being toying with the idea of getting rid of the oil completely, I've a couple of Dyson heaters in the house and I'm thinking of changing to storage heaters, especially as the price of oil keeps going up and up.

I assume you're joking? #confused

Clareman

davo2001 wrote: »

I assume you're joking? #confused

When I say toying I mean looking into alternatives when/if my boiler needs replacing, I've a single zone nearly 20 year old boiler that'll need changing soon, gas isn't an option for me

Dr4gul4

Clareman wrote: »

When I say toying I mean looking into alternatives when/if my boiler needs replacing, I've a single zone nearly 20 year old boiler that'll need changing soon, gas isn't an option for me

And here i am thinking of buying a second tank to stock pile due to the low cost right now

Clareman

I am and I amn't, I know I'll have to do a big job if/when it goes but I'll deal with that when/if it happens.

emaherx

I've changed my setup from ESP Wifi based to Arduino LoRa based sensor nodes as range and reliabilty are much better for Garden sensors (and beyond by potentially a few KM)

This StemEdu node is arduino based with on board LoRa and a battery holder, has a number of headers for digital and analog I/O can be used to quickly build any sensor nodes without any need for soldering.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07SMZPNR7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

IMG_20200811_132954 by Farmer Ed's Shed, on Flickr

I'm using the Mysensors.org Gateway connected to my Home Assistant.

#define MY_RADIO_RFM95
#define MY_RFM95_FREQUENCY (RFM95_868MHZ)
//#define MY_RFM95_MAX_POWER_LEVEL_DBM (100) //1mW = 0dBm 10mW = 10dBm 25mW = 14dBm 100mW = 20dBm
#define MY_TRANSPORT_STATE_TIMEOUT_MS  (3*1000ul)
#define RFM95_RETRY_TIMEOUT_MS  (3000ul) 
#define MY_RFM95_MODEM_CONFIGRUATION  RFM95_BW125CR48SF4096

#define MY_NODE_ID 44

#include <SPI.h>
#include <MySensors.h>  
#include <NewPing.h>

#define SENSOR_NAME "Distance Sensor"
#define SENSOR_VERSION "1.1"

#define CHILD_ID 1  // Each radio node can report data for up to 254 different child sensors. You are free to choose the child id yourself. 
                    // You should avoid using child-id 255 because it is used for things like sending in battery level and other (protocol internal) node specific information.
#define TRIGGER_PIN  3  // Arduino pin tied to trigger pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define ECHO_PIN     4  // Arduino pin tied to echo pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define MAX_DISTANCE 300 // Maximum distance we want to ping for (in centimeters). Maximum sensor distance is rated at 400-500cm.
unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 360000; // Sleep time between reads (in milliseconds)


NewPing sonar(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN, MAX_DISTANCE); // NewPing setup of pins and maximum distance.
MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_DISTANCE);
int lastDist;
bool metric = true;

void setup()  
{ 
  metric = getControllerConfig().isMetric;
}

void presentation() {
  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo(SENSOR_NAME, SENSOR_VERSION);

  // Register all sensors to gw (they will be created as child devices) by their ID and S_TYPE
  present(CHILD_ID, S_DISTANCE);
}

void loop()      
{ 
  // use the build-in digital filter to discard out of range pings
  int echoTime = sonar.ping_median(10);
  int dist = metric?sonar.convert_cm(echoTime):sonar.convert_in(echoTime);
  Serial.print("Ping: ");
  Serial.print(dist);
  Serial.println(metric?" cm":" in");

  if (dist != lastDist) {
      send(msg.set(dist));
      lastDist = dist;
  }

  sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
}

The range of these devices is pretty amazing.
For those of you who want a DIY solution but are concerened about range this is the way to go.
I'm in the process of building several sensors spread over several acres of farmland so these will easily cover anybodys garden.
My configs here are set for max range so look at "#define MY_RFM95_MODEM_CONFIGRUATION RFM95_BW125CR48SF4096" and you can also "#define MY_RFM95_MAX_POWER_LEVEL_DBM" also if you want to reduce the range of yours. (reducing max radio power will extend battery life)

emaherx

I used this Makerhawk ESP32 based MCU board as the gateway device it also has LoRa built in so no need to add anything else for a LoRa to WiFi gateway.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076T28KWG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gateway sketch Modified from MySensors.org example sketch due to different internal connection between ESP32 and LoRa Radio. Also the device has a built in display so I've set it up to display IP address information

#define MY_RADIO_RFM95
#define MY_DEBUG_VERBOSE_RFM95
#define MY_RFM95_RST_PIN 14
#define MY_RFM95_CS_PIN 18
#define MY_RFM95_IRQ_PIN 26
#define MY_RFM95_IRQ_NUM MY_RFM95_IRQ_PIN
#define MY_SOFT_SPI_MOSI_PIN 27
#define MY_SOFT_SPI_SCK_PIN 5
#define MY_RFM95_FREQUENCY (RFM95_868MHZ)
#define MY_TRANSPORT_STATE_TIMEOUT_MS  (3*1000ul)
#define RFM95_RETRY_TIMEOUT_MS  (3000ul) 
#define MY_RFM95_MODEM_CONFIGRUATION  RFM95_BW125CR48SF4096


#define MY_GATEWAY_ESP32

#define MY_WIFI_SSID "WiFi-SSID"
#define MY_WIFI_PASSWORD "WiFi-Password"

// Set the hostname for the WiFi Client. This is the hostname
// it will pass to the DHCP server if not static.
#define MY_HOSTNAME "ESP32_GW_LoRa"

// The port to keep open on node server mode
#define MY_PORT 5003

// How many clients should be able to connect to this gateway (default 1)
#define MY_GATEWAY_MAX_CLIENTS 2

#include <MySensors.h>
#include "heltec.h"


void setup()
{
	// Setup locally attached sensors
  Heltec.begin(true /*DisplayEnable Enable*/, false /*LoRa Disable*/, true /*Serial Enable*/);
  
  Heltec.display->setContrast(255);

 Heltec.display->clear();
 Heltec.display->setFont(ArialMT_Plain_16);
 Heltec.display->drawString(30, 10, "LoRa GW");
 Heltec.display->setFont(ArialMT_Plain_10);
 Heltec.display->drawString(30, 40, WiFi.localIP().toString());
 Heltec.display->display();

}

void presentation()
{
	// Present locally attached sensors here
}

void loop()
{
	// Send locally attached sensors data here
}

oscarBravo

I'm working on an oil tank sensor using a VL53L0X LIDAR instead of ultrasonic, along with ESPhome and Home Assistant. I'll update on progress if anyone's interested.

emaherx

oscarBravo wrote: »

I'm working on an oil tank sensor using a VL53L0X LIDAR instead of ultrasonic, along with ESPhome and Home Assistant. I'll update on progress if anyone's interested.

Absolutely, I was looking at the lidar modules too, but ultrasonic works fine. Its always good to see the different solutions to the same problems.

oscarBravo

So here's what I've got so far:



I have an ESP32 devkit wired to the LIDAR breakout board. ESPhome is running on the ESP32 and reporting reasonably accurate distances. I'm using a calibrate_linear filter to convert metres to litres, but I'm planning to use calibrate_polynomial to hopefully get a somewhat more accurate conversion allowing for the rounded shape of the tank.



I've also 3D printed an enclosure to mount the LIDAR in place of my old Watchman probe. I'll run some outdoor Cat5 cable to the ESP32 which will be mounted on the back of a wee solar panel, along with a solar charge controller/battery module.

I've configured the ESP32 to deep sleep for long intervals, then wake up for a minute, which gives it time to connect to WiFi and update the oil level a couple of times.

Still working on the design for the solar panel/ESP enclosure. When I have it printed I'll report back.

emaherx

oscarBravo wrote: »

So here's what I've got so far:



I have an ESP32 devkit wired to the LIDAR breakout board. ESPhome is running on the ESP32 and reporting reasonably accurate distances. I'm using a calibrate_linear filter to convert metres to litres, but I'm planning to use calibrate_polynomial to hopefully get a somewhat more accurate conversion allowing for the rounded shape of the tank.



I've also 3D printed an enclosure to mount the LIDAR in place of my old Watchman probe. I'll run some outdoor Cat5 cable to the ESP32 which will be mounted on the back of a wee solar panel, along with a solar charge controller/battery module.

I've configured the ESP32 to deep sleep for long intervals, then wake up for a minute, which gives it time to connect to WiFi and update the oil level a couple of times.

Still working on the design for the solar panel/ESP enclosure. When I have it printed I'll report back.

Very nice, the 3D printer made a great job of it. Mines stuck on with a jam jar lid

The calibration method in ESPhome makes it very easy. Its a pity Home Assistant dosen't have something similar for any sensor it receives data from.

niallb

oscarBravo wrote: »

... I'll run some outdoor Cat5 cable to the ESP32 which will be mounted on the back of a wee solar panel, along with a solar charge controller/battery module...

Any chance you can inject some power onto that cable?
Could save a lot of complexity.

oscarBravo

niallb wrote: »

Any chance you can inject some power onto that cable?
Could save a lot of complexity.

I'm only talking a couple of feet of cable to connect the sensor breakout to the ESP32, not a cable from the house. The ESP will connect to my WiFi network.

Complexity is part of the fun!

emaherx

oscarBravo wrote: »

I'm only talking a couple of feet of cable to connect the sensor breakout to the ESP32, not a cable from the house. The ESP will connect to my WiFi network.

Complexity is part of the fun!

How far is the WiFi?
I had setup an ESP32 using ESPHome originally, but found the WiFi was too unreliable as the tank was just too far from the house. Which is why I switched to the StemEdu LoRa board and MySensors.

oscarBravo

emaherx wrote: »

How far is the WiFi?

Not far. WiFi is kind of a core competence of mine, so it's probably the aspect of the project I'm least worried about.

Specifically, the oil tank is about five or six metres from my office window, and I have a repeater on the windowsill.

Banbh

https://www.magnusmonitors.com/solutions/overview
This Magnus monitor seems to do all that is required.
A couple of oil suppliers in Galway and doing a deal on them with your next fill.
Has anyone got one and do they work?

emaherx

Banbh wrote: »

https://www.magnusmonitors.com/solutions/overview
This Magnus monitor seems to do all that is required.
A couple of oil suppliers in Galway and doing a deal on them with your next fill.
Has anyone got one and do they work?

Any idea of cost? Is there a subscription? Not much info on the site which seems to marketed at distributors rather than individuals.

Not much mention of technology, I'm guessing it could be sigfox which would have a subscription.

mickdw

emaherx wrote: »

Any idea of cost? Is there a subscription? Not much info on the site which seems to marketed at distributors rather than individuals.

Not much mention of technology, I'm guessing it could be sigfox which would have a subscription.

I think i heard it advertised earlier at 9 quid per quarter with free install.

davo2001

mickdw wrote: »

I think i heard it advertised earlier at 9 quid per quarter with free install.

Sounds too cheap, i'd gladly pay that for a quick working solution.

emaherx

mickdw wrote: »

I think i heard it advertised earlier at 9 quid per quarter with free install.

Think I'll stick with my DIY solution, I've more than one tank to monitor and at €36 euro per device per year that would be too much. Even using the Sigfox network I could make something for €6 per year per device.

Banbh

It seems you rent the device at €4 a month from 'your' oil company. I should have guessed from the name 'monitor'. I'll stick with the brush handle method as I hate being watched.

emaherx

davo2001 wrote: »

Sounds too cheap, i'd gladly pay that for a quick working solution.

Not sure how it sounds too cheap. Connection to Sigfox costs them €6 a year or less for volume discount so at 4 euro a month there is plenty of scope for profit for them. So if you are happy with the price fire away as you won't find a quicker easier working solution. As there is no need to connect to your router and they install it.