Diseño e implementación de un prototipo para monitorización de consumo de gasolina para una aeronave tripulada de tipo lsa

Abstract

The following work addresses the design, construction, and implementation of a real-time fuel consumption monitoring system for LSA (Light-Sport Aircraft). This system was developed to meet the demands of the aeronautical sector, ensuring measurement accuracy, fuel system integrity, and cost reduction compared to commercial solutions. In addition, its compact and sealed design facilitates its integration and operation in real conditions. The system includes an ESP32 microcontroller, which combines data processing and Wi-Fi communication configured as an access point, a Floscan 201 Flow Transducer sensor to measure fuel flow, and a 240 X 320 TFT display that provides relevant information in real time as a visual tool for the crew. A web page was also designed to show fuel consumption in real time and include an approximate indicator of the remaining amount, optimizing the user experience and supporting decision-making during flight. During the design stage, various components were analyzed, considering criteria such as cost, accuracy, data capture and transmission capacity, as well as the dimensional and sealing restrictions required for the aeronautical environment. These analyses allowed decisions to be made based on the needs of the project, maintaining a balance between functionality and economic viability. To verify the accuracy of the system, a test environment was built to simulate a controlled fuel flow. The data obtained by the Floscan sensor was compared with measurements made by a precision scale, allowing the system to be adjusted when necessary and its performance to be validated before implementation in the aircraft. The developed system combines energy efficiency, accuracy, safety, and speed in data reception and transmission, essential characteristics for measurement systems in the aeronautical field. Likewise, the reduction in costs without compromising technical performance makes it a versatile solution applicable to other aircraft or sectors that require accurate fuel consumption monitoring. The system developed is positioned as a competitive alternative to commercial systems, offering an economical and high-performance tool. Its implementation not only improves fuel management in aircraft, but can also contribute to more sustainable operations by providing key data for efficient resource management in various applications.