Low-Cost Fuel Dispenser Prototype Using STM32 and an H-bridge motor driver
Abstract
This paper presents the design and development of a low-cost fuel dispensing system prototype based on the STM32 microcontroller and L298N motor driver. The system aims to provide an affordable and scalable solution for fuel delivery in remote or small-scale environments where conventional, high-cost systems are not feasible. The core control unit is built using an STM32 microcontroller, which manages user input through a 4x4 matrix keypad and displays operational data on a 16x4 LCD screen via I2C communication. A 12V DC pump motor is used to simulate the fuel dispensing mechanism, precisely controlled via the dual H-bridge L298N motor driver. The system is powered by a 11.1V battery and is designed for ease of deployment and portability. The keypad allows users to input the desired fuel amount, while the system ensures accurate motor runtime corresponding to the volume to be dispensed. This project demonstrates how embedded systems can be leveraged to build cost-effective, user-friendly, and energy-efficient solutions. The proposed design can be further enhanced with flow sensors, GSM connectivity, RFID cards, and payment integration for real-world applications in fuel stations or agricultural use.