Abstract

Automatic light control system using solar and wind energy is a simple yet powerful
concept. This project provides the solutions for the problems arise in energy
consumption. By using this system electricity usage is reduced because solar and wind
energy are used to generate electricity. Nowadays, manually switching is not effective
in view of the fact that even the sunlight comes lights are not switched off and also
switched on earlier before sunset. So, the sensor called LDR do this automatically in
this light system. Control energy wastage and save electricity throughout the ITUM
premises are the advantages that can be gain from applying this system.
The 1st chapter of this report provides the introduction of the project mainly
including background, problem statement, aim, objective and scope of study while
Chapter two mentions about the literature review related to the project. Third chapter is
the hardware development that includes the project related circuit design and
functionality. Chapter four gives the details related to the implementation and operation.
Conclusions and future works of the project are included in next chapters.

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Acknowledgement

The success and final outcome of this project required lot of guidance and assistance
from many people. First and foremost, we would like to express our special thank for
our project supervisor Mr. G. D. Nanayakkara who is the Head of the Electrical and
Electronic Engineering Technology division. His constant guidance and advice played
the major role in our project. He always gave us his suggestion to complete the
project. He has given many ideas and many sources for us.
We would also like to thank Ms. S. Rajagopalan who is the module coordinator of the
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology division.
We convey our sincere gratitude to Institute of technology, university of Moratuwa
for giving all facilities and help for us.
Addition to this we would like to thank all academic staff, non-academic staff of the
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology division for their unwavering
support and encouragement. Finally, our gratitude goes to everyone who gave support
in all way from time to time in making this project a success.

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Table of Contents
Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................................... ii
List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. 1
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 1.................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1. 1 About the project ................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of the problem .................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the study ......................................................................................... 1
1.4 Scope of study ...................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2.................................................................................................................................... 2
Literature survey ........................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Solar & Wind Energy ............................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Lighting ................................................................................................................................ 5
Top Level Design of the system .................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 3.................................................................................................................................... 8
Design overview ......................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Experiment for measuring the maximum distance between lights for the suitable lux level
................................................................................................................................................... 8
Detailed explanation of the system ........................................................................................... 9
3.2 Components Required .......................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Overall Circuit Diagram ...................................................................................................... 10
Hardware design of the overall system ................................................................................... 14
Chapter 4.................................................................................................................................. 15
Implementation and Operations of the proposed system ....................................................... 15
Functional Flow Chart .............................................................................................................. 17
Chapter 4.................................................................................................................................. 18
Results and Analysis ................................................................................................................. 18
Chapter 5.................................................................................................................................. 19
Project Planning Chart ............................................................................................................. 19
Discussion and Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 20
6.1 Problems Faced .................................................................................................................. 20
6.2 Outcomes ........................................................................................................................... 20
6.3 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 20
References ................................................................................................................................ 21

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 List of Tables

TABLE 1:0:1 SOLAR FARMS IN SRI LANKA ............................................................................................... 3

TABLE 1:0:2 WIND FARMS IN SRI LANKA ................................................................................................ 3

TABLE 2:1 LUMINOUS FLUX OF TYPICAL LIGHT SOURCES ...................................................................... 6

List of Figures

FIG 1:1 THREE BASIC QUANTITIES ........................................................................................................... 5

FIG 2:1 POLAR INTENSITY CURVE ............................................................................................................ 6

FIG 3:1 TOP LEVEL DESIGN DIAGRAM ..................................................................................................... 7

FIG 4:1 CONTROL CIRCUIT DIAGRAM .................................................................................................... 10

FIG 5:1 LDR ............................................................................................................................................. 11

FIG 6:1 BJT D400 .................................................................................................................................... 11

FIG 7:1 RELAY ......................................................................................................................................... 12

FIG 8:1 DIODES ....................................................................................................................................... 13

FIG 9:1 POTENTIOMETER ....................................................................................................................... 13

FIG 10:1 FUNCTIONAL FLOW CHART ..................................................................................................... 17

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1
 Chapter 1
Introduction

1. 1 About the project

Non-conventional sources of energy are also called renewable sources of energy
because they are naturally replenished in a short period of time. Some of renewable
energy resources are solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy etc. Those resources
are yet in the process of development over the previous few years. Sri Lanka has a
wealthy potential of non-conventional renewable energy sources and currently generate
10% of its electricity generation from non-conventional renewable energy with an
installed capacity of 442 MW.
By using renewable energy sources, we also can arrange power generation method on
ITUM to gain many good effects.
The corner area dark places in ITUM playground, which is near to paddy field is not
illuminated. This is an issue face by ITUM students when there are night functions.
So, we suggested to light up a dark area in ITUM play ground by using solar and wind
energy. ITUM will not spend any amount to complete the project. We doing this
through sponsors. As we do this with solar and wind energy, there is no any effect to
the ITUM electricity bill payments. And also, by applying this sustainable power
generating method throughout the ITUM premises can obtain many advantages. They
are reduced electricity bill payments, low maintenance cost, no environmental pollution
and can used in diverse applications too.
1.2 Statement of the problem

During the study of the project, we are aimed to stop difficulties due to dark area in
corners of play ground during night events and support the duty of ITUM security.
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the study

• Improve the quality of life.

• Light up some dark areas in ITUM play ground by using solar and
wind energy and reduce the monthly electricity cost in ITUM.
1.4 Scope of study
Illuminate the corner area of ITUM play ground in an effective way to keep safer the
area and escape from difficulties while occur in night functions.

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 Chapter 2
Literature survey

2.1 Solar & Wind Energy

Normally Wind power involves converting wind energy into electricity by using wind
turbines. And also, solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight
into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly using concentrated
solar power, or a combination. So, these two types of energy will use to generate
electricity in this project.
Widely, this hybrid energy method is spread in equator countries. Sri Lanka also will
effective this method as Sri Lanka has vast wind solar-energy resources due to
its location in the Indian Ocean.
Currently, the global areas which using solar and wind power has been expanded.
According to a new analysis by Bloomberg new energy finance says that 50 % of the
world’s energy will come from solar and wind by 2050. In 2015, wind and solar made
up only 7 % of global electricity generation. [1]

Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, United States and Czech Republic countries are the top
6 countries using solar energy. And according to Global Wind Energy Council
informing France, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, India, Germany are the 6 countries
that produce the most wind energy in the world. [2]
In order to cater to the growing needs and demands of electricity, measures have been
taken to encourage Sri Lanka the use of solar energy. The consumer gets paid by the
CEB when their solar system generates excess energy and shares the surplus units with
the national grid.
Some places using solar and wind energy in Sri Lanka. Below tables show the places
of solar and wind energy using.

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 Table 1:0:1 Solar Farms in Sri Lanka

Table 1:0:2 Wind Farms in Sri Lanka

[3]

According to our group project, the lamps in our university premises passages were
lighted by using only solar energy. Through our project we are going to use wind and
solar both energy in here to light up some dark areas. Through this, electrical bill of
university would be saved as a benefit. The initial cost is high and running cost takes
low value.

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 There are so many product benefits using solar and wind energy.

• Wide applicable areas – hybrid street lighting system offers a much better reliability
and sustainability to areas with less solar radiation level, long rainy season or long
winter.

• Longer battery life – normally wind turbine generates more power during night, part of
power generated will supply the light directly, part of power could charge the battery
during night, so less charging and discharging loss from battery and also each battery
charging cycle is prolonged.

• More cost-effective in windy areas – in the area with annual wind speed of 5-7m/s,
wind solar hybrid system could have higher production to power higher capacity LED
lights or more lights which could lower the system overall cost.

Easier installation & Maintenance – solar street light system cannot put bigger (max.
360W in two sections) PV panels on light pole considering wind load; wind solar hybrid
system allows bigger capacity installed on light pole, which could generate enough
electricity to power 2-4 LED lights, which means one power system supply for 2-4
lights, it will be easy for installation and maintenance. [4]

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2.2 Lighting

When you think about lighting, it’s important to think of three different things: the fuel
source, the luminaire, and the technology used to produce visible light.

Light: Defined as visually evaluated radiant energy

• Radiant energy: Energy transported by electromagnetic radiation
• Radiant energy varies with frequency/ wave length
• A wave is consisting of discrete packets of energy called photons and the energy per
photon can be calculated by Planck’s equation; E=hf
Here E: Energy (measured in Joule)
h: Planck’s constant
f: frequency (Hz)

2.2.1 Why it is visually evaluated?

• The sensitivity of human eye to radiation is taken into account

• Our eye responds to different wavelength with different efficiencies and therefore, the
visual brightness of a light source is not same as its radiant energy
• So, light seen by humans can’t be measured with Watt/ Joules
• Separate unit was introduced to measure light output- Lumen

fig 1:1 Three Basic Quantities

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a) Luminous Flux (Light Output)- F
• The lumen is defined as; At frequency of 540*10^12 Hz (i.e. at wave length
Λ=555nm) 1 watt of radiant flux will emit 683
lumens
• Practical definition for lumen: The total quantity (energy) of visible light emitted by
a light source per second as seen by humans
Unit: Lumen (lm)

Table 2:1 Luminous flux of typical light sources

b) Illuminance (Lighting level)- E
• Definition: The area density of the luminous flux incident at a point on surface
• i.e.: luminous flux (lumens) falling on a surface per unit area normal to the surface
Unit: lux
Lumen/ meter^2
c) Luminance Intensity- I

fig 2:1 Polar Intensity Curve

• Definition: Luminous flux (lumens) emitted per unit solid angle in any given
direction• i.e. Light emitted by a source in a specific direction, Unit: candela (cd)

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Top Level Design of the system

fig 3:1 Top level design diagram

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 Chapter 3
Design overview

Suggested dark area in ITUM playground light up by using solar and wind energy is
the project we carry out. Firstly, studied the literary survey related to the project and
then top-level design, detailed design, developing circuits and hardware, block level
testing and final testing have done, respectively.
Reliability, flexibility, effectiveness of the implementation and operating cost are the
factors we should have to concern about to achieve quality output from this project. As
a method to save electricity bill, solar and wind energy is used to generate required
power. So, the top-level design, detailed design, developing circuits are built
accordingly. The enclosure which is included two batteries, two of hybrid charger
controllers, and sensor circuit also designed. Enclosure has width of 0.66 Ft, length of
2.65 Ft and height of 1.9 Ft.
Basically, in this process of designing this light system we have to consider about some
important factors which are directly affecting on the effectivity of the project. And the
factors which should be concern about to achieve effective light system are brightness
and luminance level in the ITUM playground. Several experiments have done through
our project to get an idea about the distance between lights and the lux level required
to the playground.

3.1 Experiment for measuring the maximum distance between lights for
the suitable lux level

Brightness and luminance are two closely related terms. The brightness of an object
refers to the subjective perception of an individual; luminance of an object is usually
subject to the objective measurements of a lux meter. Number of flickers, amount of
glare, contrast and shadows are affected the quality and quantity of light. The lighting
must provide suitable visual environment within the relevant time to the playground.
The main purpose of the project is to spread effective light level constantly around the
corner area of the playground. So, we should know about the distance between two
light towers. Therefore, the light level in the middle of the two light towers should be
measured. By doing this experiment we are expected to calculate the suitable distance
between light towers for the most effective light level for the selected corner area of
playground. Number of lights also can be figure out through this.

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The procedure of the experiment is mentioned below.
1) Two 10W bulbs are taken which we are going to install in the
playground
2) The two bulbs are positioned in significant distance.
3) The lux meter is located in the middle between the two bulbs.
4) Measurements are taken using lux meter.
5) Maximum lux level is identified by varying the distance between two
bulbs.

Detailed explanation of the system

3.2 Components Required

Photo cell
Transistor (D400)
Relay
Diode (IN4007)
Potentiometer
Resistors

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3.3 Overall Circuit Diagram

fig 4:1 control circuit diagram

Control circuit uses transistor as a switch. It automatically switches ON lights when

the sunlight goes out of the visible region of our eyes. Whenever sunlight comes
visible to our eyes, lights switches OFF automatically. This operation is done by Light
Dependent Resistor (LDR) which is actually like our eyes. LDR sense the light and
keep the process doing automatically. And also, no need of manual operation like ON
time and OFF time setting in this project as this control circuit.

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3.4 Photo Cell

fig 5:1 LDR

A photocell is a resistor. It acts as light sensor. photocell changes resistance

depending on the amount of light incident on it. Photocells are used in automatic night
lights. photocell changes resistance depending on the amount of light incident on it.
The project also included photocell for this purpose. Sensor detects the light level.
Photocell acts like a light sensitive resistor with a high resistance when dark and a low
resistance when in the light. These sensors automatically turning on lights when it
gets dark. They also save energy by turning themselves off when extra light is
unnecessary.

3.5 Transistor

fig 6:1 BJT D400

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The transistor is an electronic component. We used transistor as a switch. Photocell
automatically turning on lights when it gets dark. Then the transistor forward biased,
current flow through the transistor to LEDs.

3.6 Relay

fig 7:1 Relay

Relays are switches that open and close circuits electromechanically. It controls one
electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in another circuit. When a relay
contact is normally open (NO), there is an open contact when the relay is not energized.
When a relay contact is Normally Closed (NC), there is a closed contact when the relay
is energized. It prevents equipment damage by detecting electrical abnormalities.

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3.7 Diode

fig 8:1 Diodes

We use IN4007 diodes. 1N4007 Diode, the maximum current carrying capacity is 1A
it withstands peaks up to 30A. this diode is used as a one-way check valve. Since these
diodes only allow electrical current to flow in one direction, they are used to convert
AC power into DC power or rectification.

3.8 Potentiometer

fig 9:1 potentiometer

The device is used to set the sense voltage of LDR

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Hardware design of the overall system

A prototype of overall block diagram is designed and developed to get an idea about
the process our project. We use two UPS batteries as solar power, another two UPS
batteries as wind power and one UPS battery as charged battery bank by wind and
solar energy. And also, two hybrid charger controllers, sensor circuit, two bulbs and
switches are included in the prototype of our project. The UPS batteries which
represent solar and wind power are manually operated by two switches in the model.
Those UPS batteries connected to the two of hybrid charger controllers separately via
the above-mentioned switches. Then the both of hybrid charger controllers are linked
to the UPS which is represent the battery bank. And also, hybrid charger controllers
are connected to the sensor circuit and the bulbs are illuminated through the circuit.

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 Chapter 4
Implementation and Operations of the proposed system

The project implementations can do for required conditions in the selected dark area
in ITUM playground. By modified the protype can gain lots of advantages like
decreasing energy wastage, reduce the electricity bill by using renewable energy and
can reduce initial cost etc. Following operations should be followed to do further
developments in the prototype.
Fan motor is used to design the wind mill because cost will be reduced. Bulb will be
attached to metal fence and also it helps reduce the cost. Fence will be good support
to bulbs. Bulb strip is used for making 10 W LED panel which is provided by
University lab. As we know LDR is used for automatically on/off switching which is
help for saving energy and also it will create self-working system. But also, manual
system will be help for controlling the bulbs, ON/OFF switch is using for manual
control. So, if it is lighting night time, which is helping for off. Someone needs to
light in night time, manual switch will for that. But if he did not remember to switch
off, LDR is help to automatically switch off.
Considering about the enclosure which is used to store the circuits, two hybrid charger
controllers and two batteries. Also, enclosure used as patronage for equipment safe
which is prevent from rain, dust and animal affects.
Our hybrid charge controller circuit experiment was failed because excess amount of
transistors, diode, which was designed circuit. Therefore, two charger controllers are
bought for the project.

Control circuit was designed and did experiment. But it was failed.
• 4.7 Ohm resistor and potential meter was changed.
• Photo cell and potential meter was changed.
• After all done potential meter was removed.
• Place of photo cell was changed.
But circuit was not work.
• Then, we checked each part one by one, but any part has not any problem.
• Finally, new circuit was designed.

15
Considering about the cost is Rs 54500/=. By following above mentioned methods
can build this project without any cost from ITUM. And also, most of equipment is
provided by our senior lecturer Mr. Nanayakkara.

4.1 COST ESTIMATION

Solar Panel - Rs.18000/=
Wind mill - Rs. 10500/=
GI pipes -Rs 7000/=
Cables -Rs 5000/=
Circuit - Rs 500/=
Batteries - Rs 5000/=
Charge Controllers- Rs 1500/=
Enclosure -Rs 4000/=
Bulb - Rs 2000/=
Total Cost -Rs 53500/=

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Functional Flow Chart

fig 10:1 Functional Flow chart

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 Chapter 4
Results and Analysis

• Here propose to light up a dark area in ITUM playground by using solar and
wind power. This system can use without any effect on the ITUM electricity
bill. Solar power used to charge the batteries in sunny days and other days
batteries charged by wind mill power. The wind mill should be installed
behind the hostels of ITUM playground, the place was checked early. There is
a high-speed wind blow to charge the batteries in rainy days.
• At present, students use the playground in night time for sport activities and
other functions. Our study shown that the night time required illumination
level was not available in corners of the ITUM playground.
• Manually switching is not effective in view of the fact that even the sunlight
comes lights are not switched off and also switched on earlier before sunset.
So, the sensor called LDR do this automatically in this light system of the
project.
• After implementing proposed system, it is possible to increase the lux level to
required level in night time.
• According to the experiment, Keep the distance as 8m among two light towers
to have maximum effective light level. And also 12 bulbs are needed to keep
the quality and effectiveness of light levels throughout the selected area of
improved automatic light system. (the calculated height of the light tower is
5m.)
• The maximum effective light level is taken as 18 lux. (values are taken by
measuring the street light lux level and based on the values in Table R2 and
R3 pavement classifications from the recommended illuminance for the
intersection of continuously lighted urban streets.) [7]

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 Chapter 5
Project Planning Chart

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 Chapter 6
Discussion and Conclusion

6.1 Problems Faced

• No any initial cost to start the project.

• The measurements can be affected by weather conditions and cannot take
100% accuracy of the values. So, each experiment is performed twice to
ensure accuracy.

• Difficulties in finding money to buy necessary equipment and devices.

6.2 Outcomes

• The dark areas in ITUM play ground should be light up for function and
events in the night time.

• There is no any effect to the ITUM electricity bill as we use solar and wind
energy to charge batteries.

• The sensor called LDR switched ON and OFF automatically with the sunlight
and sunset in this light system of this project. when people are careless with
manual process this method is more effective to reduce energy wastage.

• This project supports the duty of ITUM security

6.3 Conclusion

We can further develop this project to apply this method for various places in ITUM
premises to reduce ITUM electricity bill.

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References

[1] Hearst Magazine Media. Renewables Will Make Up 50 Percent of the World's
Energy by 2050. Available at;
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a21756137/renewables-50-
percent-energy-2050/ [Accessed 26/03/2019 – 9.23 PM]

[2] Planet Save. Top 6 Countries Using Solar Energy. Available at;
https://planetsave.com/2012/03/06/top-6-countries-using-solar-energy/

[Accessed 03/04/2019 – 6.00 PM]

[3] The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. List of power stations
in Sri Lanka. Available at;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka

[Accessed 03/04/2019 – 8.40 PM]

[4] Solar Street Lighting Ltd. Solar street lighting Available at;
http://www.solarstreetlighting.co.uk/products/solar-wind-hybrid-lighting/

[Accessed 05/04/2019 – 8.45 PM]

[5] History of Lighting. Available at;

https://images.app.goo.gl/ArPgVtv7ewhwgNjm6

[Accessed 08/04/2019 – 8.00 PM]

[6] Stouch Lighting Staff. The Historical Evolution of Lighting. (posted at 2/27/20
3:02 PM). Available at; https://www.stouchlighting.com/blog/the-historical-
evolution-of-lighting

[Accessed 08/04/2019 – 8.30 PM]

[7] University of Sheffield, UK. What is the right light level for residential roads?
Available at; https://cf.specifyconcrete.org/doc/Illuminance_Brochure_1.pdf

[Accessed 05/02/2020 – 8.00 PM]

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