MEB4062: MECHATRONICS

SEPTEMBER 2023

TITLE: DESIGN OF SOLAR TRAFFIC AND STREET LIGHT

PROJECT REPORT

LECTURER: DR. VEERADASAN PERUMAL

GROUP MEMBER
NO. STUDENT NAME STUDENT ID
1 NATASHA VOZNYUK JEEVAN 19000494
2 CHOW JET 19000533
3 IAN CHEONG YUE QIAN 19000662
4 THAM JIAN YANG 19000813
5 MOO SU MIN 20000520
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The continuous advancement in Mechatronics has allowed the integration of more effective
solutions into various applications, including mundane objects such as street and traffic lights.
In conjunction with this advancement, this project will explore the possibility of integrating
solar energy into traffic and streetlights in Malaysia through Mechatronics. There have been
many attempts to power street and traffic lights with solar energy, but the absence of sun during
night poses difficulty for industrial application. Hence, this project will explore the role of
Arduino in the system and the possible improvements, especially regarding energy saving. An
economic study on the final product is also included in the project to ensure the feasibility of
the product for industry application.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................... i

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................ 2
2.1 Smart Solar LED Streetlight ......................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Smart traffic light and LED streetlight system ............................................................................. 3
2.3 Role of solar powered automatic traffic light controller for energy conservation ........................ 3
2.4 A vehicle movement based self-organized solar powered street lighting. .................................... 4
CHAPTER 3: DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN.................................................................................. 6
3.1 Development of Alternatives and Options (Morphology) ............................................................ 6
3.2 Conceptual Design ........................................................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER 4: FINAL DESIGN ........................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Final Design Prototype ................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Technical and Scientific Aspects of Design ................................................................................. 8
4.2.1 Solar-Powered Operation ....................................................................................................... 9
4.2.2 Day-Night Detection using LDR ........................................................................................... 9
4.2.3 Streetlight Operation at Night ................................................................................................ 9
4.2.4 Traffic Light Operation at Night ............................................................................................ 9
4.3 Physical Prototype ...................................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Business and Economic Considerations ..................................................................................... 13
5.2 Application and Viability of Design ........................................................................................... 14
5.3 Suggestion for Area of Improvements ........................................................................................ 15
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION........................................................................................................... 17
6.1 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 17
6.2 Recommendation for Future Work ............................................................................................. 17
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................... 19
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 2.1: Block diagram of Bhairi et al.’s design ............................................................... 2
FIGURE 2.2: Four-way junction design .................................................................................... 3
FIGURE 2.3: Solar powered traffic light system....................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2.4: Solar-powered streetlight prototype .................................................................... 5
FIGURE 3.1: Conceptual design ............................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 4.1: Solar-powered streetlight with PIR sensor .......................................................... 8
FIGURE 4.2: Traffic light with PIR sensor ............................................................................... 8
FIGURE 4.3: Sequence 1 when push button is pressed........................................................... 10
FIGURE 4.4: Sequence 2 when push button is pressed........................................................... 11

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 3.1: Morphology chart.................................................................................................. 6
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
Through the continuous development of the field of Mechatronics, incorporating more
effective solutions into current applications are made possible. One aspect of this is the
incorporation of renewable energy to power daily appliances and public infrastructure. With
the Malaysian climate which gives sun year-round, an excellent alternative to traditional energy
sources to be considered is solar power. Moreover, recent developments of solar equipment
have made its application more cost efficient and readily available.

Despite the undeniable benefits of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources for traffic
and streetlights, there exists a reliance on non-renewable energy in Malaysia, specifically in
the context of road infrastructure. The continued use of traditional methods of energy
generation, from the local power grid, for these essential infrastructures not only hinders
progress towards a greener future but also worsens the environmental challenges we face today.
In line with IR 4.0 and the United Nation’s goal of a carbon-free footprint by 2050, attention
must be directed towards this issue. It is important to prioritize the development and
implementation of sustainable solutions for powering traffic lights and streetlights, such as
through solar power, thereby reducing the environmental impact and working towards a more
sustainable and resilient future for Malaysia. Hence, the problem statement, traffic lights and
streetlights in Malaysia use traditional methods of generating energy which are not
energy efficient.

1.2 Objectives
The objectives of this project are:

1. To identify areas of improvement for traffic lights and streetlights.

2. To generate alternatives and select suitable elements/components for solar traffic lights
and streetlights using mechatronics design approach.
3. To develop a working prototype for proof-of-concept.

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 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Smart Solar LED Streetlight

FIGURE 2.1: Block diagram of Bhairi et al.’s design

Figure 2.1 illustrates the design proposed by Bhairi et al. (2017) representing a solar powered
LED street light using sensors and programmed logic. The system functions by detecting light
intensity of the surroundings and the motion below the streetlights. LED will be switched off
during daytime and will provide 30% light intensity from dusk to dawn. When motion is
detected, the brightness will be increased to 100% and reduces back to 30% using metal oxide
semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) after the preset time when no motion is
detected. Arduino Uno R3 is used as a controller by receiving comand from the light dependent
resistor (LDR) and passive infrared motion sensors (PIR). Monocrystalline solar photovoltaic
(PV) panel with efficiency of 18% is used to generate electricity and lithium ion phosphate
battery with high energy density is used in storing the electricity generated and powering the
streetlight at night or during cloudy days. If the battery does not have sufficient electricity to
operate the streetlights, the system will automatically switched to utility supply. To ensure
optimal battery life, charge controller is used in moderating the charging status of the battery
preventing the battery from overcharging. Comparing with the existing sodium vapour
streetlights used in the research area, solar LED streetlights reduces 70% to 85% energy
consumption with longer lifespan.

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2.2 Smart traffic light and LED streetlight system

FIGURE 2.2: Four-way junction design

Sharma et al. (2021) designed a smart traffic light and streetlight system using infrared (IR)
sensor, light dependent resistors (LDR) sensors and Arduino Uno. The smart traffic light
system will be demonstrated in a four way junction shown in Figure 2.2 where six IR sensors
are mounted on each side of the road 20 meters from each other for each junction, enabling the
IR sensor to detect vehicle density 120m from the traffic lights. The real time traffic data
measured through the density of vehicles will be sent to the arduino where it controls the traffic
signal.

For the LED streetlight system, it is designed with a solar panel, an arduino board, LDR sensor
and real time clock module. To ensure the effectiveness of LDR sensor, it is set to check the
surrounding light intensity twice, at 5pm and 6pm as it is assumed that in Indore will last until
5pm. The streetlight will be lighted up when the detected resistance is below 200Ω. However,
in summer, as daylight will be slightly longer, LDR sensor will begin its operation at 7pm.

2.3 Role of solar powered automatic traffic light controller for energy conservation
Manikandan et al. (2018) has designed a solar-powered traffic light system to reduce the power
consumption, enhance energy efficiency and provide priority-based operation for emergency
vehicles. The project was focused on implementation of an automatic system to control traffic
and reduce energy consumption of a town’s public lighting system. In this system, traffic

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density was detected using Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR), and the system operates for both
day and night.

Figure 2.3 shows the result of the system design. It includes a light dependent resistor (LDR)
and photoelectric sensors to detect darkness and control traffic lights. A microcontroller is used
to command the lights to be ON in places with movement during darkness. The proposed
system also operates with purely solar energy, contributing to increased solar power usage and
reduced environmental pollution.

FIGURE 2.3: Solar powered traffic light system

2.4 A vehicle movement based self-organized solar powered street lighting.

Qaisar et al. (2019) has designed a system that is powered by solar energy and controlled by a
sensor assembly with a front-end controller which aims to self-organize and conserve energy
by selectively activating only the lights in areas with detected vehicle movement. The
implementation employs an infrared (IR) sensor-based detection system, with a dynamic
control strategy that sequentially turns on/off streetlights based on the presence of moving
vehicles. Figure 2.4 shows the preliminary prototype which has demonstrated successful
functionality, indicating potential benefits in terms of energy conservation, efficient lighting
control, and the ability to identify and report malfunctioning lights for prompt maintenance.

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 FIGURE 2.4: Solar-powered streetlight prototype

The results from the prototype testing confirm the system's ability to control lights in response
to detected vehicle movement, demonstrating its reliability and potential for reducing power
consumption in areas with low traffic circulation. The proposed system offers a sustainable and
autonomous solution for street lighting, particularly in rural or remote areas, with the added
advantage of notifying maintenance teams about malfunctioning lights, contributing to
efficient system operation and reduced energy waste. In the conclusion of this project, it was
suggested the possibilities for future enhancements, including the integration of Wireless
Sensors Network (WSN) and event-driven features to further improve system performance and
energy efficiency.

From the journal articles, the significance of energy conservation in solar-powered traffic lights
and streetlights was emphasized, addressing the growing environmental awareness and the
need for sustainable energy solutions. It was also important to note that multiple approaches,
such as sensor-based control, real-time traffic data utilization, and self-organizing systems,
have been explored and demonstrated the potential for significant energy savings. The findings
also highlighted the need for continued exploration and integration of advanced technologies
to enhance energy efficiency in traffic and street lighting systems.

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 CHAPTER 3: DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN

3.1 Development of Alternatives and Options (Morphology)

TABLE 3.1: Morphology chart

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Solar panel Monocrystalline Polycrystalline Amorphous Cadmium
Silicon (a-Si) Telluride
(CdTe)
Battery Lead Acid Lithium-ion Nickel- Saltwater
(Li-ion) Cadmium Batteries
(NiCd) (Sodium-ion)
Light source High-Intensity Compact LED Bulbs High-Pressure
Discharge (HID) Fluorescent Sodium
Lamps Lamps (CFL) (HPS)
Light control Light sensor Motion sensor Programmable
time control
Charge controller Maximum Power Pulse Width
Point Tracking Modulation
(MPPT) (PWM)

3.2 Conceptual Design

Figure 3.1 shows the conceptual design for the system. Initially, a 9V battery powered the bulb,
as opposed to the solar system in the later design. The system was integrated with an LDR to
detect the change in day and night for switching the bulb off and on, respectively. On the other
hand, the traffic light in the conceptual design works continuously.

Regardless of the presence of cars, the green light will switch on for 3 seconds. Then, it
switches off, and the yellow light switches on for 1 second. Lastly, the green light turns on for
3 seconds and switches off. This process goes on continuously without stopping.

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FIGURE 3.1: Conceptual design

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 CHAPTER 4: FINAL DESIGN

4.1 Final Design Prototype

FIGURE 4.1: Solar-powered streetlight with PIR sensor

FIGURE 4.2: Traffic light with PIR sensor

4.2 Technical and Scientific Aspects of Design

The prototype system employs Arduino programming and a set of components, including a
solar panel, rechargeable battery, Arduino Uno, Breadboard, LED lights (red, yellow, green,
white), PIR (passive infrared) sensor, LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), resistors. The primary

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objective on the prototype is to simulate a basic traffic light system and streetlight powered by
solar energy, with a focus on energy conservation.

4.2.1 Solar-Powered Operation

The solar panel harnesses sunlight in the daytime to generate electrical energy, which
can be stored in a rechargeable battery. This design aligns with the scientific principle
of photovoltaics, converting light energy into electrical energy, ensuring sustainable
and ecofriendly power for the system.

4.2.2 Day-Night Detection using LDR

LDR is implemented in the system to detect ambient light levels, distinguishing
between day and night. During daylight, the LDR signals that the streetlight to remain
off, optimizing energy efficiency. This operation applies the scientific aspects of
photoresistors, which exhibit varying resistance based on light intensity.

4.2.3 Streetlight Operation at Night

Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor is implemented in the system to detect motion during
nighttime This sensor utilizes the scientific concept that objects emit infrared radiation
and changes in the radiation pattern due to motion by vehicle will trigger the sensor.
The streetlight will be turned on only when motion is detected at night, ensuring energy
conservation during periods of low or no activity on the road.

4.2.4 Traffic Light Operation at Night

A “sleep mode” is introduced to the traffic light system at night to minimizes energy
consumption. “Sleep mode” of traffic light is referring to a state of maintaining red light
instead of continuous cyclic operations when no motion is detected by the PIR sensor.
This application aligns with the scientific aspects of energy conservation during periods
of inactivity. The traffic light system will be activated by the PIR sensor when a vehicle
is detected and begin its normal operation for only a cycle if no additional vehicle is
detected.

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4.3 Physical Prototype
Instead of a PIR sensor, as shown in the simulation, the physical prototype uses a push button.
The pressed button shows the same situation as when the PIR sensor detects motion, turning
the bulb on and starting the traffic light sequence (green->yellow->red). When the push button
is not activated, only the red LED lights up, as shown in Figure 4.6. On the other hand, Figure
4.3-4.5 shows the condition of the prototype when the push button is pressed.

FIGURE 4.3: Sequence 1 when push button is pressed.

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FIGURE 4.4: Sequence 2 when push button is pressed

FIGURE 4.5: Sequence 3 when push button is pressed.

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FIGURE 4.6: Condition when push button is not pressed.

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 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION

5.1 Business and Economic Considerations

Several critical business and economic considerations need to be considered when it comes to
the adoption of Solar Street Lights and Traffic Lights. The initial investment covering the costs
associated with the installation of solar panels, batteries and relevant infrastructure is one of
the main factors. For the purposes of ensuring system efficiency over time, it is necessary to
carry out a careful evaluation of solar panel quality and performance as well as battery storage
capacity. Consideration shall also be given to operational and maintenance costs. Periodic
checks and repairs may still be necessary, even if solar power systems generally have lower
maintenance costs than those connected to the grid.

The return on investments is a key aspect of economic analysis. The lifespan of the Solar
Photovoltaic Lights should be estimated, with the return on investment calculated for each
system's lifetime. This calculation should consider factors such as energy savings, reduced
maintenance costs and potential government incentives or rebates. Due to the longer-term
reduction of energy bills compared with conventional grid lights, energy saving potential in
solar power lighting should be carefully assessed and considered. The viability of solar
electricity lighting projects depends on a decisive role played by government incentives and
policies.

The overall cost efficiency of the implementation can be substantially affected by an evaluation
of available tax credits, subsidies, or additional financing support. Furthermore, it should be
noted that solar power also has a positive impact on the environment. Solar-powered lighting
helps meet sustainability targets, reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and
decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Another consideration is the independence from the electrical grid. The solar-powered lamps
are operated autonomously and provide a reliable source of illumination even when the
electrical supply is interrupted. In areas with a high frequency of interruptions in electricity
supply, this aspect may be particularly advantageous. To ensure the possibility of a selected
PV system generating enough power for lighting requirements during the whole year, it is also
crucial to assess domestic climate and sunlight availability.

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It is important to stay up to date with technological progress in solar and energy storage
technologies. Innovations in these areas will allow for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness
of future solutions, leading to the long-term success of solar energy-generated lighting projects.
It is also important to involve the community and stakeholders so that public perception and
support can have a significant impact on project success. Finally, long-term planning is
essential, considering scalability, potential expansion, and upgrades to accommodate future
growth or changes in energy demand.

Overall, it is important to make a thorough evaluation of business and economic considerations

when deciding on the installation of streetlamps or traffic lights using renewable energy sources.
The key to the successful implementation of these sustainable infrastructure projects lies in
balancing the environmental and social benefits with business considerations.

5.2 Application and Viability of Design

In this project, the application of mechatronics is evident through the integration of key
components such as the Arduino Uno, Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR), and Light Dependent
Resistor (LDR). These elements collectively enable the utilization of solar power as a
renewable energy source, forming the foundation of a fully automated system designed to
conserve energy. Notably, the chosen equipment and components are common and readily
available, facilitating easy procurement. Their user-friendly nature and compatibility with
existing systems further contribute to the project's practicality, making it well-suited for
integration into public transportation systems.

Primarily developed for solar-powered traffic lights and intelligent streetlights, the
mechatronics design extends beyond its initial purpose. The versatility of this concept allows
for adaptation and application in various domains. For instance, the implementation of smart
lights can enhance public facilities such as bus stops and restrooms. In bus stops, the smart
lights can activate in response to the presence of pedestrians, optimizing energy usage.
Conversely, during periods of darkness and no pedestrian activity, the lights can remain off,
contributing to energy conservation.

The concept's adaptability finds a particularly beneficial application in public restrooms.

Traditional reliance on individuals to manually switch lights on and off poses hygiene concerns
due to potential bacterial transmission through light switches. The introduction of smart lights

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not only addresses this sanitary issue but also promotes energy efficiency by ensuring lights
are only active when needed throughout the day.

In summary, the incorporation of mechatronics, Arduino technology, and renewable energy

sources in this project not only makes it feasible for public transportation systems but also
opens avenues for broader applications, promoting energy conservation and hygiene in diverse
public spaces.

5.3 Suggestion for Area of Improvements

With the current design from the project, several areas of improvement can be considered to
further upgrade the aspects of the system and increase its applicability to different environment.
For instance, integration of wireless communication stands out as an important enhancement
that can be made to enable seamless communication between different traffic lights which will
foster synchronization and coordination of the traffic system. It has potential to improve the
optimization of traffic flow, leading to a reduction in energy consumption.

Another suggestion involves the incorporation of additional features, specifically the

implementation of a dynamic control system for the LED lights. The ability of this system is
to adjust the intensity of the lights automatically depends on ambient light levels, introducing
the concept of a dimmer light and adaptive light intensity. This feature will not only contribute
to energy conservation but also improve visibility during low-light conditions.

Besides, to address the challenge of weather adaptability, where amount of sunlight is

insufficient, it is proposed to consider the implementation of a backup power source or an
alternative energy storage solution. The potential solutions could involve integrating a grid
connection or a secondary power source to ensure the continuous operation of the traffic or
streetlights, even in less favourable weather condition.

Furthermore, exploring the integration of low-power components into the mechatronics system
is another way for improvement in energy conservation. By incorporating low-power
microcontrollers and LEDs, the overall energy efficiency of the system can be enhanced, which
will not only contribute to reduction of energy consumption but also extends the operation life
of the components.

In summary, these recommended areas of improvement encompass both technological

advancements and strategic considerations that, when they are integrated into the solar-

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powered traffic light and street light system, it will significantly enhance the performance,
efficiency and overall contribution to energy conservation.

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 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION

6.1 Conclusion
This project has successfully created a working prototype of solar-powered traffic lights and
street lighting, integrating mechatronics, Arduino technology, and renewable energy sources.
To boost energy efficiency, additional components like IR sensors and LDRs were incorporated.
The use of solar panels as the primary power source aligns with the United Nations' carbon-
neutral objectives, minimizing environmental impact. The project reviewed published journal
articles to pinpoint research gaps and areas for improvement while providing alternative design
options. Simulations were performed on the prototype to assess its functionality day and night.
Furthermore, discussions on business and economic aspects aimed to guide strategic
investments. Procuring the chosen equipment and components is convenient due to their
common availability. The project also highlights potential enhancements to optimize system
performance.

6.2 Recommendation for Future Work

To enhance the efficiency and reliability of the system, it is advisable to conduct investigations
and surveys in the installation area for the solar traffic lights and street lighting system. These
efforts will provide a better understanding of the location. Additionally, performing
calculations to determine the required power for system operation and the necessary number
of solar panels is crucial. Selecting appropriate batteries, inverters, and solar charge controllers
is essential to ensure uninterrupted service. Moreover, careful consideration should be given to
the type of light bulbs used for streetlights, aiming for optimal lighting while conserving energy.
Future endeavors will prioritize the practical application of the designed system in real-life
scenarios.

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 REFERENCES

Bhairi, M. N., Kangle, S. S., Edake, M. S., Madgundi, B. S., & B., B. V. (2017). Design and
Implementation of Smart Solar LED Street Light.

Manikandan, P., Karthick, S., Saravanan, S., & Divya, T. (2018). Role of solar powered
automatic traffic light controller for energy conservation. International Research
Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 5(12), 989-992.
Qaisar, S. M., Alzahrani, W. M., Almojalid, F. M., & Hammad, N. S. (2019, July). A vehicle
movement based self-organized solar powered street lighting. In 2019 IEEE 4th
International Conference on Signal and Image Processing (ICSIP) (pp. 445-448).
IEEE.

Sharma, P., Jain, S., Bagga, U., & Panse, P. (2021). Smart Traffic Light and Street Light
Management System . International Journal for Research in Applied Science &
Engineering Technology (IJRASET) , 392-397.

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 APPENDIX
Code for Conceptual Design

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Code for Final Design

1. Solar-Powered Street Lamp with PIR Sensor

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2. Traffic Light with PIR Sensor

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Code for Physical Prototype

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