Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III
Division City of Balanga
BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
City of Balanga

SCIENCE INNOVATION EXPO – TEAM

Helios: The Efficiency of Multi-Purpose Solar-Powered Charging Station for

Proper Waste Disposal of Plastic Bottles

Ricianela Julliene G. Diwa

Mhiel Christian T. Frendol
Jhamil Keith D. Leano
Proponents

Melet B. Mariano, MAEd

Research Adviser II
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction………………………………………………………………..2
Materials and Methods…………………………….....…………………....4
Results and Discussion………………………………….......……………..7
Conclusion......................…………...…….....……………………………..7
Acknowledgements…………………….…….......………………………..8
References.......................………….…………………...………………….9
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Helios: The Efficiency of Multi-Purpose Solar Powered Charging

Station for Proper Waste Disposal of Plastic Bottle

Mhiel Christian T. Frendol1,a, Ricianela Julliene G. Diwa1,b, Jhamil Keith

D. Leano1,c
Adviser: Melet B. Mariano
1
Bataan National High School - Junior High School, Roman
Superhighway, City of Balanga, Bataan, 2100, Philippines
a
[email protected], [email protected],
c
[email protected]

Abstract
The escalating pollution crisis caused by the widespread use of plastic
bottles has become a formidable global challenge. The Philippines, in particular,
has emerged as one of the worst offenders for marine plastic pollution, with an
alarming annual stream of 0.28 - 0.75 million tons of plastic into the oceans from
the coastal areas of Manila Bay. This research paper presents an innovative
project aimed at reducing plastic bottle waste through a sustainable approach. The
project focuses on the implementation of a reward system utilizing a solar-
powered charging station named Helios. Moreover, the goal is to make an
alternative charging station with the use of recyclable materials, particularly
plastic bottles. The machine incorporates Arduino components such as an
ultrasonic sensor, a photoresistor, and a servo motor, all powered by a 12V battery
that collects and stores energy from a solar panel. Through precise testing,
assessed the accuracy and functionality of the Helios system. The sensors
demonstrated exceptional accuracy, achieving a perfect detection rate of 100% for
plastic bottles during three consecutive trials. Furthermore, an analysis of the
energy consumption revealed that it took 19 bottles to reach the battery percentage
from 0% to 25%, indicating the system's efficiency. The Helios project introduces
an innovative approach to tackle the crisis of plastic pollution, combining a
reward system with a solar-powered charging station. By incorporating recyclable
materials, particularly plastic bottles, Helios demonstrates the potential to reduce
plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.

Keywords: Charging Station; solar-powered; Arduino-based; plastic bottle waste

disposal

Introduction

The Helios charging station emerges as a timely response to the escalating

global challenge of plastic pollution, as highlighted by Dame Ellen Macarthur
(2017). The surge in pollution, largely fueled by the persistent use of plastics,
demands a radical shift in our approach to production and usage. Over 8 million
tons of plastic inundate the oceans annually, with the projection that plastic
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production will triple in the next 20 years, incurring substantial economic costs
ranging between $80 and $120 billion each year (Macarthur, 2017).

The proliferation of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) compounds this crisis,

posing imminent threats to various ecosystems and biodiversity. The Philippines,
as a significant contributor to marine plastic pollution, discharges millions of tons
of plastic into the oceans annually, particularly from Manila Bay's coastal areas,
and consumes a staggering 60 billion sachets yearly (Jambeck et al., 2015). The
alarming prediction that, by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the
oceans underscores the urgency of addressing this environmental menace
(Macarthur, 2017).
In response to these critical environmental issues, the Helios charging
station is introduced as an innovative and environmentally conscious solution
powered by solar energy. This multi-purpose, solar-driven charging station not
only offers free charging services to users but also confronts the plastic waste
challenge head-on by repurposing and recycling plastic bottles. The station
incorporates sensors that meticulously tally inserted plastic bottles, promoting
efficient recycling practices.

The Helios charging station's operational sequence is designed to ensure

responsible usage. It identifies plastic bottles deposited into a designated opening
through connected sensors. If a non-plastic item is detected, it remains
unregistered, preventing further actions. Upon identifying a plastic bottle, users
can trigger a timer through a button press, aligning the duration with the number
of bottles deposited. During this regulated timeframe, the opening's lid closes,
preventing additional bottles from entering and allowing users to conveniently
charge their electronic devices. To address capacity issues, an integrated
ultrasonic sensor detects when the machine reaches its maximum capacity,
prompting a message on the LCD display and automatically closing the bottom lid
until the machine is emptied.

In comparison to other projects like VendoBin, Helios shares the goal of

classifying plastic bottles successfully through various tests with different brands.
However, Helios distinguishes itself by integrating an ultrasonic sensor within its
trash bin, providing an automated response to potential overloading issues, and
incorporating a free charging service. VendoBin, on the other hand, relies on
alerting authorities when its bin is full to ensure timely emptying.

The market demand for the Helios charging station is rooted in the
increasing global awareness of environmental issues and the growing market for
innovative, sustainable products. As consumers and businesses prioritize eco-
friendly solutions, Helios's unique combination of solar-driven technology and
plastic recycling functionality positions it as a marketable solution aligned with
current sustainability trends. Its strategic partnerships, adaptability to various
settings, and potential economic benefits further contribute to its market appeal.
The success of the Helios charging station will likely hinge on effective marketing
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strategies, strategic partnerships, and its ability to demonstrate both environmental

and economic benefits in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
Materials and Methods
A. Materials
Figure 1.
Proposed design of the Solar-powered Charging Station

Figure 1 shows how the solar panel serves as the main source of energy.
The panel is used to charge the batteries needed to operate the robot and also
charge the phones of the machine user. The machine has different sides and based
on the figure above, we portray the designs of the front side, back side, and inside
of the machine. Front side has the project’s main surface, this is where the users
can operate the machine. For the back side of the machine, there is a door where
the person in charge can manage the main system of the machine and also collect
the bottles inside. Meanwhile, solid polycarbonate sheet, metal tubes, plywood
and served as the framework of the whole project. Thus, also serving as the source
of support and balance between the components involved.

B. General Procedure

a. Gathering materials

We gathered all the supplies required to complete our research project. The
Arduino components necessary to construct the project's main brain was
purchased. In order to build the main framework or structure of our project.

b. Creation of the support for the structural framework for the main
body/foundation of the Helios

To hold the vital parts of our project, we used one (1) 16 x 16 inches
plywood that serves as the base and skeleton of our machines. In order to move
the robot from one location to another without difficulty, we used a wheel to act
as the robot's legs. We also used solid polycarbonate sheet to cover the sides of
the machine as well as the bottom part of the machine, wherein we see how many
bottles were collected by the machine.
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c. Installing the wheels under the machine.

We used wheels for our project in order to easily move our project from one
place to another more quickly, efficiently and without any difficulties.

C. Programming and planning of the main circuit of the machine.

Figure 2.
Coding/Programming the function of the machine

Figure
2 shows
the

code/program for our machine.

Figure 3.
Circuit/wiring of the machine

Figure 3 shows the illustration of our Arduino breadboard’s wiring for our
project.
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D. Installing the necessary Arduino devices

Figure 4.
Installation of all electrical and Arduino components

Figure 4 shows that the machine starts with a bottle being inserted. The
bottle will go down the tube and it uses 1 ultrasonic sensor to sense the movement
of the bottle. After the ultrasonic sensor senses that an object has passed through
the tube, it will alert the servo motor to prevent the placing of another object.
Another function that will be called is the plastic detection system or the light
system to see if the inserted object is really a plastic bottle or not.

Either way, the stepper motor under the tube will open to let the object out
of the tube and the servo motor will also open once it is detected that there are no
remaining objects inside the tube. Once a bottle is actually confirmed it will be
counted as 2 mins of charging time and you can still insert the remaining bottles to
reach the desired minutes of charging.

Once you are satisfied with the minutes of charging, we can finally press
the button that will print a real-time countdown timer in the LCD then it will also
turn on the relay that will allow the charging and close the servo to avoid the
sliding of another bottle while the countdown timer is ticking.

E. Data Gathering
Accuracy
We assessed the accuracy of the sensors in the detection of plastic bottles.
It was measured by inserting a plastic bottle and testing if it followed the program
of 1 bottle to 2 minutes and further inserting bottles in the machine to see if it
followed the bottle-to-time ratio. Then the device was plugged into the machine to
see if the device charged with the acquired time.

Number of Bottles
We measured the bottle count by counting the acquired plastic bottles on a
certain amount of time and then the number of bottles it took to reach a battery
percentage of 25% from 0%.
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Results and Discussion

Table 1.

This study shows the significance of the Helios project in addressing the
challenges of managing plastic bottle waste. The Helios system demonstrated a
remarkable 100%-accuracy in determining the optimal charging time for plastic
bottles. The Chi-Square test resulted with a significance value of 0.05, which
confirmed the project's effectiveness in achieving a 25% battery charge. These
findings strongly supported that the Helios charging station is a precise and
efficient solution for handling plastic bottle waste while also offering valuable
charging services for electronic devices, such as phones.

In comparison to a similar project called VendoBin, both Helios and

VendoBin successfully classify plastic bottles by testing various brands to
recognize different types of plastics. However, there are notable differences. One
feature that sets Helios apart from VendoBin is the integration of an ultrasonic
sensor in Helios' trash bin. This sensor detects when the bin is nearing full
capacity, causing the top lid to close and temporarily stopping the machine. This
automated response enhances the overall efficiency of the Helios project by
addressing potential overloading issues before they affect functionality.

Both projects contribute to a shift in waste management through

technological innovation. The differences in their design and operation highlight
the complexity of tackling plastic pollution. Continued collaboration and
knowledge sharing between projects like Helios and VendoBin can lead to
comprehensive solutions for managing plastic waste effectively, ensuring a more
sustainable future. The added capability of Helios to charge electronic devices
further enhances its practicality and positive impact on both waste management
and user convenience.

Conclusion
In summary, the Helios charging station offered tangible benefits to users,
fostering environmental consciousness, providing convenience, and contributing
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to community engagement. For businesses and local governments, it presented an

opportunity to align with environmentally conscious practices, positively
impacting both their image and the communities they serve. Ultimately, its user-
friendly design, initiated by a simple button press, ensured accessibility for a
broad audience, creating an inclusive and efficient charging experience.
Moreover, the Helios charging station carried educational value, raising awareness
about plastic pollution and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. In
essence, Helios transcended the typical charging station, becoming a catalyst for
positive change, benefitting individuals, businesses, and the broader community.

Acknowledgements
The researchers would like to express their gratitude to everyone who
helped make this study possible. We would first and foremost like to express our
gratitude to Bataan National High School for providing us with this educational
opportunity, which has taught us important life lessons like patience,
perseverance, teamwork, resilience, cooperation, and, most importantly, the
never-ending pursuit of knowledge. Second, we want to express our profound
gratitude to Ms. Melet B. Mariano and Mr. Renato Fernando for providing
invaluable guidance, support, advises, comments, recommendations, provisions
and other contributions that helped this study be completed and be
successful. It was a great honor and joy to work and learn under their guidance.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to our parents for their
endless love, intercession, support, and sacrifices. Without their constant, selfless
love and support, this would not have been possible.
We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone who helped us,
directly or indirectly, to finish the study project.
Finally, we are really grateful to Almighty God for providing us with the
capacity, knowledge, opportunity, and strength to carry out this research project.
We would not be able to do this research or any of our other everyday tasks
without His direction and mercy. To God be the Glory!
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