A Report

on

The Design of a Green Circuit

for
Optimizing energy utilization in a room

by

Sailesh Conjeti

Kunal Bansal

Anirudh Joshi

Vicky Jha

<BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE>

<PILANI, RAJASTHAN>

A report submitted for

Shaastra Circuit Design Challenge

Shaastra 2009
 ContentS

Abstract

1. Introduction
2. Design Plan
3. Assumptions made in circuit design with justification

4. List of appliances being optimized and optimization

techniques used

4.1 Ambient light detector and light dimmer module

4.2 Temperature-based fan regulator module
+
Timed Air Conditioner regulator module
4.3 Temperature Based Water Cooler Module

5. Block diagram of the whole circuit

6. Explanation of individual modules supplemented with

circuit/logic diagrams

6.1 Automatic Battery Charger Module

6.2 Motion Detector Module and Sequencer Circuit
6.3 Real Time Counter unit + Display Unit
6.4 Decoder Module <The Intelligence Unit>
6.5 Appliance Module

7. Innovations made
8. Conclusion
9. Scope for Further Innovation/Applications
10. BibliographY
 Team Composition
Sailesh Conjeti
B.E.(Hons.) EEE

BITS Pilani

College ID: 2008A3PS077P

E-mail: sailcon.131@gmail.com

+91-9460359717

Kunal Bansal
M.Sc.(Hons.) Economics + B.E.(Hons.) EEE

BITS Pilani

College ID: 2008B3A3646P

E-mail: rockstar52kunal@gmail.com

+91-9024320005

Anirudh Joshi
M.Sc.(Hons.) Physics + B.E.(Hons.) EEE

BITS Pilani

College ID: 2008B5A3680P

E-Mail : anirudhjoshi5189@gmail.com

+91-9414059862

Vicky Jha
B.E.(Hons.) EEE

BITS Pilani

College ID: 2009A3PS089P

E-mail : vickj.2007@gmail.com

+91-9785022235
Abstract

The Green Circuit aims to optimize the energy utilization inside a

room by avoiding unnecessary energy usage. It achieves this by
using a logic circuitry which, depending on factors like the
number of people in the room, temperature of the room, light
intensity available in the room etc., optimizes the appliance usage.
With an inbuilt robust real time counter, Decoder module,
Display unit and Appliance Unit, it achieves the task using
fundamental electronic components like transistors, diodes, SCRs,
Triacs, Op-Amps, Resistors, Capacitors etc. and fundamental
digital ICs and flip flops. A cost-effective approach with a
potential to implement real-time has been considered. Simulation
done on software like Circuit Maker 6 and Board Creator along
with circuit analysis on MATLAB has made the circuit more
robust and fool-proof.

In our Green Circuit, the appliances chosen include: Lights, Fans,

Water coolers and Air conditioners. The room under our
assumption is a library study room accommodating a maximum
of 4 people, with single door for entry/ exit and 3 windows. The
room has 4 lights, 1 fan, 1 A.C., and a water cooler. In case the
room is vacant, the circuit turns off automatically and gets
triggered in presence of a person. With provisions for manual
usage also, the personal choice of the person has also been taken
care off.
 1. introduction

Optimization of Energy utilization by avoiding

unnecessary energy usage is achievable by understanding
the factors which influence an appliances usage. This is
exactly what the Green Circuit does.

Taking into factors like ambient light intensity for the

light-bulbs, temperature for the water-coolers and fans,
the circuit automates the appliances used in the room. It
comes with an inbuilt robust real time counter specially
made to record only genuine movements; the Green
Circuit takes into consideration the number of people and
their choices also.

A promising solution for the present power crisis, our

circuit can be suitably modified to match real time
implementation !!!
 2. Design plan

S.No. Job type and description Date of Completion

1 Pre Shastra Selection: Upto 31st August 2009

With valuable inputs from references
cited as
(a) : www.educeypedia.org
(b) : www.wikipedia.org
(c) : Forrest Mims electronics e-book
(d) : Shaastra website
The circuit and its different modules
were designed.
2 Circuit Simulation: Circuit maker 6 1st September 2009-
software was used to simulate and test 4th September 2009
the circuits modules. Circuit analysis
was done on MATLAB and BOARD
CREATOR
3 Component Procurement: Estimated 8th September 2009-
cost for our module is Rs.650.The 11th September 2009
circuit building starts simultaneously
with available components.
4 Breadboarding:Testing the designed 12th September 2009-
circuit on breadboarding it.Finalize 22nd September 2009
circuit on breadboard.Model of room
under assumption will be made in
BITS Workshop.
5 PCB Design 22nd September 2009-
Making of PCB according to our 25th September 2009
circuit.
6 Solder onto PCB 25th September 2009-
Final components to be soldered into 27th September 2009
PCB.

The final Circuit on the PCB along with the Model of room under
consideration will be made by 29th September.
 3.assumptions made in circuit design
and justification

Since the problem-statement was open ended suitable

assumptions had to be made regarding room under consideration,
maximum number of people inside the room etc.

The following are the assumptions we made:-

1. Rooms Purpose
The Circuit was designed taking the room to be a library study room. Modification
required for other rooms comes only in the decoder unit as it is unique for every
room and depends on the number of people in the room.

Justification: A study room could include all the appliances we intend to

optimize on like water coolers, lights, fans and Air conditioners.

2. Rooms size and aesthetics

A small sized room with a single door for entry/exit and three windows to allow
ambient light. No modification in the circuit needs to be done if the size of the room
or the no. of windows etc. change. However as specified in the problem statement
only one door for entry/exit is considered. People are considered to be seated in a
particular fashion so that placement of lights is better(here clockwise).

Justification: It was easier and within our means to simulate a small room real-
time. The point about closeness to actual implementation was the reason for such
a choice.
 3. Maximum No. of People in the room
The maximum number of people in the room has been taken to be 4. Since it is a
library room under consideration over-crowding is not possible. If number of people
in the room increases the Decoder unit of the Circuit needs to be suitably modified.
Whilst for lesser no. of people the circuit remains unchanged.

Justification: This restriction was due to the decoder circuit. A larger

decoder circuit has a larger chance of mal-functioning. So to make it error-free a
reasonable number of 4 have been assumed.

4. Restrictions on temperature of Fan regulator

Standard temperature sensors available for a fan regulator have been used. It works
in different ranges from 25 degree celcius 29 degree celcius and beyond.

Justification: Keeping Pilani atmosphere under consideration the best available

sensor for temperature has been used.

Smaller assumptions have been made across the circuit and the general reason for all of
them was changes which were to be made in the circuit after simulation software were
used.
 appliances to be optimized and
4.

the optimization technique used

4.1 lights in the room

ambient light detector coupled with a 555 pwm

light dimmer circuit

Device description:

A pulse width modulator is a device that may be used as an efficient

light dimmer. This can control DC devices that can draw up to few
amperes of current.

A PWM circuit works by making a square wave with a variable on to

off ratio. The average on-time may be varied from 0 to 100 percent. In
this manner variable amount of power is transferred to the load.

The main advantage of a PWM circuit over a resistive power

controller is the efficiency at a 50% level the PWM will use about 50%
of full power almost all of which is transferred to the load. Whereas a
resistive control at 50% loads power would consume about 71% of full
power. 50% of the power goes to the load and the other 21% is wasted
heating the series resistor.
Circuit Diagram:

Fig.1 Light Dimmer Circuit and its output

In this circuit we have used a Light Dependent Resistor (resistance

increases with increase in ambient light intensity).With increasing
light intensity the resistance increases leading to a smaller duty cycle
and hence lesser average power. Consequently the bulb will glow
dimmer. In nights or in dark conditions the resistance of the LDR
drastically decreases leading to more current and hence a brighter
light.
4.2 TIMED AIR CONDITIONER + FAN Regulator circuit
In homes it is a common observation that Air Conditioner and Fans are used alternatively.
For e.g. if the AC runs for hr and the room is sufficiently cool then the AC is switched off
and a Fan is run as an alternative. This common technique of optimizing electric power is
very efficient. By using a 555 time in astable mode and using the relay and inverter
combination as shown in the following circuit diagram (Fig 2), one can make this timed
regulator circuit automatic and feasible.

Fig 2. AC and Fan Timer Circuit with Output

The next circuit diagram is the circuit diagram for Temperature-based Fan Regulator circuit.
A suitable wide-range thermistor coupled with an proper IC and the relay-polar capacitor-pnp
transistor combination as shown we can regulate the fan speed accordingly.

Fig 3. Temperature based Fan-regulator Circuit

4.3 water cooler temperature based regulator

Fig 4. Temperature based Controller for Water Cooler

Temperature-based Controller for Water cooler is based on a simple potentiometer +

relay combination. When the voltage drop across the 1 kilo resistor becomes
sufficient enough to trigger the relay, the circuit for the Compressor motor closes and
the water cooler module starts functioning.

The variable resistor used in the circuit is a suitable thermistor which will be selected
such that below 15 degrees C the water cooler doesnt work and above it the cooler is
activated.
 AUTOMATIC BATTERY CHARGER DISPLAY UNIT

<Simulates a Generator> <Displays the number of people in

<Powers the circuit in an un-interrupted the room>
manner and avoids spikes> <Range: 0-9>

MOTION DETECTOR MODULE REAL TIME COUNTER MODULE

< Pressure Plates are sensors> <Implemented using sequence of logic

gates and flip-flops>
<Decides entry/exit> <Maintains the count of no. of people
in the room>
<Acts as input to the Counter
<Takes input from the Motion
module> Detector module>
<Acts as output to The Decoder
module and the The Display unit>

SEQUENCER MODULE

<Keeps a check on mock

entry/exit>
<Validates a Proper
Selection> DECODER MODULE (THE INTELLIGENCE UNIT)

<Controls the usage of appliances>

<Decodes the data from Counter Module>

WATER AMBIENT LIGHT

TEMPERATURE AIR
COOLER DETECTOR
BASED FAN CONDITIONER
MODULE Light
CONTROLLER MODULE +
MODULE TIMER
controller

Block Diagram of our Circuit

 6.explaination of modules in the circuit with
logic/ circuit diagrams
Instead of making the whole circuit as a single piece, modular approach towards circuit
design helps to de-bug the circuit better and helps in making modifications for different
applications.

6.1 automatic battery charger

Fig 5. Circuit for Automatic Battery Charger

The power supply circuit consists of a Step-down transformer and Bridge Rectifier
comprising 4 diodes as shown above. For triggering SCR1 its gate is connected through
R1 to power supply. The battery simulates a generator, constantly powering the circuit
even if there is no direct power available from the source.
6.2 robust motion detector + sequencer unit
The problem statement specifies making of a real-time robust motion detector equipped
with sufficient functionality to avoid mock-entry/exit. This objective has been achieved
by using pressure plates as sensors.

Fig 6. Robust Motion-Detector Module

>A and B are pressure plates placed at both sides of the door of the room.

>By default A ->B is considered the direction of entry where as B->A is

considered the direction of exit.

>These pressure plates are used as they avoid energy usage as against usual
IR sensor detectors.

>Diagram 1 shows how a pressure plate works and is self-explanatory.

How is mock entry/exit prevented using a SEQUENCER
When A is pressed first the D latch records
1 for a stipulated time of reset. If entry is
genuine B is pressed within that time, in
such a case the entry is validated and count
of the no.of people in the room increases.

The same is true for Exit too.

Fig 7. Sequencer unit to validate Entry/ Exit and check fake movements

The 555 timer circuit used above resets after 1.2 seconds( Maximum time for crossing
the rooms door). R1 and C1 are chosen accordingly and the formula for reference is :

T= 1.1 X R1 X C1 for an monostable circuit

6.3 Real time counter and display unit:
A real-time counter takes input from the Robust Motion Detector+ Sequencer Module.
It keeps count of the number of people inside the room and feeds output to the 7-
segment display unit and the Decoder unit.

The Logic Circuit Diagram is shown below:

LEGEND:

DOWN: Pulse through down-count-

1.
UP : Pulse through up count +1.
DATA INPUTS A,B,C,D: Used to
preset the count to zero at every
time the circuit starts.
OUTPUTS A,B,C,D: Used to output
the binary of the number of people
with A carrying the LSB and D the
MSB.
LOAD: Power supply to the circuit
CLR: An option to clear the count of
number of people.

Fig 8. Logic Diagram for the Counter Module with output s (Courtesy: TI Pocket Logic Book)
The circuit diagram of the Display Unit is shown below:

The input to the Display unit comes

from the Real-Time Counter circuit.

The Display of the count is shown in

a 7-segment Display as shown.

Range: 0-9.

Fig 9. Display Unit for the Circuit taking input from the Counter module
6.4 Decoder unit <The unit of intelligence in the circuit>

The most important unit of the circuit regulating the fans, lights and other appliances is
the decoder unit. Depending upon the number of people in the room the decoder unit
decides which fans, lights,coolers etc. needs to run. This does real time optimization of
appliance usage.

The logic/circuit diagram of the decoder applicable in our circuit diagram is as shown:

Fig 10. The Decoder Unit : The unit of intelligence of the circuit

Sl. No.of ppl.in room Fan Lights AC Water Cooler

1 Zero X - - - - NL X X

2 One Y - - - 1 - Y Y

3 Two Y - - 1 2 - Y Y

4 Three Y - 1 2 3 - Y Y

5 Four Y 1 2 3 4 - Y Y

X- No ; Y- Yes; NL- Night Lamp; 1,2,3,4 : Lights no.s

6.5 Appliance module
As already explained in previous pages the appliances whose energy needs to be
optimized will be coupled to the decoder circuit as shown above and will be regulated
accordingly

7. Innovations made:
<1> Automatic Battery Charger : The automatic battery that we
intend to use in our circuit shall act as a backup for it and will keep it
running in absence of main power.

<2> Sequencer : The sequencer shall provide inputs to the up-down

counter and will act as an foolproof solution to the problem of fake or mock
entry because it shall give output when the correct sequence of input is
given to it . It will not allow an incorrect sequence i,e a fake entry to
increase or decrease the counter.

<3> Time Regulation for AC and Fan : Here we have used the 555
timer in astable mode to run AC and Fan in continous intervals of 1min and 5
min. respectively so that comfortable and a desirable temperature can be
maintained in the room.

8.scope for further innovation/applications:

1. Optimization for Offices/Computer Centres :

Appliances like Computers and electronic gadgetry in an Office can also be controlled
using the Green Circuit. The person counter present is robust enough and can be used
for security purposes.

2. In Hospitals:
By adding a Piezo-electric buzzer and setting the maximum number of people who can
be present in the room we can avoid over-crowding and congestion in visitors room of
the hospitals.

3. In Elevators/Lifts:
Though it is clearly specified that no. of persons in a lift should not exceed a specific no,
it is never given importance and often risky. Using this circuit, we can control the lift
mechanism allowing it to function if and only if the no. of people is as per specifications.
9. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we have designed a circuit that optimizes the
power usage of the room by controlling the working of
LEDs, fans and other appliances depending upon the
number of people in the room

We have used an intelligence unit consisting of a decoder for

that purpose. The input to it is provided through a sequence
and up-down counter which is activated using mechanical
switches. We have also developed sequentially working fan
and ac system that work simultaneously for different
amount of time. The water purifier and cooler has been
included considering the needs of the people of the room.

Our circuit has been designed by using just basic electrical

components such as logic gates and ICs. It is due to its
simplicity that it is easy to implement in real time. However,
there will be slight modifications due to power shift of 220V.

We have tried to simulate an idealised Library room that

not only optimizes energy but also provide to people
favourable and comfortable conditions in it.
10 . BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites referred:

1) http://www.elecfree.com
2) http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com
3) http://www.circuitstoday.com
4) http://www.wikipedia.org
5) http://www.educypedia.org

Books referred:

1.Texas Instruments Pocket Logic Handbook

2.Radio Shack Basic Electronics
3.Data sheets for ICs.
4.Electronics For You Magazines

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