Development and Performance Analysis of a Cost-Effective Integrated Light Controller

Abstract

An integrated sensor based daylight responsive light controller has been designed and developed. The developed cost-effective light controller performs on logical decision derived from output of integrated sensor circuit comprising of daylight sensor and occupancy sensor. The performance analysis has also been carried out to understand the actual operating condition of the system using different sensors to control lamp circuits in small indoor lighting applications. The sensitivity levels of the photo sensor (i.e. a Light Dependent Resistor or LDR) and the occupancy sensor (i.e. a Passive Infrared Sensor or PIR) circuits can be adjusted through in-built tuning facility in developed circuit after experimental measurement of the response characteristics of the both sensors. By monitoring the indoor lighting system with the developed controller, it is possible to reduce the usage of electrical energy during the absence of occupant in any room. It is also possible to vary lamp output according to the seasonal variation in daylight level by selecting different reference voltage level and to use minimum electrical energy by utilizing the available daylight. It is a low cost solution due to the advantage of components and the sensors in the market at low cost.