Chapter 1

Introduction

Barangay Bulaon has an estimated land area of 200 hectares where 75 hectares are crop

land, 100 hectares for residential land, 5 hectares’ swamp and the remaining 20 hectares are

classified as other. Barangay Bulaon is known for the relocation of the residents of the

Municipality of Bacolor after the Mt. Pinatubo calamity. The barangay became a resettlement

site due to the calamity. Brgy. Bulaon’s population rose from 5,498 people to 31, 026. Now

Bulaon’s population is an estimated number of 24,000 people.

In present times, Brgy. Bulaon faced their one of major problem within their residences;

the lack of streetlights. In the past, Brgy. Bulaon has an abundant numbers of streetlights but as

time passes, these streetlights left unused because some of them are not functioning anymore.

1.1 Statement of the problem

More roads and places around the country are becoming dangerous due to lack of street

light or busted street lights and because of that that these can lead to accidents of motorcycles to

cars and other vehicles. It can also lead to crimes. According to Philipis (2015), there have been

some concerns raised that the reduction of street lighting at night could fuel an increase in the

number of accidents and crimes that occur in the area.

According to the barangay officials of Barangay Bulaon, roads on their area are

dangerous because of the absence of streetlights which can lead to minor accidents and even

minor crimes such as theft.

 One way to solve this problem is to install and put street lights .A street light, light pole,

lamppost, street lamp, light standard, or lamp standard is a raised source of light on the edge of a

road or path (Tyson, 2013). According to research, each Municipalities or Barangays uses

different types of light ranging from bulbs to fluorescent to LED lights there is no doubt that

these have high consumption. Each year, several trillion kWh of electricity is used just on street

lights (Panchuk, 2009). Thousands of street lights are leave unattended in the morning. This

problem can lead to higher energy consumption and fast life of the light which can lead to more

electricity bills or busted street lights.

1.1.1 Major Problem

The major problem that the proponents intend to solve is to design,

develop, and implement a Solar Powered-Automatic Street Lights that will help

the residence from lacking of street light, lowering their energy consumption and

decreasing the figures in their accident and crime rates.

1.1.2 Minor Problem

 How to make the system independent from the main electricity grid?
 Having more street lights can lead to higher consumption of electricity which can

lead to higher electric bills that is why the system will use the energy that comes from the

sunlight as its main source of energy.

 How to automate the switching of the streetlight?

Many street lights are left behind by people who forgot or do not really care in

closing the lights. This neglecting can lead to many more problems so the system will use

sensor and a switching module to automate the switching of lights without the

intervention of human.

 How will the system store electricity to use as a power source to illuminate

the light?

Usual streetlights are using the power that comes in electrical plant of electrical

corporation and this cause of having high consumption of electricity and billing. Since

the system will not use this kind of sources, the system will use an independent energy

storage to store the energy that comes from the sunlight that supply and illuminate the

streetlight.

 How will the system safely charge its power source?

The system should have a module to regulate the energy that comes from

sunlight.

 How will the system produce number of voltage that is required to the light?

The system should a module to produce voltage needed by the light.

1.2 Current state of technology

Commercial Solar Led Street Lighting by SEPCO (Solar Electric Power Company).

SEPCO’s street lights are powered by a solar panel system that can provide lighting without

using electricity wires attached to the street lamps. They had also installed street lights around

highways, neighborhood streets and many more that “provides security, sustainability and an

overall green image”.

Solar Street lights by SUNMASTER (Solar light manufacturer). They also provide Solar

Street lights without the means of electricity attached to wires. These street light have a PV

(photovoltaic) panels that have a rechargeable battery that can provide electricity during the

nights. They also said that these street lights can give lights without the suns energy for a few

days.

In Barangay Bulaon, they are using alternative lightings at night. Lamps and flashlights

are the usual alternative lightings that the residents are using whenever they are going outside.

They also use candles to illuminate the vicinity of their house. Also, officials are roaming every

night to monitor the safeness of the area.

The mentioned technologies are full of features that are new to streetlights. However, the

proponents will change and these streetlights with more features than others to make sure that

there is the presence of innovation on the said system. The additional features will make the

system much better alternative that will be more advance than that of the already existing

technologies.
1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General Objective

The main objective of this project is to develop and design solar powered-

automatic street lights that will solve the problem absence of streetlights and efficient

in lowering high consumption of energy and decreasing accident and crime rates that will

implement on Barangay Bulaon.

1.3.2 Specific Objective

 To integrate a solar panel module to the system that will be used to collect

free energy.

Using sunlight as the main source of power can lower the consumption of

energy. This module will help the system to get the energy that comes from the sun

and use to power system.

 To integrate a light sensor module to the system that will detect ambiance

light.

This module will be used by the system to detect the surrounding light.
 To integrate relay switch module to the system that will automatically switch

the streetlights.

This module will be used by the system to automatically disconnect or

reconnect the power source of the LED lights depending on the ambiance light

that is being monitored by the light sensor module.

 To use a battery as the main storage of energy.

The collected solar energy that comes from the sun will be converted into

electrical energy and will be stored in the battery. This battery will be used as the

secondary source of power because the energy that the system will use will be

coming from it.

 To use a charging module to regulate the energy that comes from the sun.

This module will regulate the incoming current and voltage from the solar

panel module to the battery. This process is crucial in maintaining the life span of

the battery.
  To integrate a voltage booster module to produced voltage that required by

the needed voltage of the light.

This module is responsible for producing the required voltage by the load because

the battery does not have the enough voltage to illuminate the light.

1.3.3 Scope and Limitation

 Scope

o The system is a solar-powered device.

The system will implement solar panels to get solar energy and use

it to operate the system. By this, electrical energy that comes to electric

plants and corporations will not use so that electrical consumption will be

lowered.

o The system is a human-independent device

People will not think about to turn off the system because it has an

automatic light detection feature.

o The system can store and regulate its own energy.

Through the use of battery storage and a regulator, the system will

function well because it is stored properly and the energy will be

regulated well throughout the system.

 Limitation

o The light sensor can the only detect the ambiance light.

In unexpected circumstances, the light detector might not work

well because it is covered or blocked by any natural factors. (i.e. covered

by dirt, covered by leaves, etc.)

o The electricity produced by solar panels depend on the amount of

sunlight.

The system is solar-powered so that if it is not sunny, it get a little

amount of energy. Since the system is not installed by a large number of

solar panels because of its narrow size, the system will have difficulty in

storing a big amount of solar energy.

 SOLAR POWERED-AUTOMATIC STREET LIGHTS
FOR BARANGAY BULAON, CITY OF SAN FERNAND, PAMPANGA

A Capstone Project Presented to

STI College San Fernando

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirement for the Work Immersion/Capstone Project
For the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

By:
Cabral, Erry Lester
Cajuday, John Nowel
Cura, Christian Paul
Cayanan, Lyca Mae
Dalangin, Harold Raven
Morales, Abigail
Peralta, Joshelle
Tapec, Justine Carlo

Mr. Benjamin Ibarra

Capstone Adviser

February 2018
 Chapter II

Theoretical Framework

2.1 Solar Panel

Solar panels are devices that can convert light energy intro electrical energy. A solar panel is a

group of solar cells that can produce electricity through photovoltaic effect. (NORT)

Our street lamp will use a solar panel so that our street lamp will be illuminated without the use

of electricity. The solar panels will serve as the main module to get source of energy of our lamp.

2.2 Battery

A battery is a storage cell that contains one or more cells which can convert chemical energy to

electrical energy and can be used as a source for power. (OXFO)

Our system will use a battery where the converted solar energy to electrical energy will be

stored. The battery is also the one who is responsible for releasing the energy. The battery will serve as

the storage of energy for later use.

2.2.1 Lithium-ion Battery

Lithium batteries are very common these days. You can see them in almost of the gadgets people

used these days. They are so common because these type of batteries are the most active rechargeable

batteries handy. (ELEC2006)

Lithium-ion batteries were used in our system because they are the most popular among the other

batteries. Not only that they are also cheaper and light in terms of its weight, these batteries can also hold

a great amount of charge that can be useful for a lamp.

2.3 Charging Module

A charging module is a controller that manages the power going from the solar panel to the

battery. This device secures that batteries will not be overcharged during the day and it also regulates or

limits the rate that the electric current passes or produce from the batteries. (WIKI2018)

The charging module is capable of balancing the current flowing through the system and the one

which also stops the flow of electricity coming from the solar panel if the battery is full. The charging

module is helpful in regulating the health of the street lamp because when the battery is receiving an

unstable charge it can be damage or worst it might explode.

2.4 Relay Module

Relays are switches than can be opened automatically or manually. Relays can control a circuit by

opening and closing another circuit. (GALC)

The switching module or relay module is the one responsible for turning it on and off

automatically the light. It will receive signal from the light sensor if it is time to turn it on or off. Relay

modules can be convenient because our lamp automatically open and close.

2.5 Light Sensor

A light sensor is a device that can detect the ambiance light level, how dark or how bright a

surrounding is. (EDUC)

Our system will use a system that will sense when will turn it off or on. The lamp will turn on if it

detects darkness and it will close when it detects light.

2.5.1 Light Dependent Resistor

A LDR or light dependent resistor is a part that can change when a light strength hovers it. They

are used in light sensing circuit. (KITR)

 Our lamp will use a LDR or light dependent resistor so it can detect a light level. This will send a

signal to the relay whether when to turn it on or off.

2.6 Voltage Booster

A boost converter (step-up converter) is a DC-to-DC power converter that steps up

voltage (while stepping down current) from its input (supply) to its output (load). (King, 2010)

The system will use a voltage booster to accompany and regulate the required number of volts to

run in the lights. This will support the whole system in producing enough amount of voltage to illuminate

the light.
 CHAPTER 3

SOLAR POWERED-AUTOMATIC STREET LIGHTS

The solar panel will collect solar energy from the sun and then it will convert the solar energy to

electrical energy that will pass thru the charging module that will regulate the incoming energy. Also, it

will indicate when the battery is full or not and then it will be stored on the lithium-ion battery. When the

surrounding changes, the light sensor module will detect that varies on the ambiance light of its

surrounding; when it is dark, the light sensor will give signal the relay switch and the lamp will turn on;

and when it detects brightness or light the light sensor will signal relay switch and then the lamp will turn

off.

3.1 Solar Panel

Solar panels are devices that can transform light intro electrical energy. A solar panel is a group

of solar cells that can produce electricity through photovoltaic effect. (NORT)

Our street lamp will use a solar panel so that our street lamp will be illuminated without the use

of electricity. The solar panels will serve as the main source of energy of our lamp.

3.2 Battery

A battery is a storage cell that contains one or more cells which can convert chemical energy to

electrical energy and can be used as a source for power. (OXFO)

Our system will use a battery where the converted solar energy to electrical energy will be

stored. The battery is also the one who is responsible for releasing the energy. The battery will serve as

the storage of energy for later use.

3.2.1 Lithium-ion Battery

Lithium batteries are very common these days. You can see them in almost of the gadgets people

used these days. They are so common because these type of batteries are the most active rechargeable

batteries handy. (ELEC2006)

Lithium-ion batteries were used in our system for the reason they are the most popular among the

other batteries. Not only that they are also cheaper and light in terms of its weight, these batteries can

also hold a great amount of charge that can be useful for a lamp.

3.3 Charging Module

A charging module is a controller that manages the power going from the solar panel to the

battery. This device secures that batteries will not be overcharged during the day and it also regulates or

limits the rate that the electric current passes or produce from the batteries. (Wiki. 2018)

The charging module is capable of balancing the current flowing through the system and this one

also stops the flow of electricity coming from the solar panel if the battery is full. The charging module is

helpful in regulating the health of the street lamp because when the battery is receiving an unstable

charge it can be damage or worst it might explode.

3.4 Relay Module

Relays are switches than can be opened automatically or manually. Relays can control a circuit by

opening and closing another circuit. (GALC)

 The switching module or relay module is the one responsible for turning it on and off, it will

receive signal from the light sensor if it is time to turn it on or off. Relay modules can be convenient

because our lamp automatically open and close.

3.5 Light Sensor

A light sensor is a device that can detect the ambiance light level, how dark or how bright a

surrounding is. (EDUC)

Our system will use a system that will sense when will turn it off or on. The lamp will turn on if it

detects darkness and it will close when it detects light.

3.5.1 Light Dependent Resistor

A LDR or light dependent resistor is a part that can change when a light strength hovers it. They

are used in light sensing circuit. (KITR)

Our lamp will use a LDR or light dependent resistor so it can detect a light level. This will send a

signal to the relay whether when to turn it on or off.

3.6 Voltage Booster

A boost converter (step-up converter) is a DC-to-DC power converter that steps up voltage (while

stepping down current) from its input (supply) to its output (load).

The switching module or relay module is the one responsible for turning it on and off, it will

receive signal from the light sensor if it is time to turn it on or off. Relay modules can be convenient

because our lamp automatically open and close.

 Chapter 4

Performance Analysis

4.1 Introduction

The “Automated solar powered street lamp” will be tested so that the developed output

will show a reliability and will provide a well-organized system. The modules of the system will

receive a series of testing to attain the desired output that will be able for the system and the

modules to perform well. In this chapter the introducer will conduct an experiment to show that

all materials/modules are working properly. If there’s an error, then it can be easily determined

and fix. The materials/modules of the system will undergo testing and experimentation in order

to present the desired output of the researchers.

4.2 Experimentation

An experiment is a test done in order to learn something or to discover whether

something works or is true. Experiment is a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery,

test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. It is also a way to perform scientific procedure,

especially in a laboratory, too determine something. (Dictionary)

By doing an experiment it will help the researches to test and make a trial for their

research to produce accurate output. It will also help them to determine and fix the malfunctions

of the machine as early as possible.

By accomplishing an experiment for each of the modules for the system we will be able o

tell apart if it delivers the desired output and we will also determine if there are any mistakes and

malfunctions for each modules and also for the whole system.
 4.2.1 Experiment on the Solar Panel

The proponents conducted a test on this module to ensure that before it will be

used, it will provide on the assumption result.

4.2.1.1 Performance Testing

The solar panel used by the proponents is 8.5 by 5 inches. The power of

this module is 5 watts with a working voltage of 6 volts. It will serve as the module to get a

source of energy of the lamp. The solar panel was tested so the proponents can assure that it

collects solar energy properly and it will work well.

4.2.2 Experiment on the Battery

The proponents conducted a test on this module to secure that the battery works

properly in storing converted energy and providing the lamp the energy to work.

4.2.2.1 Performance Testing

The battery used by the proponents is a lithium-ion battery that will give

the lamp to give energy to the lamp to light it at night. Lithium-ion solar batteries have a

significantly higher cycle life than lead acid batteries do in deep discharge applications. This

means that lithium-ion batteries can support a higher number of complete charge/discharge

cycles before their capacity falls under 80%. The lithium-ion battery was tested so the

proponents can guarantee the battery will charge properly and it will give electrical energy to the

system.
 4.2.3 Experiment on the Charging module

The proponents conducted a test on this module so the charging module will

regulate and stop the charging when the battery is full.

4.2.3.1 Performance Testing

After connecting all the wires attached to the charging module, the

proponents tested the module so there will be no wires that are disconnected that can cause the

module to malfunction.

4.2.4 Experiment on the Relay Module

The proponents conducted a test on the module if the relay module can turn the

system on or off automatically.

4.2.4.1 Performance Testing

The relay module is the one responsible for the system to be automatic.

The relay module has delicate wires that can be easily remove. The wires and the relay was

tested so it can provide the wanted result.

4.2.5 Experiment on the Light Sensor

The proponents conducted a test on the module if the light sensor if it can detect

the difference between lightness and darkness.

4.2.5.1 Performance Testing

After the proponents tested the module, the proponents will know if the

light sensor will work properly. The proponents will use a light dependent sensor. The light
sensor was tested properly if it accurately differentiates lightness and darkness for it to work with

no error.

4.2.6 Experiment on the Voltage Booster

The proponents conducted a test on the voltage booster module to ensure if it is

producing enough voltage to illuminate the light.

4.2.6.1 Performance Testing

After the proponents tested the booster module, the proponents will if this

module if working properly. Since the batteries have only 3.7 volts each, the voltage booster

module produces 12.3 V that is enough to power a 12 V LED light.

4.3 Results and Analysis

4.3.1 Solar Panel

Based on the testing and experiment the solar panel has a working voltage of 6

volts when it is under the sun. However, this figure will lessen if there is no full blow of sunlight.

Approximately, it only charge 4 volts of working voltage. The solar panel was tested if it will

work and if it will charge the battery. As a result, the solar panel will be used for the module of

the system.

4.3.2 Battery

Based on the test the lithium-ion battery which is the KUKU BRC 1850 has a

2200 mAh each and has a 3.7 volts of energy. The battery will serve as the storage of the
collected energy from the solar panel. The battery was tested if the led can have a source of

energy to light it up. As a result, the battery will be providing the system the energy.

4.3.3 Charging Module

Based on the testing and experiment the charging module has a 3 portals, one

portal for the battery, one for the output wires and the last one for the solar panel. The charging

module was tested if it can regulate the electric current that passes from the 3 portals. As a result,

the module will retain or regulate the rate the electric current passes.

4.3.4 Relay Module

Based on the testing, the relay module can make the system became automatic, it

can make the system on or off without the use of man power. The relay is connected to the light

sensor which triggers the relay module to turn on or off the system. As a result, the module did

its function for the system.

4.3.5 Light Sensor

Based on the testing, this module can detect the ambiance light. For the light

sensor to work it has to be connected to a relay module. The light sensor’s job is to signal the

relay module that whether it detects darkness or light. As a result, the light sensor can help the

relay module to signal whether to turn on or off the lights.

4.3.5 Voltage Booster

Based on the testing, this module can produce 12.3 V of energy. The function of

this module is to produce and regulate enough voltage to power a 12 V LED lights. Even though
the batteries are just only 3.7 volts, this module can automatically increase the voltage that can

run in the light. As a result, it can provide the enough voltage to illuminate the lamp.

4.4 Summary

In this chapter, the proponents tested and recorded the results for the testing made for

each of the module. The recorded results will serve as the basis for the changes will be made for

the maintenance of the whole system. The proponents also make sure that all the modules are

working properly and the desired output will be obtained.

 Chapter 5

Conclusion

The Automatic Solar Powered Street Light is a system that will help the community in

solving the problem from being lacks of streetlights andsaving electricity. This proposed system

will help its host community and residents because of its feature of being solar powered, human-

independent, and its ability to illuminate the streets of Barangay Bulaon.

The system used the different modules to develop the system: Solar Panel module; light

sensor module; relay switch module; battery; charging module; and a voltage booster module.

These modules are integrated to develop the system.

The proponents conducted a test and experiments to ensure if all the module are working

on the system. The modules are tested one by one by the proponents. As a result, all modules are

properly working according to their function,

The proponents are open for recommendations for the improvement of the system to the

benefit not only for the residents but for the proponents as well.
 FLOW CHART
CHARGING METHOD

START

Light energy will be

absorbed by the solar
panels.

Light energy will be

converted into
electricity.

The electricity will be

regulated by the
charging module.

Electricity will be
stored in the battery.

END
 FLOW CHART
LIGHTING METHOD

START

YES NO
Is there any
presence of
ambiance light?

The light sensor The light sensor

module will signal the module will signal the
relay switch module to relay switch module to
off switch of the light. switch on the light.

The relay switch The relay switch

module will stop the module will let the
flow of electricity that electricity to flow
flowing through the through the light.
light.

Stored electricity from

The LED light will the battery will
turn off. illuminate the light.

END
 BLOCK DIAGRAM

LIGHT SENSOR MODULE LED LIGHT RELAY SWITCHING

MODULE

SOLAR PANEL MODULE CHARGING MODULE BATTERY

VOLTAGE BOOSTER
For the charging method, the sunlight will be absorbed by the solar panel. Then, the solar panel module will convert sunlight into electrical energy

and pass through the charging module. The charging module will regulate the converted energy. After regulating the electrical energy in the

charging module, it will be stored in the battery. If the battery is already full, the charging module will automatically stop regulating the electricity.

For the lighting method, if the light sensor module will detect any ambiance light or not, then it will signal the relay switch module to turn off and

turn on the lights respectively. If the relay switch module will turn on the light, the battery will release the stored energy and relay switch module

will let the electricity to flow to illuminate the LED light.