EEG 331 Design Report (001)
EEG 331 Design Report (001)
Component Descriptions
- Detailed explanation of each component's function and relevance to the design.
Working Principles
-Expanded descriptions of active and idle states.
Simulation Details
-LTspice setup in-depth, including waveform analysis and detailed observations.
Design Calculations
-Expanded mathematical analysis of voltages, currents, and power dissipation.
1. Introduction
Background:
Street lighting plays a critical role in enhancing safety and security. Traditional street lights
consume significant energy, leading to high operating costs and carbon emissions. A solar
powered system addresses these concerns by utilizing renewable energy, while
motion-detection systems play a vital role in automation, security, and energy-saving
technologies. They are essential for ensuring lights or devices are activated only when required,
reducing unnecessary power usage. These systems commonly use sensors like Passive
Infrared (PIR) detectors to monitor movement within a designated area.
This system is ideal for urban and rural areas, offering energy savings, reduced maintenance,
and sustainable lighting.
Objectives:
The primary objective for the project was to design and simulate a complete solar power circuit
(including solar panel, charge controller, battery, and lighting system) that automatically switches
the LED street lights components, such as LEDs and PIR motion sensors, with a switching
mechanism. The goal was to achieve at least a 30% reduction in energy during dark or low light
conditions. The system incorporated energy efficient consumption compared to conventional
systems without motion detection.
This report details the design, calculations, and simulations performed to ensure the circuit's
proper functionality.
2. Component Descriptions
MOSFET (IRF530):
Key specifications:
- Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)): 2.0-4.0V.
- On-resistance (Rds(on)): Low, ensuring minimal power loss.
Application:
Role in Circuit:
Controls current flow to the LEDs based on the gate signal from the PIR sensor.
PIR Sensor:
A Passive Infrared sensor detects changes in infrared radiation, typically caused by motion.
Role: Provides a high signal to the MOSFET gate upon detecting motion.
LEDs:
The light-emitting diodes (D1, D2, D3) are low-power devices, requiring approximately 2V
forward voltage each.
Arrangement:
Connected in parallel, each with current-limiting resistors to ensure consistent brightness and
prevent overcurrent.
Resistors:
- R1 (4.7Ω): Limits current flowing through the LED chain, ensuring safe operation.
- Current-Limit Resistor (1.2Ω): Protects the LEDs by further restricting excessive current.
The circuit was designed to efficiently control the LEDs based on motion detection. Below are
the critical considerations:
MOSFET Gate Control:
The PIR sensor output directly drives the MOSFET gate. When the PIR output is high, the
MOSFET conducts, completing the circuit and powering the LEDs.
LED Arrangement:
The LEDs are arranged in parallel to ensure uniform brightness. Each LED has its own
current-limiting resistor, ensuring proper current division and protection.
Power Supply:
A 12V lithium-ion battery provides the required voltage. The supply voltage must be sufficiently
high to meet the forward voltage of the LEDs and the MOSFET's gate drive voltage
requirements.
4. Working Principles
Idle State:
PIR output is 0V (low). The gate-source voltage (Vgs) of the MOSFET is below the threshold
voltage, keeping it in the off state. No current flows through the LEDs.
Active State:
When the PIR sensor detects motion, it sends a high pulse (12V) to the MOSFET gate. The
MOSFET switches to the on state, allowing current to flow through the LEDs.
Current Control:
The resistors limit current to safe levels, protecting the LEDs and MOSFET from overheating or
damage.
5. Simulation Details
The circuit was simulated using LTspice. Below are the key parameters:
Transient Analysis:
Command: .tran 10m.
Observations include PIR output pulses, gate voltage transitions, and LED currents.
Variable Conditions:
Simulations with fluctuating input voltages and increased load currents were conducted to test
circuit stability.
Waveform Analysis:
The PIR sensor output exhibits a square wave corresponding to motion detection cycles.
The MOSFET gate voltage transitions from 0V to 12V, confirming proper switching behavior.
6. Design Calculations
LED Current:
For a 12V supply and 4.7Ω resistor:
The design and simulation of the MOSFET-based motion detection circuit with LEDs, as
outlined in the first file, yielded key insights regarding its performance and functionality. Using
LTspice, the circuit was analyzed to verify its behavior under various conditions, focusing on its
switching mechanism, current regulation, and LED operation.
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The design and simulation of the MOSFET-based control circuit for motion-activated LED
lighting present several challenges and limitations, primarily related to the integration of
components, functionality, and simulation accuracy. These issues must be addressed to ensure
the system’s reliability, energy efficiency, and practical implementation.
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2. **Current Regulation**:
- The choice of resistor values for current regulation is vital to prevent excessive current
through the LEDs. The simulated values provided adequate regulation, but real-world deviations
in component tolerances could cause variability in current levels, potentially damaging the
LEDs.
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2. **Dynamic Loads**:
- The simulated LED load was static, with a predefined resistance. In practical applications,
the load may vary due to environmental factors or aging of the LEDs, affecting the system's
long-term stability.
3. **Time Constraints**:
- The transient simulation period (10ms) provided a snapshot of the system’s behavior but did
not account for long-term stability, energy efficiency, or the durability of components.
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2. **Component Durability**:
- The durability of components, such as the MOSFET, LEDs, and resistors, under continuous
operation was not tested. Factors like thermal degradation and electrical overstress were not
considered in the simulation environment.
3. **Scalability**:
- The circuit design focused on a single LED branch. Expanding the system for larger
applications would require additional design considerations, such as load balancing and thermal
management.
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### **Recommendations**
To overcome the challenges and limitations identified, several recommendations are proposed
for improving the design and simulation of the motion-activated LED lighting circuit:
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3. **Multi-Scenario Testing**:
- Run simulations under different environmental scenarios, such as varying ambient
temperatures, supply voltage fluctuations, and intermittent PIR sensor signals, to validate the
robustness of the design.
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### **Conclusion**
The design and simulation of the MOSFET-based motion-activated LED lighting circuit provided
valuable insights into its potential for energy-efficient lighting solutions. The system successfully
demonstrated the following:
- **Efficient Switching**: The IRF530 MOSFET reliably acted as a switch, controlling the LEDs
based on the PIR sensor output with minimal energy losses.
- **Energy Savings**: By activating the LEDs only when motion was detected, the circuit
achieved significant energy efficiency compared to continuous lighting systems.
- **Robust Performance**: The simulation validated the circuit’s stability and functionality, with
no unexpected behaviors or failures during the transient analysis.
Despite these achievements, several challenges and limitations were identified, particularly
related to simulation assumptions, component reliability, and scalability. These issues highlight
the need for additional enhancements to ensure the system performs reliably in real-world
conditions.