Solar Street Light with Automatic Intensity Control Using RTC-based Time Scheduling and PWM Dimming

2026-05-12T11:44:51+00:00

This study presents the design, implementation, and experimental validation of an automatic solar street light system with Real-Time Clock (RTC)-based intensity control powered by Photovoltaic (PV) energy. Conventional solar street lights operate at fixed brightness throughout the night, resulting in unnecessary energy expenditure and accelerated battery degradation. The proposed system addresses this inefficiency by integrating a DS3231 RTC module with an Arduino Nano microcontroller to implement a five-level Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming algorithm that adjusts LED illumination according to predefined time slots. An IRFZ44N MOSFET-based driver circuit delivers flicker-free brightness modulation at 980 Hz. A 20W polycrystalline PV panel, 10A PWM charge controller, and 12V/20Ah sealed lead-acid battery complete the energy subsystem. The system further incorporates battery voltage monitoring to automatically reduce load during cloudy periods, preventing deep discharge. Experimental results over a seven-day outdoor trial confirm an annual energy consumption of approximately 42 kWh —a 96% reduction over traditional 150W sodium vapor lighting and a 60% reduction over fixed-brightness solar LED alternatives. Battery backup exceeded two days under full-load conditions, and RTC accuracy was maintained within ±2 seconds over the trial period. The total prototype cost of ₹5,480 yields an estimated payback period of 22 months against a grid-connected fixture. The system is particularly suited for rural electrification, highway safety lighting, smart city applications, and emergency deployment scenarios.

An Overview of Microcontroller-based Intelligent Pill Box Employing Sensors by E-mail Facility

2026-05-22T05:24:35+00:00

This study shows how to design and build an Intelligent Pill Box that helps people take their medications on time, especially older adults or people with long-term illnesses. The system uses IoT technology and a microcontroller (such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi) to automatically give out medications and send email alerts in real time. In a time when medical accuracy is just as important as the therapy itself, not taking medications is still a secret global disaster that causes thousands of deaths that could have been avoided and costs billions in healthcare. This study describes the design and execution of an Intelligent Pill Box, an IoT-integrated system designed to close the gap between patients who forget to take their medicine and the need for it. This system uses a network of sensors and microcontrollers to keep track of when people take their medications in real time, which is different from typical organisers. The main new idea is the proactive communication layer, which includes an email feature that acts as a digital bridge between the patient and their support network. If a dosing window is missed, the system automatically sends an encrypted email notice to carers or medical professionals, allowing for real-time remote monitoring. This project shows how cheap embedded systems can greatly improve the quality of life for older people and people with chronic illnesses by turning a passive storage container into an active health assistant. This means that “the right medicine at the right time” is no longer a matter of memory, but a certainty of technology. The smart pill box does a great job of connecting patients and carers. It sends rapid feedback via email, lowers the risk of overdosing, and makes it easier for people to follow the rules.

Journal of Electronics Design and Technology

Solar Street Light with Automatic Intensity Control Using RTC-based Time Scheduling and PWM Dimming

An Overview of Microcontroller-based Intelligent Pill Box Employing Sensors by E-mail Facility