CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS

BACKGROUND
Introduction
As cities grow, there is an increasing need for eco-friendly and efficient public amenities. Traditional infrastructure often
relies on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental pollution and being susceptible to power outages. To address these
issues, renewable energy sources such as solar power offer a clean and reliable alternative.

This study focuses on creating a solar-powered bench with integrated charging stations and motion-activated lighting.
This innovative solution aims to enhance public spaces by offering a sustainable and self-sufficient power source for
urban amenities. The bench uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity stored in
batteries. This stored energy powers the charging stations and the motion-activated lighting system, providing both utility
and safety for users.

Integrating solar power into public infrastructure reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes environmental
sustainability. By incorporating renewable energy into everyday urban environments, this project aims to demonstrate the
viability and benefits of sustainable technology in public spaces.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

The growing interest in renewable energy solutions for urban environments has led to the exploration of hybrid systems
that combine multiple functionalities. The solar-powered bench integrates PV cells, batteries, charging ports, and motion-
activated lights to create a multifunctional public amenity. The energy captured by the PV cells is stored in batteries,
ensuring a continuous power supply for the charging stations and lighting system, even during nighttime or cloudy
conditions.

System Components

1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells): Capture sunlight and convert it into DC electrical power.
2. DC-to-DC Converter: Converts raw DC power from the solar panels into a stable DC voltage suitable for charging batteries.
3. Battery Storage: Stores the converted DC power for later use.
4. Charge Controller: Regulates the charging process, preventing overcharging and ensuring efficient battery charging.
5. USB Charging Ports: Provide power to charge electronic devices directly from the battery storage.
6. Motion Sensor: Detects movement and sends a signal to activate the lighting system.
7. LED Lighting System: Provides illumination when activated by the motion sensor.
8. Microcontroller: Manages the overall system, controlling the DC-to-DC converter, charge controller, and motion sensor,
ensuring efficient energy use and system operation.
Schematic Diagram

The Schematic Diagram visually represents the flow of energy and control signals through the system's components and
shows how they are connected and interact.

Explanation:

1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells): These panels capture sunlight and convert it into DC (Direct Current) electrical power.
2. DC-to-DC Converter: This converter takes the raw DC power from the solar panels and converts it into a stable DC voltage
suitable for charging the batteries.
3. Battery Storage: The converted DC power is stored in batteries for later use, ensuring that power is available even when
there is no sunlight.
4. Charge Controller: The charge controller manages the charging process, ensuring that the batteries are charged efficiently
without overcharging.
5. Microcontroller: The microcontroller acts as the brain of the system, managing and controlling the various components. It
ensures efficient energy use and coordinates the interactions between components.
6. USB Charging Ports: These ports allow users to charge their electronic devices using the stored battery power.
7. Motion Sensor: The motion sensor detects movement near the bench and sends a signal to the microcontroller to activate
the LED lighting system.
8. LED Lighting System: The LED lighting system provides illumination when activated by the motion sensor, enhancing safety
and visibility around the bench.
Block Diagram

The Block Diagram provides a simplified and abstract representation of the system. It shows the main components and
their basic connections without going into the detailed wiring or circuitry.

Explanation:

1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells): The starting point where solar energy is captured and converted into electrical power.
2. DC-to-DC Converter: This converter ensures the power from the solar panels is converted to a stable form that can be
stored in the batteries.
3. Battery Storage: The batteries store the electrical energy for future use.
4. Charge Controller: The charge controller regulates the charging process to protect the batteries and manage the power
flow.
5. Microcontroller: The microcontroller is the central control unit that oversees and coordinates the operation of the system
components.
6. USB Charging Ports: These ports provide a convenient way for users to charge their electronic devices using the stored
energy.
7. Motion Sensor: The motion sensor detects movement and triggers the LED lighting system through the microcontroller.
8. LED Lighting System: The LED lighting system is activated by the motion sensor to provide lighting, enhancing safety and
usability during low light conditions.
Key Differences Between Diagrams:

 Schematic Diagram:
o Provides a detailed, step-by-step representation of how the components are connected and interact.
o Shows the actual flow of energy and signals through the system.

 Block Diagram:
o Offers a high-level overview of the system’s main components and their basic relationships.
o Simplifies the understanding of the system without detailing the specific connections or wiring.

Statement of the Problem

1. Is the power generated by the solar-powered bench sufficient to meet the charging and lighting needs of urban users?
2. How effective is the motion-activated lighting system in enhancing public safety during nighttime?
3. What are the environmental and economic benefits of implementing solar-powered benches in urban areas?
4. What challenges might arise in the installation and maintenance of solar-powered benches?

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

 Department of Energy (DOE): Provides insights into the application of renewable energy in public infrastructure,
supporting energy conservation efforts.
 Urban Planners and Local Government: Demonstrates the potential for sustainable urban development and the
enhancement of public spaces.
 Community Residents: Offers a practical and eco-friendly solution for charging electronic devices and improving nighttime
safety.
 Environmental Advocates: Highlights the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon footprints in
urban settings.
 Electrical Engineering Students and Instructors: Serves as a practical example of integrating renewable energy
technologies into public amenities, fostering innovation and research in sustainable engineering.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focuses on the design, development, and implementation of a solar-powered bench with integrated charging
stations and motion-activated lighting. The project will be piloted in a specific urban location, evaluating its performance
and impact on the community. The scope includes the selection of suitable materials, design specifications, and the
integration of solar power technology. Delimitations include potential variations in solar irradiance, weather conditions,
and user engagement, which may affect the system's performance and efficacy.

Definition of Terms
 Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: Devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy using semiconductor technology.
 Batteries: Electrochemical cells that store electrical energy for later use.
 Motion-Activated Lighting: Lighting system that is triggered by the detection of movement, enhancing energy efficiency
and security.
 Microcontroller: A compact integrated circuit designed to govern specific operations in an embedded system.
 Renewable Energy: Energy derived from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight and
wind.
 Sustainable Urban Environments: Urban areas designed with a focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting
long-term ecological balance.