Power Devices & Circuits Lab (PDC Lab) (304197)

T.E. (E&TC) Sem. - II Academic Year:2024-25

PVG's
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY and G.K.PATE (WANI)
INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMNET PUNE-411009
Accredited by NAAC with Grade “A”

Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

Experiment No. 10: Study of a Solar cell operated emergency lighting system.

Name: Class: T.E. Division: I / II

Roll No: Date of Submission:
Marks Obtained: / 10 Signature of subject teacher:

Aim: Design & implement a Solar cell operated emergency lighting system.

Objectives:
1. Understand Solar Energy Utilization:
o Learn how solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy and how to store this energy
for later use in a battery.
2. Design an Energy-Efficient Emergency Lighting Solution:
o Learn to select and integrate energy-efficient components such as solar panels, batteries,
charge controllers, and LEDs for the emergency lighting system.
o Understand the importance of energy storage to ensure reliable operation during a power
failure.
3. Implement an Autonomous System:
o Implement a system that operates automatically, charging the battery during the day (when
sunlight is available) and using the stored energy to power LED lights at night or during
power outages.
o Understand the role of the daylight sensor in ensuring that the system only activates the
lights when necessary.
4. Optimize System Performance:
o Design and evaluate the system's efficiency, ensuring that the solar panel size and battery
capacity match the power needs of the emergency lighting.
o Learn how to balance solar panel output with battery storage to ensure long-term reliability
without overloading or damaging components.
5. Enhance Knowledge of System Integration:
o Gain hands-on experience integrating electrical components such as solar panels, charge
controllers, batteries, inverters (if required), and LEDs.
o Study how to properly wire and assemble these components to work together efficiently.
6. Assess the Feasibility of Renewable Energy for Backup Lighting:
o Evaluate the practicality of using solar power as an alternative to grid-based electricity for
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 Power Devices & Circuits Lab (PDC Lab) (304197)
T.E. (E&TC) Sem. - II Academic Year:2024-25

emergency lighting, considering environmental and economic factors such as sustainability

and cost-efficiency.
7. Troubleshoot and Maintain Renewable Energy Systems:
o Learn how to test and maintain the solar-powered system for optimal performance, including
monitoring battery health, ensuring proper solar panel exposure, and replacing components
as necessary.
Outcomes:
• Practical understanding of renewable energy systems: Students/engineers will understand how to
design and implement a solar-powered system, including how solar energy is captured, stored, and
used efficiently.
• Skill development in electrical and system integration: Participants will gain experience in selecting
components, wiring circuits, and configuring systems for autonomous operation.
• Problem-solving and optimization: Students will engage in troubleshooting and optimizing the
system for reliability and efficiency in various real-world conditions.
• Real-world application of solar technology: Participants will gain insights into how solar technology
can be used to provide practical solutions to energy needs, especially in off-grid or emergency
scenarios.

Mapped Course Outcome:

CO317.4 To learn design and implement Solar cell operated systems for given load

Theory:

Solar Cell Operated Emergency Lighting System

Objective:
Design and implement an emergency lighting system powered by solar cells. The system will provide illumination
during power outages, using solar energy to ensure sustainability and independence from the grid. The system
should be efficient, reliable, and able to function autonomously when required.
Outcomes:
1. Energy-efficient Operation:
o The system will utilize solar energy to charge a battery that powers the lighting unit.
o The system will efficiently convert solar energy into electrical energy to store it in a battery.
o A low-energy LED light will be used for illumination to optimize the battery life.
2. Autonomous Functionality:
o The system will operate automatically, switching between solar-powered operation and battery-
powered emergency mode when needed.
o The system will include an automatic daylight sensor to ensure that charging only occurs when there
is sunlight, and the lights will automatically turn on in the absence of external light (during power
failure or night).
3. Reliability and Durability:
o The system will be designed to last for many years without requiring significant maintenance.
o Components like the solar panel, battery, and LEDs will be chosen for their long life and durability.
4. Sustainability and Cost-effectiveness:
o The system will reduce reliance on the electrical grid and minimize electricity costs.
o The solar panel will be sized to ensure the system can operate efficiently without frequent
recharging.
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Power Devices & Circuits Lab (PDC Lab) (304197)
T.E. (E&TC) Sem. - II Academic Year:2024-25

o The emergency lighting system will be environmentally friendly by using renewable energy.

System Components:
1. Solar Panel:
o Function: Converts sunlight into electrical energy.
o Specification: Choose a solar panel with sufficient capacity to charge the battery within a reasonable
amount of sunlight exposure.
o Power Rating: Should be selected based on the energy needs of the battery and the emergency
lights.
2. Battery (Energy Storage):
o Function: Stores energy generated by the solar panel for later use.
o Specification: A deep-cycle rechargeable battery (e.g., Lithium-Ion or lead-acid) with sufficient
capacity to power the light for several hours during an emergency.
o Capacity: Should be sufficient to run the LED lights for 4-6 hours during a power outage.
3. Charge Controller:
o Function: Manages the power going from the solar panel to the battery and prevents overcharging or
undercharging.
o Specification: Should be suitable for the solar panel and battery size to ensure efficient charging and
protection.
4. LED Lights (Emergency Lights):
o Function: Provide illumination when the power goes out.
o Specification: High-efficiency LEDs to minimize power consumption, bright enough to provide
adequate emergency lighting.
o Wattage: The LED should be chosen to consume less power while still providing sufficient light.
5. Daylight Sensor:
o Function: Detects light levels and ensures the lights turn on only during a power failure or when it
gets dark.
o Specification: Can be an integrated part of the system or a separate component.
6. Inverter (Optional):
o Function: If needed, converts DC power from the battery to AC power for AC-powered lights.
o Specification: Choose based on the power rating of the lighting system.

System Design:
1. Power Generation and Storage:
• The solar panel will charge the battery during the day.
• The charge controller will ensure that the battery is charged safely, monitoring the voltage levels.
• The battery will store energy to power the LED light when needed, typically at night or during power
outages.
2. Emergency Lighting Activation:
• During the day (when sunlight is available), the system will focus on charging the battery.
• At night or during a power failure, the daylight sensor will detect the lack of light and activate the emergency
lighting.
• The system will automatically switch to battery power if there is no grid power, and the light will turn on
until the battery runs low.
3. System Monitoring and Control:
• The system may include an indicator to show the charge level of the battery and the status of the solar panel
(whether it is charging properly).
• A simple user interface or indicator lights will help the user monitor the performance of the system.

Circuit Design:
1. Solar Panel to Charge Controller:
o The solar panel will be connected to the input of the charge controller.
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Power Devices & Circuits Lab (PDC Lab) (304197)
T.E. (E&TC) Sem. - II Academic Year:2024-25

o The charge controller will regulate the voltage and current flowing into the battery.
2. Charge Controller to Battery:
o The charge controller ensures that the battery is not overcharged or damaged. It will regulate
charging current.
3. Battery to Lighting System:
o The battery will be connected to the emergency lighting system (LED lights).
o The daylight sensor will control whether the lights are on or off depending on ambient light.
4. Optional Inverter (if AC power is needed):
o If the system is required to power AC lights, the inverter will convert the DC voltage from the
battery to AC.

Implementation Steps:
1. Select Components:
o Choose a solar panel based on the energy requirements (e.g., 20W or 50W solar panel).
o Choose a battery (e.g., 12V 7Ah sealed lead-acid or 12V lithium-ion battery).
o Choose a charge controller appropriate for the battery and solar panel.
o Select high-efficiency LED lights that fit your requirements.
2. Assemble the System:
o Mount the solar panel in a location where it will receive maximum sunlight.
o Connect the charge controller to the solar panel and battery.
o Connect the LED lights to the battery with the daylight sensor.
3. Test the System:
o Test the system during the day to ensure the solar panel charges the battery.
o Test the emergency lighting at night or simulate a power outage to ensure the system switches on the
lights when needed.
4. Fine-Tuning and Optimization:
o Adjust the position of the solar panel to optimize charging.
o Monitor battery life to ensure it meets the desired emergency lighting duration.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

1. Regular Inspection:
o Inspect the solar panel for dirt, debris, or shading that could reduce efficiency.
o Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion.
2. Battery Maintenance:
o Periodically check the battery charge and replace it if it no longer holds a charge effectively.
3. System Testing:
o Test the system at least every 6 months to ensure that all components function correctly, especially
during a simulated power failure.

Conclusion:
By designing and implementing a solar cell-operated emergency lighting system, you will have a sustainable and
cost-effective solution that ensures continuous lighting during power outages while relying on renewable energy.
The system should be reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly, providing peace of mind during
emergencies.

Remarks by Subject teacher about correctness and improvements:

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Power Devices & Circuits Lab (PDC Lab) (304197)
T.E. (E&TC) Sem. - II Academic Year:2024-25

Acknowledgement: My sincere thanks to

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Note : Students should prepare small report containing

• Title
• Introduction
• Block Diagram
• Circuit Diagram
• Result
• Conclusion
• References