Intelligent energy efficient lighting using light emitting diodes

Abstract

Light emitting diode (LED) technology is now an indispensible part of our lives, having a presence in almost all home applicances. LEDs come in various shapes, sizes, colours and power output, enabling them to be used almost anywhere. In light of the global energy saving trend, there is heavy research and development in the area of LED lighting, with the hope that LEDs will eventually replace the ubiquitous fluorescent light tube.

Wireless communications are also now a common technology in homes, with Bluetooth and WiFi technology allowing a household to have a small network where electronic devices can communicate and interact with each other. ZigBee, a wireless technology similar to Bluetooth, is also gaining popularity due to its simplicity and lower cost.

This report details the research and development done by the student with the aim of designing and implementing an intelligent energy efficient lighting solution using tri-colour LEDs. The ultimate goal will be to produce a modular lighting solution capable of dynamic configuration consisting of as many light modules as the user desires, and the entire system can be controlled via a ZigBee® RF4CE remote. Various functions include change of colour, brightness intensity, as well as lighting duration.

At the end of this project, the student was able to design a breadboard based prototype. It consists of sixteen 3-in-1 RGB LEDs arranged in a 4 by 4 square array. It is powered by a 24V 3A commercial power adaptor. The prototype can be remotely controlled to change its colour displayed.

Through the course of this project, the student gained knowledge and experience in the field of LEDs, product design, and microcontroller programming.