Final Year Project
This project is an Arduino-based load management system that automates the ON/OFF control of multiple electrical loads based on time scheduling and manual switching. It is designed to be simple, reliable, and low-cost, with practical applications for households and small-scale power systems where load shedding is a concern.
- Control of three loads (White, Blue, Yellow) through relays
- 4x4 Keypad interface for:
- Manual load ON/OFF toggle
- Selecting one or more loads for countdown control
- Entering countdown time in seconds
- 16x2 I2C LCD display showing:
- Real-time load status (ON/OFF)
- Countdown progress and remaining time
- User prompts during selection and time entry
- Automatic restoration of loads after countdown ends
- Safe switching using relay and transistor drivers
- Powered through transformer, rectifier, and buck converter for stable operation
- Arduino Uno R3
- 3 × Relay Modules (5V, 10A)
- 4x4 Matrix Keypad
- 16x2 I2C LCD Display
- Step-down Transformer (12V AC)
- Bridge Rectifier
- Buck Converter (to regulate 14V down to 12V DC for Arduino)
- Bulbs (White, Blue, Yellow) as loads
- Supporting components: Transistors, diodes, resistors, wires, breadboards
- All loads are ON by default at startup.
- LCD displays the status of White, Blue, and Yellow bulbs.
- Keys
1,4, and7toggle White, Blue, and Yellow loads respectively.
- Keys
A,B, andCselect White, Blue, and Yellow loads. - Multiple loads can be selected simultaneously.
- Key
*proceeds to countdown time entry.
- Time is entered using numeric keys.
- Key
Dconfirms the entry. - Selected loads turn OFF immediately and automatically restore ON after the countdown finishes.
- Key
#cancels current selection or time entry. - Key
Cclears the chosen loads in selection mode.
- AC 220V supply is stepped down to 12V AC by a transformer.
- Bridge rectifier converts AC to DC (~14V).
- Buck converter regulates the voltage down to a stable 12V DC for Arduino.
- Relays act as electronic switches to control bulbs.
- Keypad provides user input.
- LCD provides real-time feedback of system state.
View the Arduino Code It manages keypad input, relay control, LCD output, countdown logic, and state management of the loads.
- Integration of a current sensor (ACS712 / INA219) to detect overload conditions and perform automatic load shedding.
- Addition of a buzzer for alerts on overload or countdown completion.
- User-defined current threshold configuration via keypad.
- Incorporation of a Real-Time Clock (DS3231) for scheduling based on actual time of day.
- Awarded highest lab mark (14/15) for design, implementation, and documentation.
- Recognized as a practical and effective solution for automated load shedding.