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Solar Street Lighting feasibility study at CST

Technical Report · May 2021

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Technical and financial feasibility of
Solar Street Light at CST

PRW301 Introduction to Research

Under the supervision of Mr. Manoj Sharma
Group members:
Mr. Sangay Tshering (02180226)
Mr. Tempa Sangay (02180233)
Mr. Ugyen Rigzin (02180242)
Ms. Yangchen Dolkar (02180236)
December, 2020
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank the following people for helping us during the course of finalizing the
project.

Firstly, we would like to show our appreciation to our Module tutor Mr. Tshewang Lhendup for
providing us with such a platform and guidance during the topic selection.

We would like to express our special thanks to our research guide Mr. Manoj Sharma for his
patience and providing us his time while being very occupied. Our research would not have been
successful without his support.

We pay our gratitude to Mr. Nidup for providing us with the required information.

Lastly, we are extremely grateful to the college management for including this module in the
course this semester and preparing us for the final one.

Thankyou.

Sangay Tshering (02180226)

Tempa Sangay (02180233)
Ugyen Rigzin (02180242)
Yangchen Dolkar (02180236)

I
 ABSTRACT

Power can be generated from various sources with the advancement of technology and the one
with environment friendly approach is getting prioritized over other in this modern era. This
study will deal with the comparative analysis of Solar Street Light (SSL) and Conventional
Street Light in College of Science and Technology, highlighting the aspects of feasibility,
reliability and economic. The proposal of replacing existing street lighting system by the SSL
intellectually drives to renewable and sustainable energy generation with the cost advantages.
The street lights in the campus are not functioning well so this research focuses on finding the
reasons behind and explore the alternatives ways.

II
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1. AC-Alternating Current
2. Ah- Ampere Hour
3. CST-College of Science and Technology.
4. DC- Direct Current
5. DoD- Depth of Discharge
6. kHz- Kilohertz
7. kW-Kilowatt
8. LDR- Light Dependent Resistor
9. LED-Light Emitting Diode
10. MPPT- Maximum Power Point Tracking
11. Nu- Ngultrum
12. PV-Photovoltaics
13. SSL-Solar Street Light
14. Wh- Watt hour

III
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Comparison between lead acid and lithium ion battery ..................................................... 6
Table 2 General types of street lighting .......................................................................................... 7
Table 3 Pole details ......................................................................................................................... 9
Table 4 Comparison between Mono and Polycrystalline panel.................................................... 11
Table 5 Specification of conventional lamp representing the lumen output of the lamp. ........... 15
Table 6 Experimental value of luminous flux per unit square meter in CST ............................... 15
Table 7 Specification of LED ....................................................................................................... 16
Table 8 Battery Specification....................................................................................................... 16
Table 9 Charge Controller ........................................................................................................... 16
Table 10 Monocrystalline solar panel ........................................................................................... 17
Table 11 Boost Converter ............................................................................................................. 17
Table 12 Microcontroller .............................................................................................................. 17
Table 13 5V relay.......................................................................................................................... 18
Table 14 Cost Analysis ................................................................................................................. 23
Table 15 Civil works Installation cost .......................................................................................... 23
Table 16 Technical comparison between solar and conventional street lighting system ............. 24
Table 17 Work Plan ...................................................................................................................... 28

IV
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Methodology..................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2 Layout design of SSL ....................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3 Block diagram of SSL .................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4 Average Wh/ meter sq. per day in the months of 2016 .................................................. 11
Figure 5 Average Wh/meter sq. per day in the months of 2017 ................................................... 12
Figure 6 Average Wh/meter sq. per day in the months of 2018 ................................................... 12
Figure 7 Correlation plot ............................................................................................................... 13
Figure 8 MATLAB simulation of 240W monocrystalline solar panel ......................................... 19
Figure 9 MATLAB simulation of 250W polycrystalline Solar panel ......................................... 19
Figure 10 VI Characteristics of 240W solar panel Source: MATLAB simulation...................... 20
Figure 11 Internal circuit of boost converter ................................................................................ 20
Figure 12 Complete circuit diagram ............................................................................................. 21
Figure 13 Igniting relay during night ............................................................................................ 21
Figure 14 Relay during day........................................................................................................... 21
Figure 15 Programing for Microcontroller ................................................................................... 22

V
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................................... I
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... II
List of abbreviation ....................................................................................................................... III
List of tables .................................................................................................................................. IV
List of figures ................................................................................................................................. V
Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Literature review ................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Problem statement/Background ............................................................................................ 3
1.4 Aim ........................................................................................................................................ 3
1.5 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.6 Expected outcomes ................................................................................................................ 3
1.7 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.7.1 Method ............................................................................................................................ 5
Chapter 2 Data Collection and analysis .......................................................................................... 6
2.1 Components and working of Solar Street Light .................................................................... 6
2.2 Comparison between lead acid and lithium-ion batteries ..................................................... 6
2.3 General types of street lighting ............................................................................................. 7
2.4 Physical overview of the single standalone solar street light ................................................ 9
2.5 Block diagram of the solar street light ................................................................................ 10
2.6 Comparative analysis between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panel ............... 10
2.6.1 Solar cell and its types .................................................................................................. 10
2.6.2 Mono crystalline silicon solar cell ................................................................................ 10
2.6.3 Poly crystalline silicon solar cell .................................................................................. 11
2.7 Solar radiation watt per meter square data recorded in the College of Science and
Technology by using Watchdog 2900ET. ................................................................................. 11
2.7.1 Solar irradiation year 2016 ........................................................................................... 11
2.7.2 Solar irradiation year 2017 ........................................................................................... 12
2.7.3 Solar irradiation year 2018 ........................................................................................... 12
2.7.4 Correlation plot ............................................................................................................. 13
2.8 Sizing................................................................................................................................... 14
2.8.1 Battery sizing ................................................................................................................ 14

VI
 2.8.2 Charge controller sizing................................................................................................ 14
2.8.3 Solar Panel sizing ......................................................................................................... 14
2.9 Equivalent rating analysis ................................................................................................... 15
2.9.1 Conventional street lighting.......................................................................................... 15
2.9.1.1 Specification of conventional lamp. ...................................................................... 15
2.9.1.2 Experimental value of luminous flux per unit square meter in CST. .................... 15
2.9.2 Solar Street lighting ...................................................................................................... 16
2.9.2.1 Specification of LED ............................................................................................. 16
2.9.2.5 Boost Converter ..................................................................................................... 17
2.9.2.6 Microcontroller ...................................................................................................... 17
2.9.2.7 5V Relay Board...................................................................................................... 18
2.10 MATLAB simulation of the solar panel ........................................................................... 19
2.10.1V-I characteristics of 240W monocrystalline solar panel ........................................... 20
2.10.2 MAT LAB simulation of the 12 to 120 DC to DC boost converter with the rated
values of input voltage and generated the output. ................................................................. 20
2.11 Complete circuit diagram .................................................................................................. 21
2.12 Prototype for the micro controller working with relay and switching: ............................. 21
2.12.1 Program for Microcontroller for automatic working. ................................................. 22
Chapter 3: Cost Analysis .............................................................................................................. 23
3.1 Cost analysis items .............................................................................................................. 23
3.2 Civil works installation cost ................................................................................................ 23
3.3 Cost benefit analysis............................................................................................................ 24
3.4 Technical comparison between solar street lighting system and conventional street lighting
system: ....................................................................................................................................... 24
3.5 Reliability ............................................................................................................................ 25
3.6 Recommendation:................................................................................................................ 25
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 26
References ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 28

VII
2 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Introduction

Lack of natural light during nighttime in the urban environment was always a problem. From
basic inconvenience that people cannot see where they are going to the greater chance of being
attacked or mugged during the night and because the problem was there since humans started
living together, history of street light is maybe longer than we think.

Era of more efficient street lightning starts with William Murdock who, for the first time in 1802,
lit the outside of the Soho Foundry in a public presentation with a gas light fueled with coal gas.
After that, in 1807, London got its first gas lit street. With the advancement of technology there
is gradual development in lighting systems and it made the night hours as beautiful as the day
hours.

Mostly the street light is being connected to the grid from hydroelectricity which incur some
tariffs. In the view of long-term advantage, this study hopes to elevate the brighter prospects of
replacing street light with Standalone Street light. In Bhutan most of the street light are
connected to the hydroelectricity source but it also holds the advantage of installing solar
powered street light too. This study will particularly focus on the installation feasibility study at
the selected site that is College of Science and Technology.

1
 2.2 Literature review

According to Swathi, the volume 7 of international journal of scientific and engineering research
found out that although there is high initial cost, but it is the safest way to save energy efficiently
and moreover keeping in the view of long term benefits it can be used in providing light in
industries, campuses and parking lots of shopping complex. (July-2016).

The research done on economic feasibility of solar powered street light using high power LED
emphasizes on cost benefit analysis of the system and it is found that the proposed system is
more feasible considering payback period and life time cost. (Rajeev & Nair, January 2012).

According to the comparative study done on solar powered street light and conventional road
lighting system by Econtek says that the SSL is in favor of the economic viability and flexibility
against traditional AC power. (Comparison between solar LED street lights and conventional
road lighting systems).

The alternative energy promotion Centre of Nepal government also focuses on the installation of
solar street light replacing the conventional lighting system which also supports the Aim of the
research. (october 2014).

The implantation of SSL could significantly reduce energy consumption and associated energy
cost- the economic analysis for 25 years conducted at Masjid Nurul Huda, Malaysia points out
that the life-cycle cost of SSL is RM 11,143.00 whereas the life cycle cost of existing street light
is RM 13,626.00 which implies cost saving of 18.22% (Kiong, 2014)

2
 2.3 Problem statement/Background

The existing conventional street lighting in the College of Science and Technology are power
from high voltage mains. The lamp used is sodium vapor which have poor color rendering
characteristics and the wattage increases over the life of the lamp to maintain lumen output.

With the emerging technology development in solar powered system, it is seen around the world
the shift from conventional street lighting to solar powered street lighting- the implementation of
solar powered street light.

The research is based on feasibility study of replacing the existing street light with the solar
street light.

2.4 Aim

To find technical and financial feasibility of Solar Street Sight in the College of Science and
Technology.

2.5 Objectives

 To understand the feasibility of SSL (Solar Street Light) with geographical variations.
 Sizing of solar PV and battery bank system.
 Simulation of solar PV using MATLAB.
 To know the economic effectiveness of Solar powered street light and conventional one.

2.6 Expected outcomes

 Design the installation of Solar Powered Street Light while covering installation analysis.
 Analyze the performance of the proposed installation system.
 Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of solar street light in college of science and
technology.
 Recommend the best method of constructing street light to meet all factors including cost,
reliability and man power.

3
 2.7 Methodology

Start

Problem Statement

Literature review

Survey and data collection of operation and maintenance details of

conventional street light in CST.

Sizing and simulation of solar panel using MATLAB.

Analyze the two system with respect to cost, feasibility and reliability.

Conventional Street light Poly Crystalline Street light Mono Crystalline Street light

Recommendations

End

Figure 1 Methodology

4
2.7.1 Method
This research will highlight the technical and financial feasibility of solar street light relative to
the conventional street light in the college of science and technology. It will be carried out by
studying the operation and maintenance report and investigating the constructional reports of
existing street light of selected places that is college of science and technology. Moreover, to
study the solar street light the study will refer research report of some countries who have close
geographical landscape of our country. To enlighten the broader aspects of the research,
simulation of the solar panel of the place using MATLAB will be covered.

Moreover, some interview will be done with the senior electrician and designer of street light of
the CST. Some of the research questions to be asked while collecting data about conventional
street light are:

1. What is the installation cost of single the street lighting system in college of science and
technology?
2. How frequent do the college do maintenance of that street light?
3. What is the cost of energy consumption of the existing street light?
4. What type of street lamp does the college use?
5. What is the payback period of the current street light?
6. Does the existing street lighting system meet the satisfaction of users?
7. Which street lighting system do you think is more effective solar or the existing one?

After that the study should be able to meet and fulfill the main motive of the study that is it
should be able to distinguish and recommend the best street lighting systems and portray the
feasibility context of the selected site. Moreover, this research should serve as the guideline for
the solar street light installation since the research will cover the installation analysis while
covering the cost benefit analysis.

5
3 CHAPTER 2 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

3.1 Components and working of Solar Street Light

The solar street lighting system consists of a solar PV module, deep cycle storage battery, solar
lamp, cables and the metal mounting pole.

 Solar panel: it captures the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells produce
electricity when direct solar radiation falls into them, it can generate electricity even when
there is no sunlight. The solar PV module capacity is measured in watt peak.
 Solar charge controller: it is generally placed in the street lamp set or in the battery for the
overcharge and over discharge protection. Therefore, an intelligent use of charge controller
helps in sustaining longevity of the battery life.
 Solar battery: it helps to store electricity generated by the solar panel and it is used when
needed. The electricity stored in the battery is in DC and its capacity is measured in ampere
hour.

3.2 Comparison between lead acid and lithium-ion batteries

Table 1 Comparison between lead acid and lithium-ion battery

Lead acid batteries Lithium-ion batteries

 Cheaper  More expensive

 Used in off grid properties where  Usually used in the solar PV storage
more storage is required systems
 Heavier and larger  Lighter
 Less efficient  More efficient
 Shorter expected life time  longer expected life

Even though the lithium-ion batteries are more efficient, but for the solar panel street lighting
purpose, lead acid were more convenient.

6
  Microcontroller, LDR sensor and Relay: Microcontroller it automatically regulates the
switching of the solar street light. LDR sensor will detect the daylight and the night and it
automatically gives information to the microcontroller. Relay will act as the switching
device.
 LDR sensor: to detect day light and dark hours.
 Metal support or pole: the frame is designed to hold the solar panel and while constructing,
certain distance should be kept according to the lumens power of the street light.
 Lightning conductor: it will help to protect system during the harsh weather.
 LED lamp: it is the essential part of visual quality. For the selection of the type of the lamp, it
is rated in watts at the required voltage level. It is usually mounted in the arm of the main
metal pole.

3.3 General types of street lighting (Ministry of science technology & environment,

october 2014)

Table 2 General types of street lighting

Type of lamp Luminous efficiency Color rendering Lamp life in Remarks

properties hours
High pressure 35-65 lm/W Fair 10,000- 15,000 High energy use,
mercury vapor poor lamp life
Metal Halide 70-130 lm/W Excellent 8,000-12,000 High luminous
(MH) efficacy, poor
lamp life
High Pressure 50-150 lm/W fair 15000-24000 Energy efficient,
Sodium Vapor very poor color
rendering
Low pressure 100-190 lm/W Very poor 18000 energy efficient,
sodium vapor 24000 very poor color
rendering
Low Pressure 30-90 lm/W good 5,000-10,000 Poor lamp life,
Mercury medium energy

7
Fluorescent use, only available
Tubular Lamp in low wattages

Energy 100-120 lm/W Very good 15,000- 20,000 Energy efficient,

Efficient long lamp life,
Fluorescent only available in
Tubular Lamp low wattages
Compact 50-70 lm/W Very good 6,000-15,000 Poor lamp life,
Fluorescent low energy use
Lamp
Light Emitting 70-160 lm/W Good 30,000- 90,000 High energy
Diode (LED savings, low
maintenance, long
life, no mercury.
High investment
cost, nascent
technology

It is found that LED is more efficient comparatively considering the factors like color rendering
index, lumen output lamp life hours.

8
 3.4 Physical overview of the single standalone solar street light

H3

H2

H1

Details (Nidup, 2010)

Figure 2 Layout design of SSL

Table 3 Pole details

H1 (Including 1.5m H2 H3
underground)
Length 5000mm 1750mm 1750mm
Outside Diameter 165.1mm 139.7mm 114.3mm
Thickness 4.85mm 4.5mm 3.65mm
Material Swaged Type Steel Tubular Pole
IS:2713 (Part-II)
Arm length-1100mm

9
 3.5 Block diagram of the solar street light

Figure 3 Block diagram of SSL

3.6 Comparative analysis between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panel

3.6.1 Solar cell and its types

A solar cell is the electrical device in solid state which coverts light energy into electrical energy
using photovoltaic effect.

The first generation of PV technologies used crystalline structure of silicon to produce the solar
cells. Today, with advancement in science and technology the most common new emerging solar
cell are:

3.6.2 Mono crystalline silicon solar cell

It essentially uses crystalline Si p-n junctions. Efficiency of mono-crystalline silicon solar cell
has reached around 23% (laboratory scale). This type of cell is the most commonly used, and
will continue to be the leader until a more efficient and cost-effective PV technology is
developed.

10
3.6.3 Poly crystalline silicon solar cell
The effort of the photovoltaic industry to reduce costs and increase production have led to the
development of new crystalline techniques- poly-crystalline. Such technology is becoming more
attractive because of lower manufacturing cost despite the cells slightly; less efficient (15%).

The efficiency details of above mentioned two solar cells is given below table:

Table 4 Comparison between Mono and Polycrystalline panel

Technology Cell efficiency (%) Module Efficiency (%)

Laboratory efficiency Module on market
Monocrystalline 25±0.5 22.7 14-20
silicon
Polycrystalline silicon 20.4±0.5 16.2 11-15

3.7 Solar radiation watt per meter square data recorded in the College of Science

and Technology by using Watchdog 2900ET.

3.7.1 Solar irradiation year 2016

Average Wh/m2 per day in the Months of 2016

5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2016

JAN FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Figure 4 Average Wh/ meter sq. per day in the months of 2016
Average: 3983.41Wh/day

11
3.7.2 Solar irradiation year 2017

Average Wh/m2 per day in the Months of 2017

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
Months

JAN FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Figure 5 Average Wh/meter sq. per day in the months of 2017

Average: 4086.37Wh/day

3.7.3 Solar irradiation year 2018

Average Wh/m2 per day in the Months of 2018

5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Months

JAN FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Figure 6 Average Wh/meter sq. per day in the months of 2018

Average: 3842.6Wh/day. For the year 2019, data from June months is missing.

12
3.7.4 Correlation plot

Correlation of solar irridiance data variations over past years

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Months

2016 2017 2018

Figure 7 Correlation plot

2016-Primary Axis
2017 & 2018- Secondary axis
The graph displays the daily sun wattage of the place that falls per unit square meter of CST
from the year 2016 – 2018. From the data it is found that, at CST it receives an average of
3970.79Wh/day solar radiation or 661.8W/m2/day.

It is found that, by using two numbers of 240W solar panel it can generate the required energy
for the street lighting.

13
 3.8 Sizing

3.8.1 Battery sizing

Power of the lamp x OPerating Hours x Autonomy Days
Battery Size (Ah) = DoD x Syatem battery voltagexboost converter efficiency

100 x 12x 1
Battery Size (Ah) = 0.8x 12x0.85

Battery Size (Ah) = 147.06Ah

3.8.2 Charge controller sizing

Battery capacity
Charge controller sizing = charging time

150
Charge controller sizing = 6

Charge controller sizing = 25 A

3.8.3 Solar Panel sizing

Battery power capacity= V x battery capacity

Battery power capacity=12x150

=1800Wh

Power rating of the solar panel

Battery power capacity

Power Rating of solar panel = Charging time

1800
Power Rating of solar panel = 6

Power Rating of solar panel = 300W

14
 3.9 Equivalent rating analysis

3.9.1 Conventional street lighting

3.9.1.1 Specification of conventional lamp.
Table 5 Specification of conventional lamp representing the lumen output of the lamp.

SL No Parameters Specifications
1 Lamp 250 volts A.c, 150 watts
2 Lumen/watt 80/watt
3 Mean lumen 12,000 lm
4 Ingress protection IP66
Phillips make

3.9.1.2 Experimental value of luminous flux per unit square meter in CST.
Table 6 Experimental value of luminous flux per unit square meter in CST

One head pole Double head pole

30lm 55lm
Although it has high rated lumen output, but as it was mounted at 9m above the ground so its
luminous intensity gets decreases. Therefore, the lumen output for the lamp is low when it is
measured from ground.

Findings: Road classification as per IS, CST road falls under Class C.

Street light arrangement: one side pole layout due to narrower roads.

Since the distance between the pole should be 3-4 times the height, distance between the pole in
CST is 35m.

15
3.9.2 Solar Street lighting (Determination of sample specification)
3.9.2.1 Specification of LED
Table 7 Specification of LED

SL No Parameters Specification
1 Wattage 100 watts
2 Input Voltage Range 100-277V
3 Frequency 50/60 Hz
4 Power Factor >0.93
5 Lumens 13500lm
6 IP Rating IP65 Outdoor waterproof rated

3.9.2.1.1 Battery Specification

Table 8 Battery Specification

SL No Parameters Specification
1 Model Number: DTS12V150Ah
2 Battery size 483*170*241mm
3 Voltage: 12V
4 Capacity 150AH
5 Weight 39.4 KG
3.9.2.1.2 Charge controller
Table 9 Charge Controller

SL No Parameters Specifications
1 System Voltage 12V
2 Charge mode MPPT (Maximum power point tracking)
3 System Voltage DC9V-DC15V
4 Rated input current 25A
5 MPPT Efficiency 96.5 and less than 99%
6 MPPT working voltage range DC14V-DC100V

16
3.9.2.1.3 Monocrystalline solar panel
Table 10 Monocrystalline solar panel

SL No Parameters Specification
1 Solar cell type Monocrystalline 156*156mm
2 Module Dimension 1650mmx992mmx46mm
3 Max power 240W
2 Max power voltage 30V
3 Max power current 8A
4 Open circuit voltage 36.0A
5 Short circuit current 8.96A
6 Module efficient 14.66%
7 Junction box IP65
8 Standard condition 25 Degree Celsius
3.9.2.1.4 Boost Converter
Table 11 Boost Converter

SL No Parameters Specification
1 Input voltage 8V-60V
2 Output current 0-15A
3 Output voltage 10-120V
4 Conversion Efficiency 85%
5 Operating Frequency 150KHz
3.9.2.1.5 Microcontroller
Table 12 Microcontroller

SL Parameters Specification
No.
1 Microcontroller ATmega328
2 Input Voltage 7-12V
3 Digital I/O pins 14

17
3.9.2.1.6 5V Relay Board
Table 13 5V relay

SL No Parameters Specification
1 Brand Super Debug
2 Type Micro Controller Board
3 Minimum Age 12
4 ROHS Complaint No
5 Material Copper

18
 3.10 MATLAB simulation of the solar panel

It shows the voltage output according to the solar radiation (Watt/m2) and the average
temperature of the place. It was shown by taking the specifications of solar module with the
average daily solar radiation at CST.

Figure 8 MATLAB simulation of 240W monocrystalline solar panel

Figure 9 MATLAB simulation of 250W polycrystalline Solar panel

It is found that monocrystalline solar panel is more efficient technically because 240W
monocrystalline solar panel can generate the energy equivalent to 250W polycrystalline solar
panel. Hence monocrystalline is found to be more efficient technically.

19
3.10.1 V-I characteristics of 240W monocrystalline solar panel (Selected sample)

Figure 10 VI Characteristics of 240W solar panel Source: MATLAB simulation

With an average solar radiation of 660W/m2/day in the campus, it requires 2 number of 240W
solar panel to meet the demand of load. Therefore, with the parallel connection between two
panels, it can produce 300W which is the required power of the system to construct standalone
solar street light.

Two panels will be used because single panel with the 300W rated power cannot manage to
produce the required power of the system.

3.10.2 MAT LAB simulation of the 12 to 120 DC to DC boost converter with the rated values
of input voltage and generated the output.

Figure 11 Internal circuit of boost converter

20
 3.11 Complete circuit diagram

Figure 12 Complete circuit diagram

3.12 Prototype for the micro controller working with relay and switching:

Arduino UNO is used as the micro controller with the use of LDR sensor to provide automatic
lighting systems. Following figure display the working of relay switching when the daylight
completely vanishes at the end of the day.

Figure 13 Igniting relay during night Figure 14 Relay during day

21
3.12.1 Program for Microcontroller for automatic working.

Figure 15 Programing for Microcontroller

Solar standalone street lighting system will be programmed to function automatically when the
daylight vanishes at the end of the day by using Arduino UNO as the main microcontroller of the
along with LDR sensor and 5V relay. Moreover, to meet the voltage demand of LED, DC to DC
boost converter will be used.

Findings: LDR resistance in daytime is 5000 Ohms and at the daylight vanishes it reaches the
resistance of 500 kilo-Ohms. Therefore the microcontroller was programmed to function
automatically when the night occur.

22
4 CHAPTER 3: COST ANALYSIS

4.1 Cost analysis items (As per given specification).

Table 14 Cost analysis

Items Quantity (numbers) Price ($) Total price ($)

LED lamp 16 35.08 561.28

Relay 16 2.43 38.88
Battery 16 106 1696
PV panel 32 176.97 5663.04
Charge controller 16 40 640
LDR 16 2.29 36.64
Microcontroller 16 7.54 120.64
Boost controller 16 40.09 641.44
Cu Wire (2.5sq mm) 3 rolls 4.01 12.04

Knots and - 1336.9 1336.9

accessories
Lightning arrester 16 16.04 256.7

Total cost in NU.823,066.288/-

4.2 Civil works installation cost

Table 15 Civil works installation cost

Items Quantity Price ($) Total price (Nu)

(numbers)
Labor charge 5 748.6 56,000

Shipping charge Nu.50,000/-

Total cost for the installation= 873,066.288/-

23
 4.3 Cost benefit analysis

According to the initial installation cost of 16 pole of street light between the college gate and
Jetsun Moenlam canteen it fully cost amounting Nu.900000/-. Comparing to the estimated initial
installation of Solar Street light, the cost for the conventional street light is less. But considering
the power consumption by 150W high pressure sodium vapor lamp,

Energy consumption per day=150 x 12 x 16 =28.8kWh

Energy consumption per year= 28.8 x 365 =10,512kWh

So total amount for the Energy consumption per year= 10,512 x 3 =Nu.31, 536/-

After the installation it is expected to work minimum of 11 years without problem with respects
to life hours of the installed instruments. So the total of amount of Nu. 346,896/- can be saved
from electrical tariff. Therefore, for the long run it can recover the initial cost and it will have
more economic advantage over conventional street light.

4.4 Technical comparison between solar street lighting system and conventional

street lighting system:

Table 16 Technical comparison between solar and conventional street lighting system

Conventional street light Solar street light

It gives lumen output of 12000lm Proposed LED is expected to give lumen

output of 13500lm
Poor visual quality Generally LED have good visual quality
150W sodium vapor Lamp 100W LED
IP66 IP65
Considering and analyzing equivalent rating of the two systems, technically both system are
having similar advantages. Street light is should provide good visual quality so proposed street
lighting system will provide good visual quality light.

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 4.5 Reliability

For the conventional street light, good earthing was provided for the protection of system. Solar
Street light will be using lightning arrester for the protection of the system from lightening
destruction. Therefore, proposed system is equally reliable to the existing street light.

4.6 Recommendation:

After thorough considerations all the poles from the conventional street light is to be reused,
therefore only replacing LED over high-pressure sodium vapor lamp. The LED has more
advantage because it gives good visual quality light at night. Hence technically solar street light
has more advantage and at the same time it is as reliable as existing street light.

Although initial installation cost is higher than the conventional street light, in the long run it will
be able to cover that cost. It can also save money from energy consumption tariffs. Therefore, it
has more financial advantage since all the poles from the conventional street light are to be
reused.

Comparing the Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panel, the Monocrystalline solar panel
has high panel efficiency. As mentioned earlier solar panel with equivalent rating gives different
power output, the Monocrystalline solar panel are giving more output power according to the
findings. Hence Monocrystalline is a better option for the installation of standalone solar street
light. The main motive of the street light is to provide good visual quality light at night, therefore
replacing conventional street light with LED will bring the revolution in the street light in CST.

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5 CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this research was carried out with the motives to understand the technical and
financial feasibility of installing solar street light in College of Science and Technology and its
reliability. This study has covered 16 street light poles from the college gate till Jetsum Moenlam
canteen. The street lights in CST have different ratings of lamp used and no precise comparison
can be drawn from the study. Therefore, for the clear comparison the study of only 16 poles were
selected.

Installing solar street light in CST was found to be feasible as it receives solar radiation of an
average of 660W/m2/day which is enough for the required power generation. It is designed to
work automatically when the night falls with the help of Arduino UNO as the main
microprocessor along with lead Acid Battery as a supply. The battery will be fully charged
during the day time and it is made sure that it can lit he lamp for 12 hours daily. CST receives the
full-time solar radiation for 6 hours and according to the demand of load, 2 monocrystalline
panel will be placed in single pole connecting in parallel to give enough charging for the battery
with the given solar radiation of the place.

DC to DC boost converter will be used for the amplification of the voltage and for the protection.
It serves as the switching device between the microcontroller and boost converter.

The geographical location of the place favors the installation of the solar street light. Therefore,
both technically and financially it is found that installing SSL will have more advantage in the
long run. And for the reliability, it is equally reliable system as it will provide the required
lighting in the required hours of the day. The Solar Street lighting can save the cost of energy
consumption unlike the conventional type.

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REFERENCES

(n.d.). Comparison between solar LED street lights and conventional road lighting systems.
Econtek.
Darjay, T. (n.d.). Street Light Design Theory.
Kavitha, C., Swathi, Prakash, S., & Vinitha. (July-2016). Solar Powered LED Street lighting
with auto intensity control. INternational journal of scientific & engineering research,
volume 7.
Kiong, T. W. (2014). A Cost Effective Solar Powered Street Light. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
Malaysia.
Ministry of science technology & environment. (october 2014). solar street lights: project
management,technical & procurement guidelines for municipalities. nepal.
Nidup. (2010). Electrification of new street light in Cst.
Rajeev, M., & Nair, S. S. (January 2012). Economic feasibility of solar powered street light
using High power LED. International conference on renewable energy and utilization.
Solanki, C. S. (2018). Solar Photovoltaics: fundamentals, technologies and applications. Delhi:
PHI learning private limited.

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 APPENDIX

Work plan

Sl Task Duration September October November December

NO (Days) W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W W
3 4
1 Topic 7
selection
2 Literature 60
review

3 Proposal 10
writing

4 Proposal 1
presentation
5 Survey and 42
data
analysis
6 Report 10
writing

7 Report 1
Presentation

Table 17 Work Plan

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