Save Energy with Solar-Powered Smart Monitoring
- UM Research
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The issue of energy consumption in buildings, especially educational institutions, has gained more prominence with the rising global concern for sustainability. One of the major contributors to energy wastage is air conditioning and lighting systems, which remain switched on in vacant areas, particularly in lecture halls.
To tackle this problem, Professor Dr. Hazlee Azil Illias from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Malaya, and his collaborator, Mr. Nasiru Yahaya Ahmed, have developed a solar-powered smart monitoring device. This device uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), image processing technologies, and renewable energy technology to optimise electricity usage based on the real-time occupancy of lecture rooms.
The idea for the solar-powered smart monitoring device was born from Professor Dr. Illias’ observations about the inefficient use of electricity in lecture rooms. "I noticed that air-conditioners and lights were often left on when no one was in the room," he explains. "This happened during lunch breaks, after office hours, and between lecture sessions—leading to significant electricity wastage." The root cause of this issue, he discovered, was the lack of real-time information about room occupancy. The person in charge of managing the rooms often had no way of knowing whether a room was unoccupied, leading them to check each room physically. This time-consuming process contributed to unnecessary energy consumption.
The smart monitoring device works by continuously tracking both room temperature and occupancy. The system uses temperature sensors to detect whether the air conditioning is running—if the temperature is below 25°C, it indicates that the air conditioning is likely on. The device then activates motion sensors to determine if anyone is present in the room. If no movement is detected after a preset time, the system will automatically alert the building manager via a Telegram message that the air conditioner should be turned off. This automated process ensures that energy is only used when necessary, reducing unnecessary consumption and waste.
In addition to motion detection, the device features a camera that confirms the room's occupancy, thereby enhancing its accuracy. This combination of features makes the device reliable.
The solar-powered smart monitoring device stands out in the market because it integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies. Unlike existing products, this device uses image processing technologies, AI, IoT, and renewable energy to accurately monitor room occupancy. "Combining these technologies for energy-saving applications is not something you typically find in the market," says Professor Dr. Illias.
What makes this system truly sustainable is its reliance on solar power. The device is entirely powered by two 10W solar panels and two 6000 mAh Lithium-ion batteries, which store energy for use even at night. This means it does not need to draw power from the main electricity grid, reducing operational costs and supporting renewable energy usage. The device uses a battery pack that stores energy during the day to ensure continuous operation during periods of low sunlight or extended cloudy weather. When sunlight is insufficient, it switches to using the stored energy, and when sunlight returns, the battery is recharged, allowing the device to operate on solar power again. Additionally, if the battery level becomes critically low, the system enters ultra power-saving mode, allowing the battery to charge more quickly. The device also enters sleep mode at night when the room is not in use, further conserving energy.
The device demonstrated an impressive reduction in electricity consumption. In a pilot project at the Faculty of Engineering at the Universiti Malaya, electricity consumption was reduced by at least 40% in the monitored lecture rooms. This significant reduction lowers utility bills and contributes to substantial environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on grid electricity, the device helps cut carbon emissions. With less energy consumption, fewer fossil fuels are burned, reducing the building's carbon footprint and supporting broader climate change mitigation efforts.
The technology behind this device is highly scalable. While initially designed for lecture rooms, it can be easily adapted for other types of buildings, including offices, hospitals, public spaces, and residential homes. The smart monitoring device can benefit any building with high energy consumption, making it an impactful solution.
Looking ahead, Prof. Dr. Hazlee Azil Illias and his team plan to implement the device on the entire campus of Universiti Malaya and other universities. They also aim to explore applications in different sectors and continue refining the system to improve its functionality.
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Researcher featured:
Professor Ir. Dr. Hazlee Azil Illias
Department of Electrical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Universiti Malaya
For inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nasiru Yahaya Ahmed
PhD Student
Department of Electrical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Universiti Malaya
Author:
Ms Fiona Wong Yan Qi
A passionate medical student who loves to combine her interests in science and writing. I’m captivated by the human body's complexities and enjoy crafting stories that illuminate the human experience.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM