DESIGN OF AN INTELLIGENT LIGHTING AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR NIGERIAN CLASSROOMS

The challenge of providing sufficient lighting in Nigerian classrooms is exacerbated by inconsistent electricity supply and inadequate architectural design. This study addresses the integration of smart artificial lighting and energy management technologies in enhancing classroom illumination, optimizing energy usage, and mitigating health risks associated with poor lighting conditions. The objective of the work was to create a reliable system capable of maintaining illumination level at 300 lux when natural light is insufficient and to automatically switch OFF lights and electrical appliances when there is no occupant in classroom. Top down design approach was adopted for the hardware and software design respectively. Proteus 8.4 software was used for authentication of the hardware design. The major components of the system were 3,5KVA solar inverter system, Arduino Nano board, light sensor, ultrasonic sensor, dimmable LED panel lights, transformers, discrete components, relays and sockets. The system was successfully designed and its main function is to maintain illumination level at 300 lux when natural light is insufficient during normal classroom activities and 200 lux during presentations, and to automatically switch OFF lights and electrical appliances when nobody is in the classroom. It is recommended that this design should be implemented and used in classrooms in Nigeria in order to provide adequate illumination, optimize energy usage, and mitigate health risks associated with poor lighting conditions.