Arduino Based Smart Energy Saving System in Ugandan Public Universities: A Case Study of Muni University, Uganda

Abstract

Automation is a technique of controlling a process by electronic devices with reducing human involvement to a minimum. The fundamental of building an automation system for an office or home is increasing day-by-day with numerous benefits. Industrialist and researchers are working to build efficient and affordability automatic systems to monitor and control different machines like lights, fans, air conditioners based on the requirements (Pan, et al., 2015). The automation method makes effective use of electrical energy that eventually results in saving costs while reducing energy waste. This project is based on the concept of internet of things (IoT) that allow objects including people and other devices interconnected over the internet anytime and anywhere using any network and service to exchange data and information. Automation is another important application of IoT technologies. IoT can be applied in setting up smart homes and offices (Pan, et al., 2015). It can be used for the monitoring of energy consumption and controlling the environment in buildings, schools, offices and museums by using different types of sensors and actuators that control lights, temperature, and humidity (Minoli, et al., 2017).In nest apartments, they have been using WIFI home automation system to save energy and controlling electrical appliances. The tenants access a web-based platform which allows them to control the electrical appliances in their rooms. But this system can be hacked into. However, in Nigeria, United kingdoms, India and china they use GSM home automation system to save energy and control electrical appliances. The system is much safer and secure than WIFI system because it cannot be hacked into. Currently, Muni University controls electrical appliances using three different modes: Manual system which is used in buildings, the timer automation system which is used for garden lights.it turns on and off after every twelve hours, the light sensor system which is used on security lights. With low levels of light intensity, it turns on the security lights. The current does not support remote control of the electrical appliances via the phone. The proposed Arduino Smart Energy Saving Systems offers flexibility and remote sensing capabilities.