Control of smart glass window using Internet of Things (IoT)

• Main Author: Erce Ishmael Bin Hassan
• Other Authors: Rusli
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176756
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report explores the integration of renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential implications for countries like Singapore. By harnessing IoT technology, Singapore can optimize its renewable energy sources, including solar panels atop urban buildings and offshore wind farms. Real-time monitoring and control facilitated by IoT-enabled systems can enhance the efficiency and reliability of these energy sources, contributing to Singapore's energy security and sustainability goals. Moreover, IoT-driven energy management systems can empower Singaporean households and businesses to actively participate in energy conservation efforts, reducing overall energy consumption and carbon emissions. This aligns with Singapore's commitment to environmental sustainability and mitigates the impacts of climate change. The integration of IoT technology with renewable energy infrastructure can spur innovation and economic growth in Singapore's clean energy sector. This can create new job opportunities and attract investments in research and development, positioning Singapore as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions. This project utilizes IoT and solar energy to tune the Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Film to create a Smart Glass Window. PDLC film is used in this project because of its varied optical features, which enable remote transparency control, making it excellent for privacy settings in smart windows or displays. It also improves display quality by regulating light transmission and polarization, and it serves as a protective layer, insulating sensors from external influences. In this project, the PDLC film is directly attached behind the Thin-Film Solar Glass Panel is linked with various IoT devices and components, allowing manual tweaking via a smartphone application and alongside the mobile application, PDLC film transformer is used to aid with the control of the transparency of the PDLC film. Temperature and lux sensors, RF transmitter and receiver modules, LEDs, fans, microcontrollers, and solar panels are some of the components. The RF transmitter and receiver modules enable wireless connection between the Arduino board and the PDLC film, allowing remote control and monitoring of transparency settings. The temperature sensor monitors the surrounding temperature to ensure the best circumstances for PDLC film tuning, whilst the lux sensor assesses the ambient lighting in the environment and adjusts transparency correspondingly. LEDs imitate lighting conditions to tune the PDLC film and provide visual feedback to the user. Fans are operated to maintain the total temperature of the system, assuring both comfort and efficiency. Arduino Uno Wi-Fi board acts as a control unit, allowing communication between the PDLC film, sensors, RF modules, and mobile applications. Solar panels use solar energy to power the system, boosting sustainability and minimizing the need for external power sources. This project aims to demonstrate the versatility and functionality of PDLC film. PDLC film can be combined with IoT technology, allowing customized transparency control, and improving user experience in smart home situations.