Abstract
In this project we designed a solar powered computer control system
for electrical machines and spark ignition engines. It is made up of a
hardware device that comprises of various electrical components
which are powered by a 25W solar panel. The power cord of the
machines are modified and connected to the hardware and the
hardware is in turn connected to a laptop computer using a USB cord.
The machines are controlled from the laptop computer using special
software developed in the course of this project. The software
program comprises of buttons and check boxes that can be clicked
and checked respectively to issue switching commands to the
hardware for control of connected appliances. The software program
was written using visual basic.net, an event driven programming
language, and this software is responsible for establishing connection
between the operating system of the computer and the hardware,
and also for the entire operation of the hardware.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page I
Certification II
Dedication III
Acknowledgement IV
List of Figures V
Abstract VII
Table of contents VIII
CHAPTER 1
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Objectives of the project 2
1.2 Design scope 2
1.3 Methodology 3
CHAPTER 2
2.0 Literature Review 4
2.1 Evolution Of Automation Systems 4
2.2 Elements Of Automation Systems 5
2.2.1 Controllers 6
2.2.2 Sensors 6
2.2.3 Actuators 7
2.4 Automation System Architecture 8
2.4 Automation Systems Inter – Connection 8
2.5 Application Of Automation Systems 9
2.6 Types Of Controllers 10
2.6.1 Ultrasonic Controllers 11
2.6.2 Infrared Controller 11
2.6.3 Mechanical Controller 12
2.6.4 Radio Controller 12
2.6.5 PC Based Controller 13
2.7 PC interfacing 13
CHAPTER 3
3.0 Hardware Design and Analysis 15
3.1 Specifications 16
3.2 Electronic Component Description 16
3.1.1 8 Channel USB GPIO Module with 6 Analog Inputs 16
3.2.2 Optocoupler (4n35) 18
3.2.3 ULN2803A Darlington Driver I.C 18
3.2.4 Zener Diode 19
3.2.5 T90 Relays 19
3.2.6 Solar Panel 20
3.3 Selection of Solar Panel and Device Operating Time 21
CHAPTER 4
4.0 Construction And Implementation 24
4.1 The making of the printed circuit board (PCB) 25
4.1.2 Etching 27
4.1.3 Drilling 28
4.2 Software Engineering 29
4.3 Dominator 31
4.4 System’s Implementation 42
4.4.1 Setting Up A New Laptop for the Control System 42
4.4.2 Installing Drivers 43
4.4.3 Installing The Software 47
4.5 Software Analysis And Control 48
4.6 Testing Analysis 50
4.6.1 Pre Implementation Testing 51
4.6.2 Post Implementation Testing 51
CHAPTER 5
5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation 52
REFERENCES 54
APPENDIX 56
