Indian Institute of Information Technology,Allahabad

Energy-efficient smart blinds using BH1750 sensor

Group 3
Kongani Charishma IIT2020211
Sandhya IIT2020210
Himanshu H IIT2020203
Hrithik
Naman Sahu
Piyush Kumar (MWC2022008)
Rahul Deb Majumder (MWC202210)

Introduction

BH1750FVI Is a Digital Light sensor , which is an digital Ambient Light

Sensor IC for I2C bus interface. This IC is the most suitable to obtain
the ambient light data for adjusting LCD and Keypad backlight power
of Mobile phone. It is possible to detect a wide range at High
resolution.

this sensor has some advantages such like :

1) Illuminance to Digital Converter

2) Wide range and High resolution. ( 1 - 65535 lx )
3) Low Current by power down function
4) 50Hz / 60Hz Light noise reject-function
5) I2C bus Interface ( f / s Mode Support )
6) No need any external parts
7) It is possible to select 2 type of I2C slave-address.
8) It is possible to detect min. 0.11 lx, max. 100000 lx by using this
function.
Problem Statement:

"Energy-efficient blinds or window coverings can be installed to

enhance the energy efficiency of a space. By incorporating a BH1750
sensor, these smart blinds can automatically adjust their position
based on the level of natural light detected. This not only contributes
to maintaining an optimal room temperature but also aids in
minimizing energy consumption, promoting sustainability and cost
savings."

Explanation:

The main problem or challenge being addressed is to enhance the

energy efficiency of a space using window coverings or blinds. The
traditional way of using blinds is manual, where individuals adjust
them based on their perception of light or temperature needs. This
manual method might not always be optimal in terms of energy
consumption.

To solve this problem, the proposed solution is to use a 'smart'

approach. By incorporating the BH1750 sensor, the blinds can
automatically adjust their position based on the amount of natural light
detected. The use of this sensor ensures that the blinds are in the
most energy-efficient position relative to the current lighting conditions
outside.

What we are doing in this problem:

1. Introducing Energy-Efficient Blinds: We are talking about a new
type of blinds that can adjust their position automatically to either let in
or block out sunlight based on the need
2. Incorporating BH1750 Sensor: We are adding a light sensor to
these blinds. This sensor, the BH1750, measures the intensity of
natural light.

3. Automatic Adjustments: Based on the data from the BH1750

sensor, the blinds will move to an optimal position to either allow more
light in (when it's dark outside) or block light (when it's too bright),
aiming to maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reduce the
need for artificial lighting or heating/cooling.

4. Enhancing Energy Efficiency: The goal is to reduce the energy

consumption of the space. By ensuring the room receives the optimal
amount of natural light and maintains a comfortable temperature,
there's less need to use energy-consuming appliances like lights,
heaters, or air conditioners.

5. Promoting Sustainability and Savings: By reducing energy

consumption, we are promoting a more sustainable way of living. This
also has the added benefit of cost savings since less energy used
means lower energy bills.

In summary, in this problem statement, we are introducing a concept

of smart blinds integrated with a light sensor to automatically optimize
natural light entry into a room, thus enhancing energy efficiency,
sustainability, and saving costs.

Hardware requirements:
1. Energy-Efficient Blinds or Window Coverings: Choose blinds or
window coverings that are designed for energy efficiency. These
should provide insulation and be compatible with motorization if they
are not already motorized.

2. BH1750 Light Sensor: The BH1750 is a digital light sensor that

measures the intensity of natural light. You will need this sensor to
detect the light levels in the room.

3. Microcontroller: You'll require a microcontroller to interface with the

BH1750 sensor and control the blinds. Here are a few commonly used
microcontroller options:
- Arduino: Arduino boards like Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, or
Arduino ESP8266/ESP32 are popular choices for IoT projects.
- Raspberry Pi: If you want more computing power or plan to
integrate other features, a Raspberry Pi can be used.
- Microcontroller-specific boards: Some microcontrollers come with
built-in Wi-Fi or other wireless capabilities, which can be
advantageous for remote monitoring and control.

4. Motor and Motor Driver (if needed): If your blinds are not already
motorized, you'll need a motor to open and close them. You may also
require a motor driver to control the motor's movement. Ensure the
motor is compatible with your blinds.

5. Power Supply: Depending on the microcontroller and motor used,

you'll need a suitable power supply. This can include batteries, a USB
power source, or an external power adapter.
6. Wiring and Connectors: Obtain wires and connectors to connect the
BH1750 sensor, motor (if applicable), and microcontroller.

Software requirements :

1. Arduino IDE or Similar IDE: If you choose an Arduino or similar

microcontroller, you will need the Arduino Integrated Development
Environment (IDE) or the IDE provided by the microcontroller's
manufacturer.

2. BH1750 Sensor Library: Install the BH1750 sensor library in your

IDE. This library allows you to communicate with and read data from
the BH1750 sensor.

3. Programming Skills: You'll need some programming knowledge to

write the code for your microcontroller. This includes reading data from
the BH1750 sensor and controlling the blinds based on the light levels.

4. Control Logic: Develop the control logic for the blinds. Decide how
the blinds should respond to different light levels (e.g., fully open,
partially open, fully closed). You may also implement features like
gradual adjustments to avoid rapid changes.
5. Monitoring and Remote Control (Optional): If desired, you can
develop a user interface or use third-party software to monitor and
control the blinds remotely, potentially over the internet or through a
mobile app. This may involve setting up a communication protocol like
MQTT.
6. Safety Considerations: Implement safety features in your software,
such as obstacle detection to prevent accidents when the blinds are
closing.The combination of these hardware and software components
will enable you to create an energy-efficient blinds system that
automatically adjusts based on natural light levels, contributing to
energy savings, sustainability, and improved comfort in your space.

Setup image :
The provided experiment is intended for a NodeMCU or
ESP8266-based board to read light intensity from a BH1750 sensor
and publish the data to an MQTT server. To set up the connections on
a breadboard, you will need the following components:

1. NodeMCU or ESP8266: The microcontroller board to which you'll

connect the BH1750 sensor and establish the Wi-Fi and MQTT
connections.

2. BH1750 Sensor: This digital light sensor measures the intensity of

natural light. It communicates with the microcontroller via the I2C
protocol (SCL and SDA pins).

3. Breadboard: A breadboard is used to create temporary connections

between components. It provides a convenient platform for
prototyping.

4. Jumper Wires: You'll need jumper wires to make the electrical

connections between the components on the breadboard.

Here are the connections you need to make on the breadboard:

NodeMCU/ESP8266 Connections:
- 3.3V: Connect to the positive rail on the breadboard (usually marked
with a red stripe).
- GND (Ground): Connect to the ground rail on the breadboard
(usually marked with a blue stripe).
- D1 (SCL): Connect to one of the breadboard rows, and then connect
to the BH1750 sensor's SCL pin.
- D2 (SDA) : Connect to one of the breadboard rows, and then
connect to the BH1750 sensor's SDA pin.
BH1750 Sensor Connections:
- VCC (Power): Connect to the positive rail on the breadboard. This is
the power supply pin. It is typically connected to the positive voltage
supply, such as 3.3V or 5V, depending on the sensor's voltage
requirements.

- GND (Ground): Connect to the ground rail on the breadboard.

This is the ground pin and should be connected to the ground (0V) of
your power supply.

- SCL: Connect to the same row as the NodeMCU/ESP8266 D1 (SCL)

pin.SCL stands for Serial Clock, and it is the other wire used for I2C
communication. It provides the clock signal for synchronizing data
transfer between the sensor and the microcontroller.

- SDA: Connect to the same row as the NodeMCU/ESP8266 D2

(SDA) pin. SDA stands for Serial Data, and it is one of the two wires
used for I2C communication. It is used for data transmission between
the sensor and the microcontroller.

Ensure that all the connections are secure and that there are no loose
wires. Additionally, double-check the power requirements of the
BH1750 sensor and NodeMCU/ESP8266 to ensure they receive the
correct voltage and current.

With these connections, the NodeMCU/ESP8266 can communicate

with the BH1750 sensor using the I2C protocol and send the sensor
data to an MQTT server via Wi-Fi. The NodeMCU/ESP8266 board
start reading light levels and publish them to the specified MQTT topic.