A Prototype of Wireless Networked IoT Based Lighting Control in Open Platform

Abstract

Background: The lighting researchers are keenly looking for the huge benefits of the internet of things on an open platform which provides the cost gains in addition to other environmental benefits. Connected systems interact with the software and analyse real-time building conditions, and feed information into the building controls network. Methods: This paper presents a wireless networked system for lighting control in buildings which connect the power of the Internet of Things. After analysing the ZigBee network on QualNet v7.4, a Digi Mesh network was set up using XBee modules using the XBee Configuration and Test Utility [XCTU] Software v6.3.11. The ThingSpeak cloud platform along with MATLAB 2017b provides the necessary cloud support to enable this network to communicate over the internet. The results indicate that the XBee S2C module functioning in the API mode when flashed with the DigiMesh firmware offers the best option for forming a self-healing mesh network. An aggregator node acts as an information sink and collects the sensor data from all the sensor nodes and passes it on to the cloud via the Raspberry gateway. Results: The algorithm on the cloud can read this sensor data and compute the necessary Pulse Width Modulation [PWM] signals required to control the brightness of a dimmable LED luminaire. The system also takes into consideration the zone-wise occupancy in the room while computing the PWM values to be sent to the luminaires. Conclusion: The use of the concept of open platform sensors and actuators is the significance of the work.