Simultaneous control of multiple line-loads each connected separately in series with a designed unit (Control using Radio Frequency and a Mobile device)

Abstract

A unit which can be connected separately in series with each load to control multiple line-loads simultaneously using Radio Frequency (RF) and a mobile device has been developed during this study. Series connected remotely controllable regulators are not widely available commercially and the few available do not have the facility to control the multiple line loads using a mobile application along with a RF remote controller and also they are very expensive and even require an alternative wiring system. The designed regulator provides the convenience of controlling the current flow through appliances connected to a single line power supply. A triac is used to control the power supplied to the load, since it can control the current flow in both halves of an AC current. The gate terminal is triggered by using a diac. A Switch Mode Power Supply, powers the active components of the regulator using the voltage drop across the triac. The Bluetooth (HC-06) and RF (315 MHz RF receiver) modules are programmed to receive inputs from the user to switch ON/OFF or control the voltage supplied to appliances such as fans and light bulbs. The Graphical User Interface enables the user to control the appliances easily and much faster than in normal usage of mechanical switches. The timer which allows the user to define time intervals for predefined output levels, can set desired levels of outputs for the appliances. This feature is not currently available in normal regulators. The suggested method facilitate simultaneous use of RF and the mobile devices as well as the ability to control several appliances with a single unit enabling energy conservation and ease of use. The cost of designing the unit with discrete components being less than US$ 17, it can be concluded that the model is cost effective since this method suggests two modes of control of the appliances along with timer settings. [1-9].