Smart Street Lighting System Using IoT
SACHIN YADAViD1 , ATUL KUMAR MISHRAiD2 , AND PRATHAM SHARMA RAJIV3
[Link] of Electrical Engineering, Institute Of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.
[Link] of Electrical Engineering, Institute Of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.
[Link] of Electrical Engineering, Institute Of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow.
Abstract: The rapid advancement of urban
The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) offers
infrastructure has necessitated the evolution of
innovative solutions to these challenges. By integrating
conventional street lighting into more intelligent,
sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules,
energy-efficient systems. Generally, traditional
IoT-enabled smart street lighting systems can dynamically
street lighting consumes substantial energy and
adjust lighting based on environmental conditions and
requires extensive manual monitoring and
human activity. For instance, sensors can detect ambient
maintenance. This paper proposes a Smart Street
light levels and pedestrian or vehicular movement,
Lighting System using the Internet of Things (IoT)
allowing the system to modulate light intensity
to address these inefficiencies through automation,
accordingly. Such adaptability not only enhances energy
real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-
efficiency but also improves public safety by ensuring
making. Specifically, the system integrates motion
adequate illumination when and where it's needed.[3]
sensors, light-dependent resistors (LDRs), and
Implementing smart street lighting systems has
microcontrollers with wireless communication
demonstrated significant benefits.[4] Studies have shown
modules to control lighting based on real-time
that these systems can reduce energy consumption by up
environmental and traffic conditions. The outcome
to 80% compared to conventional lighting .Moreover, the
of the proposed system demonstrates significant
ability to monitor and control lighting remotely
improvements in energy efficiency, operational
facilitates predictive maintenance, reducing downtime
effectiveness, and maintenance responsiveness. The
and maintenance costs .In regions like Malaysia,
benefits of this system include reduced power
intelligent street lighting systems have achieved energy
consumption, lower carbon emissions, extended
savings of up to 90%, highlighting their potential for
lifespan of lighting components, and enhanced
widespread adoption .
urban safety. In conclusion, the IoT-based Smart
Street Lighting System offers a sustainable and This research paper explores the design and
cost- effective solution to modern urban lighting implementation of an IoT-based smart street lighting
challenges. It paves the way for smarter energy use, system. It delves into the system's architecture, the tools
real-time system feedback, and improved urban and technologies employed, and the outcomes achieved.
living conditions, reinforcing the vision of fully By examining the benefits and challenges associated
integrated smart cities. with such systems, the paper aims to contribute to the
development of sustainable and efficient urban lighting
solutions.[5]
1. INTRODUCTION
With growing urbanization and rising energy demands,
there is an increasing need for sustainable and efficient
Urbanization has led to a significant increase in urban infrastructure. Street lighting is an essential
energy consumption, with cities accounting for element of city planning, ensuring public safety,
nearly 70% of global energy use and contributing reducing crime, and enabling nighttime activities.
substantially to carbon emissions.[1] Street lighting, However, conventional street lighting systems are
a critical component of urban infrastructure, plays a typically inefficient, as they operate on fixed schedules
vital role in ensuring public safety and facilitating regardless of environmental or human activity
nighttime activities. However, traditional street conditions. This results in unnecessary energy
lighting systems often operate on fixed schedules consumption, higher maintenance costs, and reduced
without adapting to real- time conditions, leading to system lifespan.[6]
energy inefficiencies and increased operational To address these challenges, the integration of Internet of
costs.[2] Things (IoT) technology into street lighting has emerged
as a promising solution. An IoT-based Smart Street
Lighting System utilizes sensors such as Passive Infrared
1
(PIR) motion detectors and Light Dependent Traditional street lighting systems consume a significant
Resistors (LDRs), microcontrollers like Arduino or amount of electricity and often remain ON regardless of
NodeMCU, and communication modules (e.g., Wi-Fi actual need, leading to energy wastage. With rising global
or GSM) to monitor and control street lights in real- concerns about energy conservation, climate change,etc.[9]
time.[7] The system can automatically adjust lighting
intensity based on motion detection and ambient light, 2. BLOCK DIAGRAM AND WORKING
significantly reducing energy usage.
change, and urbanization, there's a critical need for
intelligent lighting systems that optimize energy
usage. A smart street light system integrates sensors, Block Diagram - Battery
microcontrollers, and communication modules to and
enable automated and adaptive lighting. These Solar Panel
systems can sense the ambient light level and Wind Turbine
vehicular or human presence to control the brightness Street light Light
of LED street lights dynamically. One of the primary Street light Light
motivations for adopting smart street lighting is the
Street light Light
potential for energy savings—up to 60–80% in some
Microprocessor
implementations—through dimming and switching Street light Light
off lights during low-traffic periods. This directly
Street light Light
translates into reduced electricity
costs for municipalities and governments. Street light Light
Many smart systems are equipped with solar panels
LDR
and batteries, allowing them to function independently Push Button
of the electrical grid, especially in rural or remote
areas. This integration of renewable energy enhances
sustainability and reduces carbon footprint. The Figure 2.1 Block Diagram
inclusion of Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs),
motion sensors (PIR/IR), and IoTenabled The microcontroller acts as the brain of the system. It
microcontrollers (like Arduino, Node MCU, or processes inputs from the sensors and controls the lighting
ESP32) allows the lights to respond automatically to accordingly. It also handles communication with the IoT
platform via its built-in Wi-Fi module (in the case of
changes in light levels and human/vehicle movement,
NodeMCU or ESP32).e LDR is used to detect the ambient
ensuring illumination only when
light levels (Figure 2.1). During the daytime, when
necessary. In developing regions, smart lighting can sufficient sunlight is available, the LDR signals the
extend safe activity hours, promote local businesses, microcontroller to turn OFF the LED street lights. At night,
and improve the overall quality of life. Additionally, when the light levels drop below a threshold, it triggers the
cost savings can be redirected to other infrastructure lights to turn ON. The system is powered through a
improvements. [8]Smart street lights form regulated power supply, which converts standard AC
a foundational component of broader smart voltage to a suitable DC voltage to run the electronic
city infrastructure. They can be integrated with components. This ensures that the microcontroller, sensors,
and LEDs receive a stable and safe voltage for proper
centralized monitoring systems, enabling remote
functioning. The lighting system uses LEDs due to their low
diagnostics, fault detection, and data analytics for
power consumption and high efficiency. The lights operate
better urban planning. Reducing unnecessary light in dim mode during the night by default and shift to full
usage minimizes light pollution and decreases the brightness only when motion is detected, ensuring efficient
ecological impact on nocturnal wildlife. Moreover, power usage. The microcontroller uses its Wi-Fi capability
reduced energy consumption contributes to lower to connect with an IoT platform such as Blynk, ThingSpeak,
greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the Internet of or Firebase. Through this platform, real-time monitoring
Things (IoT), smart street lights can act as data nodes and control of the street lighting system are possible.
collecting environmental data such as air quality, noise Parameters like system status, motion detection, and energy
consumption can be logged and visualized remotely. A push
button can be integrated into the system for manual control.
This allows the user to override the automatic system during
maintenance or emergencies.[10]
2
levels, and temperature. This transforms the lighting
infrastructure into a multipurpose urban sensing
network. Advanced smart lighting systems use
adaptive algorithms to vary lighting intensity based on
traffic density, weather conditions, or time of day.
These algorithms can be optimized using data
analytics or machine learning for better prediction and
energy optimization.
Working:-
The proposed Smart Street Lighting System operates
through the integration of sensor-based automation
and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable
dynamic control, real-time monitoring, and efficient
energy utilization. The system architecture comprises
sensors, microcontrollers, communication modules,
and cloud-based platforms.
The system utilizes Light Dependent Resistors
(LDRs) to measure ambient light intensity and Passive
Infrared (PIR) sensors to detect motion from
pedestrians or vehicles. During daylight, the LDR
signals the system to keep the lights off. As ambient Figure 3.1 Experimental setup showing street light
light drops below a predefined threshold (e.g., during
nightfall), the system enters active mode, monitoring
motion via the PIR sensor.
A microcontroller unit (such as Arduino UNO or
NodeMCU) processes real-time inputs from the
sensors. Based on the presence or absence of motion,
the microcontroller adjusts the street light's brightness
accordingly. If motion is detected, lights are turned on
or brightened to ensure visibility; in the absence of
motion, the lights are dimmed or turned off to
conserve energy.
The system employs Wi-Fi or GSM modules (e.g.,
ESP8266) for wireless communication. Sensor data
and system status are transmitted to an IoT cloud
platform (such as Blynk or ThingSpeak), allowing for
remote access, monitoring, and data visualization.
[11]
Figure 3.2 Hardware showing various components used
3. SYSTEM ARCHITECHTURE AND SIMULATION
Hardware Components: -
Microcontroller (ESP32): Manages sensor data,
controls lights, and communicates with the cloud. IR Sensors: Detect motion (vehicles/pedestrians) and
LDR: Detects ambient light levels; triggers streetlight signal lights to turn ON or brighten.
operation at dusk. LED Streetlights: Operated using PWM to reduce or
increase brightness.
3
Solar Panel & Wind Turbine: Provide renewable [Link] AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
energy supply, reducing grid dependency.
Battery: Stores energy from renewable sources for The implementation of the proposed IoT-based
night-time operation. Software & Programming: Smart Street Lighting System has demonstrated
Developed in Arduino IDE using C/C++. significant improvements in energy efficiency,
Utilizes interrupt-based logic for motion detection. operational reliability, and maintenance
Implements HTTP or MQTT protocols for cloud responsiveness. The following analysis highlights
communication. key performance metrics and comparative
evaluations based on empirical data and case
Simulated using Proteus to validate logic and
studies. [13]
performance before deployment.[12] [Power
Supply] ─► [Sensors] ─► [Microcontroller] ─► Energy Efficiency:-
[LEDs / Relay] The integration of motion sensors (PIR) and
│ ambient light sensors (LDR) enables dynamic
▼ control of street lighting, leading to substantial
[Wi-Fi/LoRa Module] ─► [IoT energy savings. For instance, a study conducted in
Cloud] ─► [Mobile App / Dashboard] Nagpur, India, reported energy savings of up to
95% during periods of no vehicular movement,
with savings of 87% even during high traffic
Simulation:- conditions . Similarly, an IoT-based system
implemented in Bangladesh's major cities
The simulation part of model is to be done using achieved a reduction in energy costs by
Proteus app. approximately 60% compared to traditional
systems . [14]
Operational Reliability:-
The system's reliability is enhanced through real-
time monitoring and control capabilities. In a
deployment using ESP32 microcontrollers and
NB-IoT communication modules, devices
maintained an average uptime of over 96.7%, with
some units achieving 100% uptime over a three-
Figure 3.3 Simulation of model figure day monitoring period . This high reliability
ensures consistent performance and reduces the
likelihood of unexpected outages.
Comparative Analysis with Traditional Systems:-
Compared to conventional street lighting systems
that operate on fixed schedules, the IoT-based
system offers adaptive lighting based on real-time
conditions.[15]
This adaptability not only conserves energy but also
Figure 3.4 Simulation (when vehicle pass) enhances public safety by ensuring adequate
illumination when needed. In a study utilizing linear
regression analysis, the IoT-based system achieved an
average power consumption reduction of 13.77 watts,
translating to an efficiency increase of 42.67% .
Economic Impact:-
The economic benefits of the system are evident
through reduced energy bills and maintenance costs.
In a case study, the implementation of IoT-based
controls led to monthly energy savings of 36.3%, with
a payback period of approximately 2.26 months for
the initial investment .
Figure 3.5 (during night) These results underscore the effectiveness of IoT-
based smart street lighting systems in enhancing
4
energy efficiency, operational reliability, and Cloud Dependence: Requires reliable internet
economic viability. The adaptability and real-time connectivity for remote features. Environmental
responsiveness of such systems position them as Factors: Sensor performance can be impacted by dust,
integral components of sustainable and smart urban rain, or extreme temperatures. Higher initial
infrastructure. [16] investment for sensors, microcontrollers, and
communication modules compared to traditional
5. ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS lights.
Requires reliable Wi-Fi or network connectivity for
Advantages: real-time data transmission and control; poor
connectivity affects performance.
Energy Savings: Dynamic brightness reduces Solar-powered systems may underperform in cloudy
unnecessary energy usage. or rainy conditions due to limited sunlight for battery
Public Safety: Responsive lighting enhances visibility charging.
and deters criminal activity. Sensors and microcontrollers are sensitive to dust,
Cost Reduction: Lower energy bills and maintenance heat, and humidity, requiring occasional calibration or
costs. replacement.
Eco-Friendly: Utilizes renewable energy sources and Continuous internet access is required for real-time
reduces carbon footprint. monitoring and IoT functionalities. Network failure
Scalable: Modular design supports deployment in can affect system performance. IR or ultrasonic
cities, towns, and rural areas. Dimming or turning off sensors might give false positives/negatives due to
lights when not needed reduces energy consumption environmental factors like fog, rain, or stray animals.
by 50–70% compared to conventional systems.
Continuous internet access is required for real-time
monitoring and IoT functionalities. Network failure
can affect system performance.[18]
Automatic switching and intensity control based on
ambient light and motion sensors eliminates manual
intervention. Improves visibility and energy savings 6. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
by adjusting brightness based on actual movement
speed and volume. AI-based fault prediction and Conclusion:-
remote diagnostics reduce failure time and
maintenance costs. This research presents the design and implementation of
Makes the system suitable for rural or large areas a Smart Street Lighting System utilizing Internet of
with minimal network infrastructure, thanks to low- Things (IoT) technologies to enhance urban energy
power long-range communication. efficiency, operational automation, and public safety.
The integration of sensors such as PIR and LDR with
Lower electricity bills and reduced maintenance cost microcontrollers and cloud-based platforms allows for
real-time monitoring and intelligent control of street
due to longer LED life and proactive fault alerts.
lighting. The system dynamically adjusts lighting based
Integration with solar panels enables use of renewable
on environmental and human activity conditions,
energy, reducing carbon footprint and promoting green leading to substantial reductions in energy consumption
energy. and maintenance costs.
Ensures lights are bright only when needed (e.g., when
pedestrians or vehicles are present), which enhances Experimental and case-based evaluations demonstrate
visibility and reduces crime risk. The system can be that the proposed system is not only economically viable
easily expanded by adding more nodes (street lights) but also contributes positively to environmental
and connecting them to the existing IoT infrastructure. sustainability and smart city development. The ability to
Reducing energy usage lowers electricity bills. remotely monitor the lighting infrastructure and respond
proactively to faults increases reliability and minimizes
Additionally, using components like LEDs and
service downtime. Moreover, the adaptability of the
microcontrollers reduces long-term maintenance and system ensures it can be customized to meet different
operational costs.[17] urban settings and traffic patterns.[19]
Limitations:
Sensor Limitations: IR sensors may have false triggers
or limited range. 5
Future Scope:- [5] R. Patel and J. Patel, “Smart Street Light Control
Using IoT,” International Journal of Engineering
Development and Research, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 232–236,
The smart street lighting system offers numerous
2019.
possibilities for future development:
[6] M. M. Hasan, M. A. Al Mamun, “IoT Based
Integration with Renewable Energy:-Future versions of Energy Efficient Smart Street Lighting System for Smart
the system can incorporate solar panels and energy City,” arXiv preprint, arXiv:2211.00074, 2022.
storage units to create self-sustaining street lighting [7] S. Bedi et al., “Energy-Efficient Smart Street
solutions.
Lighting System in Nagpur Smart City Using IoT
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:-AI [8] M. A. Hannan et al., “Smart Street Lighting
algorithms can be integrated to predict traffic patterns System: A Comprehensive Review,” Energies, vol. 16,
and optimize lighting schedules for maximum efficiency. no. 21, p. 7415, 2023.
Smart City Synchronization:-The system can be further [9] R. K. Kodali and S. Soratkal, “IoT Based Smart
integrated with other urban infrastructure (e.g., traffic Parking System,” 2018 Second International Conference
management, emergency services, pollution sensors) to on Inventive Communication and Computational
build a more comprehensive smart city network. Long-
Technologies (ICICCT), pp. 1756– 1759, 2018.
range low-power networks like LoRa can be
[10] M. U. Khan, “Smart Street Lighting System Using
implemented for rural or large-scale deployments where
AI and IoT,” Sensors (Basel), vol. 21, no. 4, p. 1005,
Wi-Fi is not feasible. Instead of just motion-based
2021.
control, brightness can be adjusted based on the number
[11] T. Ahmad et al., “Energy Optimization in Smart
and speed of passing vehicles.
Cities: A Review of Smart Street Lighting Systems,”
International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and
Applications (IJACSA), vol. 10, no. 9, pp. 251–257,
Mobile Application Development:-User-friendly mobile 2019.
apps for authorities and residents can enhance [12] P. B. Patel and D. B. Shah, “Street Light
interaction, allow for real-time alerts, and provide Automation Using IoT,” International Journal of
detailed analytics.[20] Computer Applications, vol. 975, pp. 8887–8890, 2018.
Enhanced Security Measures:-Future work can also [13] S. K. Sharma and A. K. Gupta, “IoT Based Smart
focus on improving cybersecurity frameworks to prevent Lighting and Traffic Management System,” International
unauthorized access to the system. Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT),
vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 223–227, 2018.
Overall, the proposed system lays the groundwork
for intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready urban [14] “Smart Street Lighting System,” JISEM – Journal
lighting infrastructures. of Industrial Science and Engineering Management, vol.
7, no. 1, 2023.
[15] “Smart Lighting for Smart Cities,” MDPI
Proceedings, vol. 56, no. 1, p. 147, 2023.
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void handleStreetLights() {
APPENDIX
// Read IR or logic sensor values
The code which are used in simulation of model is given
int s1 = digitalRead(ir1);
below.
int s2 = digitalRead(ir2);
// Define pins
int s3 = digitalRead(ir3);
const int ldrPin = A0; // LDR connected to analog pin A0
// LED pair mapping
const int ir1 = A1, ir2 = A2, ir3 = A3; // IR sensors (or logic
inputs) // s1 controls LEDs 0 and 1
const int leds[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}; // Pins for LEDs // s2 controls LEDs 2 and 3
void setup() { // s3 controls LEDs 4 and 5
pinMode(ldrPin, INPUT); 30
pinMode(ir1, INPUT); setLight(leds[0], leds[1], s1);
pinMode(ir2, INPUT); setLight(leds[2], leds[3], s2);
pinMode(ir3, INPUT); setLight(leds[4], leds[5], s3);
for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) { }
pinMode(leds[i], OUTPUT); void setLight(int ledA, int ledB, int sensorVal) {
} if (sensorVal == HIGH) {
} // Vehicle detected: full brightness
void loop() { analogWrite(ledA, 255);
int ldrValue = analogRead(ldrPin); // Read LDR value analogWrite(ledB, 255);
int threshold = 500; // Adjust this threshold depending on } else {
ambient light
// No vehicle: dim light
// Daytime: turn off all LEDs
analogWrite(ledA, 80);
if (ldrValue > threshold) {
analogWrite(ledB, 80);
for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) {
}
digitalWrite(leds[i], LOW);
}
}
31
}
else {
// Nighttime: manage LED brightness based on sensor
inputs
handleStreetLights();
}
7
