Energy-Saving Wireless Bidirectional People Counter with Notification and Data-Storing Systems

In 2020, the Philippines succumbed to the pandemic brought by COVID-19 virus. Businesses were forced to shut down, and lockdown protocols, like social distancing and limited capacity, were implemented. Despite the closing of recreational establishments, electricity consumption in households spiked since people were mandated to stay at home and have a virtual setup for employees and students. With these in mind, the researchers conducted a study on the development of Energy-Saving Wireless Bidirectional People Counter with Notification and Data Storing Systems to aid people in making energy-saving efforts, implementing a maximum capacity of establishments, and providing information to business owners about their foot traffic. The prototype utilized ultrasonic sensors for detecting the number of people entering and leaving an area, light dependent resistor for detecting ample amount of light energy present in an area, LED lights and speakers for notification and alarm systems, relay modules for controlling the connected bulb and fan, and Arduino Uno for controlling the other components of the prototype. Through the data from the prototype, the bulb and fan were controlled; when there was human presence in an area, the bulb and fan were on and, otherwise, off. The prototype was 100% accurate in controlling the LED lights, alarm, bulb, and fan. On the other hand, a success rate of 86.27% and an error of 13.72% regarding ultrasonic sensors were recorded. Overall, the prototype saved energy, and a return on investment was theoretically possible if the controlled loads were 36-Watt bulbs and 48-Watt fans or higher.