Nur Lighting System - A Beacon of Sustainable Innovation

Overview: This page introduces the Nur Lighting System, a sustainable and efficient lighting solution inspired by the principles of eco-friendly design and technology. The system combines renewable energy sources with advanced illumination techniques to reduce environmental impact while providing high-quality lighting for urban and rural settings. It showcases the potential for scalable solutions that address global energy challenges and highlights its applications in underserved regions, contributing to both sustainability and accessibility.

As an engineering student during my sophomore year, I came up with the idea for Nur Lighting to address a real-world problem I observed in a greenhouse at Oak Creek. Tomato seeds require at least 16 hours of light daily to grow, and during the cold and dim month of February, the greenhouse lights had to be turned on for the full duration, regardless of how much natural light was available. This resulted in significant energy waste and labor inefficiencies, as fluorescent light club members manually turned the lamps off when sunlight was sufficient. However, these efforts were inconsistent and subjective, often harming the plants due to overexposure or inadequate lighting.

I envisioned a smarter system using a photoresistor to sense light levels outside the greenhouse. My design would enable the lights to turn off automatically when the sun shines brightly and turn back on when the sun sets or clouds roll in. A microcontroller would collect data from the photoresistor, calculate the total natural light received, and determine how much supplemental light the plants needed. For instance, if the tomato seeds only received 3 hours of sunlight on a cloudy day, the system would activate LED lights for an additional 13 hours, ensuring optimal growth conditions while lowering energy costs and reducing manual labor.

To develop this idea further, I sought advice from Professor James Cassidy, a Senior Instructor in Soil Physics & Organic Agriculture. After discussing my project with him, I visited the Oak Creek greenhouse to observe the existing setup and identify the specific challenges of growing tomato seeds. The greenhouse had mats and fluorescent lights, but the inefficiencies of the current system were evident. This hands-on research shaped the foundation of Nur Lighting and motivated me to refine my design.

Nur Lighting also aims to establish partnerships with small-scale growers who will serve as trial partners for its light regulation system. These collaborations will provide valuable feedback, create case studies, and generate testimonials that showcase the system's effectiveness. By sharing these success stories through videos and social media, Nur Lighting will not only refine its technology but also build a community of sustainable growers.

This electronic diagram represents a project I developed and refined over my sophomore to senior years, which eventually earned me a spot as a semi-finalist in the Smith College Women in Innovation competition. It is a prototype LED controller shield for Arduino, designed to regulate lighting systems in greenhouses, particularly for hydroponic setups growing tomato seeds.

Key Components and Their Functions:

  1. LED Current Control

    • This section regulates the current flowing to the LEDs using transistors and an operational amplifier (INA180B). It ensures stable illumination, critical for plants' growth under artificial lighting.

  2. Light Meter

    • This part uses a photoresistor or light sensor to measure ambient light levels. The sensor provides data to the microcontroller, enabling real-time adjustments to the LED intensity based on sunlight availability.

  3. 36V to 12V Buck Converter

    • This power regulation circuit steps down a 36V input to a 12V output. It provides a stable power supply to the system, ensuring energy efficiency and protecting components from overvoltage.

  4. Fan Control

    • This section controls cooling fans to prevent the system from overheating. Using transistors and resistors, it adjusts fan speed based on temperature readings, maintaining optimal operating conditions.

  5. One-Wire Temperature Sensors (DS18B20)

    • These sensors monitor the temperature inside the greenhouse. Data from the sensors helps ensure the lighting and environment remain within the ideal range for plant growth.

  6. On/Off Timer Control

    • This circuit automates the timing of the LEDs, ensuring the plants receive the necessary amount of light daily without manual intervention. It calculates supplemental lighting needs based on natural light exposure.

  7. ISP Header and UART

    • These sections facilitate communication and programming. The ISP header allows for programming the Arduino microcontroller, while UART supports serial communication for data logging and debugging.

  8. Reset Button and Voltage Sensing

    • The reset button provides a manual system reset, while the voltage-sensing circuit monitors power levels to detect anomalies and ensure consistent operation.

This project exemplifies how I combined theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to create a practical solution for sustainable agriculture. The system not only reduced energy consumption but also automated critical processes, showcasing innovation and environmental consciousness. Through iterations and rigorous testing, this project became a cornerstone of my academic and professional development.

Here is a sketches of a diagram of how NUR would look today integrated with AI

The Challenge of Ozone: A Dual Role

Ozone, an essential component of nature, plays a critical yet complex role in our environment. On one hand, it shields life on Earth from harmful UV radiation when located in the stratosphere. On the other, in excess amounts in the troposphere, it becomes a dangerous pollutant, causing respiratory problems and harming ecosystems. However, the uneven distribution of ozone globally presents a dual challenge: areas with ozone depletion face issues like increased UV exposure, while regions with excessive ozone encounter severe air pollution. This realization sparked a journey to explore potential solutions for balancing ozone distribution and minimizing its harmful effects.

Innovative Solutions: Tackling Excess Ozone

To combat excess ozone, Russian scientists have developed groundbreaking methods involving "water cannons." These devices create artificial water mists, effectively capturing and reducing ozone levels in the atmosphere. By deploying these systems in offices, urban areas, or even in the troposphere, they can locally decrease ozone concentration. The idea emphasizes a scalable and sustainable approach to environmental challenges.

On an individual level, the solution extends to raising public awareness about ozone exposure. For instance, during hot, windless days, limiting outdoor activities and ensuring access to well-ventilated indoor spaces can mitigate health risks. Timely dissemination of information through the internet and media is equally crucial, empowering people to take preventive measures and reduce their exposure.

The Idea of Balancing Ozone Levels

The concept takes a step further with a device designed to redistribute ozone to areas lacking it. By releasing controlled amounts of ozone into regions with depleted levels, the system seeks to restore balance. This vision aligns with global efforts to combat ozone depletion, aiming for a world where neither ozone holes nor harmful warming prevail.

Additionally, transitioning to eco-friendly practices in areas with low ozone levels—such as reducing the use of aerosols, switching to cleaner energy sources, and adopting sustainable transportation—can gradually rebuild ozone concentration.

Addressing Ozone Depletion

An engineering breakthrough in addressing ozone depletion involves an innovative device designed for generating ozone from oxygen. The apparatus consists of a steel capsule containing a porous catalyst, such as silica gel, and is equipped with cooling and heating mechanisms. By exposing the catalyst to external radiation, the device converts oxygen into ozone efficiently. Despite its promise, the design faces challenges, such as the need for high-energy radiation sources and the complexity of ensuring environmental safety.

To overcome these barriers, the technology focuses on simplifying the process and reducing costs while maintaining high energy efficiency. This balance makes the method accessible for industries like wastewater treatment, air purification, and potable water preparation, where ozone plays a vital role.

The Vision for a Sustainable Future

These solutions represent a collective effort to address the complex challenges posed by ozone. By combining innovative technologies, individual action, and global awareness, we can pave the way for a healthier and more balanced atmosphere. This narrative serves as a reminder of humanity's capacity to innovate and adapt in the face of environmental challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

This page celebrates the achievement of securing 2nd place in an international physics competition held in Paris. It highlights the rigorous preparation, innovative problem-solving, and teamwork that led to this recognition on a global stage. The accomplishment not only reflects a commitment to excellence in science but also serves as an inspiration for future endeavors in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.