An IoT Enabled Smart Classroom Presence based Control System with Integrated Energy Management System

Abstract

Energy wastage in educational institutions commonly arises from lights and fans being left on in unoccupied classrooms. This not only leads to increased operational costs but also contradicts efforts toward promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability within campus facilities. This study proposes an Internet of Things (IoT)-based energy management system designed to optimize power usage by monitoring room occupancy and ambient light levels. Using an ESP32 microcontroller, infrared (IR) sensors, and a light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensor, the system intelligently controls electrical appliances through relays and monitors power flow with current sensors to prevent overload. An LCD displays real-time operational data. Lab tests confirm that the system activates lights and fans only when necessary and automatically deactivates them when the room is vacant or sufficiently illuminated. Furthermore, the current flow remained within safe operational thresholds. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using low-cost, IoT-enabled automation presence-based control system to significantly reduce energy consumption in classrooms, offering a practical and scalable solution for educational institutions aiming to implement sustainable energy practices.