THE TITLE PROPOSAL

Research Title: Solar Powered Automatic Retractable Clothesline with Notification System

using IoT

Proponents: Froilan N. Jimeno II

Briely Jay A. Briz

Marvin Roy P. Artiaga

A. Description of the study

1. Rationale:

In tropical countries such as the Philippines, the weather is unpredictable.

Although the weather forecast gives a large percentage of accuracy, the time of rain
precipitation is unknown. Most of the Filipinos who are living in urban areas work
during daytime which renders them time to do their laundry during early in the morning
or the nighttime and leave their clothes out to dry [1]. This pose a problem in the working
class when there is an abrupt change in the weather. This project is helpful in creating
a solution for the problem. An Internet of Things (IoT) Automatic Retractable
Clothesline powered by solar energy is one of the solutions. In this project, an
Automatic Retractable Clothesline is used to prevent the clothes from being moistened
with rainwater. Rain and light sensors act as switch for a microcontroller board which
in turn operates the DC motor. The rain sensor will allow the DC motor to retract the
laundry and light sensor will enable the DC motor to move the laundry back to its
original place [2]. A self-timer will also be used to automatically retract the clothesline.
In order to be updated and for convenience, a notification will be sent using IoT after
the clothes are retrieved.
 2. Objectives of the Study

2.1 General Objectives:

The main objective of this study is to design and develop a prototype of an

automated clothesline. The proposed system includes sensors that automatically move
horizontally when it detects rain and moves back when the rain stops.

2.2 Specific Objectives:

 To determine the appropriate sensor to be used in the proposed system.

 To build a prototype of an automated clothesline in terms of:

a. design plan and

b. design features; and

 To develop a code of controller using Arduino software.

 To perform the function test of the device.

3. Conceptual Framework:

Fig 1.3 shows the block diagram of the research concept. Process talks about a simple
mechanism that works the conceptualization of the prototype. The Input is to detect raindrops
and sunrays to trigger the motor to move in reverse to retract the clothes. In the other hand
the solar panel needs sunlight to create direct current which is stored in the battery. Then
lastly, the Output are the automated clothesline and a battery cell charged by solar energy.

-Conversion of Solar Energy into

Solar Irradiance
_______________
Raindrops & Sunlight
DC Current
_____________________________ Charged Battery
-Conceptualization of the prototype __________________
-Integration of different electronic Solar Energy Driven
parts of the prototype Automated Retractable
Clothesline
-Microcontroller

Input Process Output

Fig. 1.3 Conceptual Framework of the study

 4. Methodology:

The Solar Energy Driven Automated Retractable Clothesline works under the
methodology of the system with the objectives provided. Generally, the automation deals
with electronic processing of mechanical work control mechanism. The microcontroller
(Arduino Uno) acts as the main processor.

12V Solar
Battery Panel
ESP8266
Module
DC to DC Voltage 5V
converter Regulator Supply

Web Users
Rain Server System
Sensor Arduino Uno
(Microcontroller)

Light DC
Sensor Motor

Temperature
and Humidity Forward and
Sensor Reverse
Movement

Fig 1.4 Block Diagram

As shown in fig 1.4. An automated retractable clothesline is powered by solar energy using
solar panels that helps conserve energy for the consumers. The light and rain sensors
primarily function to detect the rain and the sunlight that will give signal to the motor. An
ESP8266 module is used to give the microcontroller access to the Wi-Fi network. The C++
software is used to program the microcontroller.
A. Mechanism

 An Arduino based automated retractable clothesline

 The Arduino is programmed with Arduino software
 The motor is used to move the clothes forward and reverse

B. Software Implementation

The Software part is programming through Arduino Uno software (IDE) and
uploaded it to the board C. C++ language will be used for the programming.

C. Hardware Implementation

 Arduino Uno (Microcontroller)

 Solar Panel
 ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module
 Rain and Light Sensors
 Hanged clothes

The entire system works on the application of electronics and electrical system.

A. Electronics system:

The electronics part in the automation includes microcontroller with integrated chips
to perform the processing of the system. The microcontroller is used for the entire processing
and it is coded using the software C++ program. Each and every part of the entire system will
be controlled by the microcontroller. This include the sensing of rain and sunlight by the use
of rain and light sensor to trigger the motor in a forward or reverse movement. An ESP8266
module is connected to the microcontroller to give it access to the Wi-Fi network.

B. Electrical system:

The electrical system in this study includes the motor power supply by the use of solar
energy. The input power supply needs to be stepped down to provide power in the
microcontroller system in required voltage.
Design of Prototype Automated Retractable Clothesline

The prototype of an automated retractable clothesline proposal, will be made with the
use of the following list of components:

A. Solar Panel F. DC Motor

B. Battery G. Pulley

C. Metal Rod H. Rain Sensor

D. Roof I. Light Sensor

E. Microcontroller J. ESP8266 Module

B. Scope of Work (Expected Output)

The scope of the study is only to create an automatic retractable clothesline with simple
machine system and sensory system that functions to detect rainfall and retract the clothes and
detect sunlight to bring the clothes back in place. By using IoT, a notification will be received
by the consumer once the clothes are retracted and a timer can be set to desired time of
retrieving the laundry. Humidity and temperature will also be shown to allow the user to change
the timer. This project will be using a solar panel to charge the battery and help conserve
energy.

C. Research study Duration:

The proponents estimated to be finished this study within a year.

D. Approximate Budget to Complete the Study:

The approximate budget to complete the study would be (Five thousand to ten thousand)

P10,000-15,000.
 References

[1] (2015) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration

[online] Available: https://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

[2] (2008) Google Scholar [online] Available: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/