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2024 School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Journal of Engineering, Technology & Applied Science

Automated Power Source Selection System for Uninterrupted Supply: Integration of Main Power, Solar Energy, and Generator Power

Kelechi John Ukagwu1, Prosper Kapalata2, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze1*

A consistent power supply is indispensable across various sectors,spanning from households to critical institutions like research facilities,hospitals, and financial institutions. This study endeavors to ensureuninterrupted power provision to a load through an automated selectionprocess among three primary power sources: main power, solar energy, andgenerator power, with main power being the primary preference. Implementedusing an 8051 microcontroller, the system is linked to three switchesrepresenting each power source for simulation purposes. Upon detection of aswitch release or deactivation, signifying the absence of that particular powersource, the microcontroller promptly deactivates the corresponding relaydriver. This relay driver then switches the relevant relay, facilitating seamlesspower continuity to the load if any switch is activated. A lamp or bulb servesas a demonstrative load powered by the primary source. In the event of apower outage, the system seamlessly transitions to the next available source,such as solar energy, and if required, to generator power. An LCD isemployed to indicate the currently active power source, ensuring operationaltransparency and facilitating swift troubleshooting when necessary.