Development and Performance Evaluation of a Low Cost Embedded Energy Management System for Smart Indoor Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the development and performance evaluation of a low-cost embedded energy management system (EMS) designed for smart indoor applications. The increasing demand for energy efficiency in residential and institutional environments necessitates intelligent solutions capable of minimizing energy wastage while maintaining user comfort. To address this challenge, the proposed system integrates embedded system technology with real-time sensing and automated control mechanisms. The system employs Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors for occupancy detection and Light Dependent Resistors (LDR) for ambient light monitoring. These inputs are processed by an Arduino-based microcontroller, which executes a control algorithm to regulate electrical loads such as lighting systems. The design emphasizes cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and real-time operation, making it suitable for deployment in resource-constrained environments. Experimental evaluation of the developed prototype demonstrates that the system effectively reduces energy consumption by approximately 16.8% compared to conventional manual operation. In addition, the system exhibits fast response times (less than 1 second) and high reliability (approximately 99% uptime). The integration of multi-sensor inputs enables improved decision-making and efficient load control under varying environmental conditions. The results highlight the potential of low-cost embedded solutions for enhancing energy efficiency in indoor environments. The proposed system provides a practical and scalable approach to real-time energy management and serves as a foundation for future enhancements, including integration with wireless communication and intelligent optimization techniques.