Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
BY:
Akesseh Hayford Amissah- 8227719
September, 2023.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to the Almighty for granting us the
strength, wisdom, and perseverance throughout this endeavor. Without His guidance, none of
this would have been possible.
We are also immensely thankful to our supervisor, Dr. Daniel Opoku, for his unwavering
support, invaluable guidance, and dedication to our academic and professional growth. Dr.
Daniel Opoku's mentorship has been instrumental in shaping this report, and we are truly
fortunate to have had the opportunity to work under his tutelage.
We are also grateful to our colleagues and friends for their encouragement and support during
this project. Their insights and discussions have enriched our understanding and contributed
significantly to the quality of this report.
To all those who have played a role, however small or significant, in the completion of this
report, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
i
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of electronic devices in our daily lives has led to a growing demand for
accessible and convenient charging solutions. This report explores the design, implementation,
and operational aspects of a coin-operated electronic gadget charging station, aimed at
addressing the modern consumer's need for on-the-go power replenishment.
The report begins by providing an overview of the current landscape of electronic device usage
and the challenges associated with maintaining sufficient battery life. It then delves into the
conceptualization and development of the charging station, highlighting its features, including
multiple charging ports for various devices, robust security measures, and user-friendly
interface.
ii
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................................................. i
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................. ii
TABLE OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. iv
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Justification ....................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Aim .................................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................................................4
2.1 Mobile Charging Based on Coin Insertion (Aliza, Tauseef, Shahrukh, Izhar, & Pappu, 2018) .......4
2.2 Coin Insert Mobile Charger (Kamat, Kulkarni, Akshay, Kasturi, & Balur, 2017) ............................4
2.3 Coin Based Universal Mobile Battery Charger (M.S.Varadarajan, 2012) ......................................6
2.4 Coin Based Solar Mobile Charger (Pawar, 2015) ...........................................................................7
2.5 Coin-Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Tracker (S., Aithal, Soans, & Yadav, 2021) .....................8
2.6 Automatic Gadget Charger Using Coin Detection (Chhabra, Kumar, & Badoni, 2015) .................9
2.7 Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Panel And RFID (Unnisa, Mubeena, & Kulsum) ...........11
2.8 Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Panel (Priyankra, Ramya, Harika, & Sujatha, 2020) .....12
2.9 Coin Based Mobile Charger (Kathiresan, Ashwin, & Raj, 2016) ..................................................14
2.10 Coin Based Mobile Charger (P.Soujanya, Vamsikrishna, Suresh, & Srilatha, 2019) ..................15
2.11 Automatic Gadget Charger Using Matlab and Solar Panel (Sapkal, Shinde, Sathe, &
Waghmare, 2017) ..............................................................................................................................17
2.12 Coin Based Mobile Charger (Godbole, Kawade, Dongare, & Suryanwanshi, 2022)..................18
2.13 Coin Based Mobile Charger (G.Priyanka, Anisha, & Shri, 2018) ................................................19
2.14 Mobile Charging Station Based on Coin Insertion System (Shakeeb, et al., 2021) ...................20
2.15 Coin Based Cell Phone Charger with Solar Tracking System (Reddy, Daniel, Rai, & R, 2017) ...20
3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................................................23
3.1 Description of the Components of the Block Diagram ................................................................23
3.2 Supplementary Components .......................................................................................................28
3.3 Description of Proposed Design ..................................................................................................29
4. METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................................30
5. IMPLEMENTATION .........................................................................................................................32
5.1 Simulation Using Arduino Proteus Software ...............................................................................32
5.2 Brief Description of Simulated Model .........................................................................................32
5.3 Programming the Coin Acceptor (CH-926) ..................................................................................33
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6. RESULTS AND ANALYSES ................................................................................................................34
6.1 Results ..........................................................................................................................................34
6.2 Analyses .......................................................................................................................................36
7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................37
7.1 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................37
7.2 Recommendations .......................................................................................................................37
8. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................39
9. APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................40
9.1 Simulation Code ...........................................................................................................................40
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1:Block diagram ............................................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Block diagram ...........................................................................................................................6
Figure 3: Flow chart .................................................................................................................................7
Figure 4: Experimental setup ...................................................................................................................8
Figure 5: Experimental setup ...................................................................................................................9
Figure 6: Block diagram .........................................................................................................................10
Figure 7: Experimental setup .................................................................................................................10
Figure 8: Block diagram .........................................................................................................................12
Figure 9: Block diagram .........................................................................................................................13
Figure 10: Experimental setup ...............................................................................................................13
Figure 11: Block diagram .......................................................................................................................14
Figure 12: Block diagram .......................................................................................................................16
Figure 13: Experimental setup ...............................................................................................................16
Figure 14: Block diagram .......................................................................................................................17
Figure 15: Block diagram .......................................................................................................................18
Figure 16: Flow chart .............................................................................................................................19
Figure 17: Block diagram .......................................................................................................................21
Figure 18: A block diagram representation of proposed coin-based mobile charging system............23
Figure 19: Flow chart of proposed design .............................................................................................29
Figure 20: An image of the simulated model ........................................................................................33
Figure 22: Experimental setup ...............................................................................................................34
Figure 23: Initial stage before coin insertion .........................................................................................34
Figure 24: After coin insertion ...............................................................................................................35
Figure 25: Mobile device charging .........................................................................................................35
iv
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, and their importance
cannot be overstated. They have become tools for communication, entertainment, and access
to information. However, the increase in usage comes with the need for frequent charging,
especially in areas with limited access to electrical power. Access to electricity remains a major
challenge for many people in Ghana and Africa at large.
According to data from the World Bank, in 2019, approximately 60 percent of the population
in Ghana had access to electricity. Implying that about 40 percent of the population did not
have access to electricity. This lack of access to electrical power affects the ability to charge
mobile devices and use them regularly, hindering the development of the digital economy in
the country and continent. (Access to electricity (% of population) - Ghana, 2023)
To tackle this issue, there is the need for innovative and cost-effective solutions that can provide
reliable and efficient charging of mobile devices. One potential solution is the use of coin-
based mobile charging devices, which can provide affordable and accessible charging solutions
for people in remote and rural areas. However, it is imperative that the existing coin-based
charging devices need to be improved to meet the specific needs of the Ghanaian and African
market.
This project aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review of previous works done on
coin-based mobile charging device, exploring the available knowledge and technology that has
been developed in the field. Additionally, the project seeks to design and build a working model
of the coin based mobile charging device that suit the Ghanaian and African demographics.
In many real-life situations, the need to access mobile devices could have saved or prevented
significant damage. Below are a few of such circumstances;
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• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes can disrupt power
supply in many parts of the country leaving people stranded and without any means of
communication. Coin-based mobile charging device could ensure that people can
charge their phones and stay connected with their loved ones, emergency responders
and government officials during such crises.
• Business Operations: lack of reliable power supply in Ghana and other African
countries has significantly impacted the economy, particularly small and medium-sized
enterprises. Access to coin based mobile charging device could help entrepreneurs
continue their business operations, process mobile payments and stay connected with
customers and supplies, even during power outages.
• Security: In many parts of Ghana and Africa, security can be a major concern. Having
a charged phone is crucial to being able to call for help in case of an emergency. A coin-
based mobile charging device can ensure that people in remote areas can keep their
mobile devices charged and stay connected, improving their safety and security.
• Agriculture: Agriculture is a vital sector in Ghana and many other African countries,
but farmers often struggle with unreliable source of power supply. This makes it
difficult to keep mobile devices charged to access weather updates and communicate
effectively with suppliers and buyers. Having a coin-based mobile charging device will
improve productivity and profitability.
Coin-based mobile device provides a promising solution to this problem. However, Africa and
Ghana as a whole is yet to capitalize on this investment window. According to a 2018 report
by TechCrunch, there were approximately only 100,000 mobile charging stations in Africa.
This project seeks to design and build a model that suits the Ghana and African demographic
and hence encourage its use.
1.3 Justification
There are main benefits of having coin-based mobile charging devices on the Ghanaian and
African economy as a whole. These include;
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Health workers can keep their phones and other medical equipment charged, improving
the quality of care and patient outcomes. This can have a positive impact on the overall
productivity of the economy.
• Job creation: A project on coin-based mobile charging devices can create job
opportunities for local entrepreneurs and technicians. These devices can be operated as
a business, generating income for local entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities for
technicians who can maintain and repair the devices.
• Improved Access to Education: Access to a reliable source of power can also have a
positive impact on education. With a coin-based mobile charging device, students can
keep their phones and laptops charged, enabling them to access e-learning materials
and stay connected with their teachers and classmates. This can improve access to
education and lead to better educational outcomes.
• Increased Financial Inclusion: A coin-based mobile charging device can enable
financial inclusion by providing a means for people to access mobile payment services,
even during power outages. This can enable people to participate in the formal economy
and access financial services, such as savings and credit, which can have a positive
impact on their economic well-being.
1.4 Aim
The aim of this project is to design and build a coin operated electronic gadgets charging
station.
1.5 Objectives
The objectives of our project are enlisted below;
3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Mobile Charging Based on Coin Insertion (Aliza, Tauseef, Shahrukh, Izhar,
& Pappu, 2018)
The coin acceptor is linked to an Arduino board in this article, which is subsequently linked to
the LCD screen. If a legitimate coin is discovered, the Arduino receives a signal, and the
Arduino then sends a signal to the LDC to display the remaining charging time. After the
allotted time has passed, the relay will stop controlling the power supply to the charger. The
charger's SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) controls energy conversion. If the user wants to
extend the charging time, he must enter another coin, and the microcontroller will then add the
additional time to the currently allotted time on the LCD panel.
Merits
• The relay controls the power supply to the charger after the allotted time has passed,
reducing electricity waste.
Demerits
• This model is unreliable because it only uses conventional grid power as a source of
power.
2.2 Coin Insert Mobile Charger (Kamat, Kulkarni, Akshay, Kasturi, & Balur,
2017)
An Arduino UNO board serves as the system's brain in this report. It communicates with all
the other parts and regulates the entire setup. The microcontroller's software is set up such that
it accepts commands from coin-insertion machines and then determines how long the phone
will charge for in response. When connected to the keyboard and LCD, the Arduino board may
receive inputs from the keypad and show instructions on the LCD. The Arduino board can
distinguish between open and occupied slots and will alert the user by showing a notification.
The slots that have a locking mechanism are also secured by the Arduino board. It consists of
a motor-driven metal lock that is managed by a motor driver circuit that is attached to the
Arduino board. The Arduino board generates or validates the password based on the password
input in order to open or close the slot with the help of the motor-driven metal lock that is
provided to the slots. The coin inserter operates under the idea of image processing. The sensor
built into the device begins to take various photos as soon as the user inserts a particular coin
for a predetermined number of times. Following processing, the coin value is used to identify
4
these photos. The coin inserter can also recognize four of these coins. Any additional coin will
be rejected and removed from the coin insertion mechanism at that point.
Merits
• This model is intelligent since it uses an Arduino Uno board as its brain and heart.
• By offering a safe place to keep mobile devices while charging, it gives the coin-based
mobile charging gadget a new business dimension.
• By utilizing the idea of image processing, it offers a perfect defence against coin
replication and usage of counterfeit coins.
Demerits
• Because it exclusively uses the traditional power grid as a source of power, this concept
is unreliable.
5
2.3 Coin Based Universal Mobile Battery Charger (M.S.Varadarajan, 2012)
The approach that is suggested in this paper is similar to a vending machine for charging mobile
batteries at kiosks, and the user must plug their phone into one of the adapters and insert a coin
to charge their phone at a steady current for a set amount of time.
As a power source, solar energy is applied to battery charging. Solar chargers transform light
energy into a variety of voltages of DC current that can be used to charge batteries. They can
be securely mounted but are typically movable. A fixed solar panel with the dimensions
635x550x38mm and a 37WP is utilized in this coin-operated mobile charger design to charge
the battery up to a maximum of 2.0 amps in good sunlight. In this study, the design and
development of a coin-based, dual-powered, universal mobile battery charger are discussed.
When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot at the input stage, the mobile battery charger
begins charging the mobile device that is attached to it. To ensure proper coin insertion, the
user will see the type of coin and its size on the LCD display. Any other coin will be returned
to the refund box if it is entered into the slot. The mobile battery is charged for a certain amount
of time under the direction of the microcontroller's software by a sensor attached to the coin
insertion slot.
6
Merits
• The use of both solar panels and the traditional electrical grid makes this model reliable.
Demerits
• This model does not provide a highly effective method of detecting duplicate or fake
coins.
7
Figure 4: Experimental setup
Merits
• Instead of a specific coin, this concept permits the use of numerous coin denominations.
• This concept employs MATLAB to make the device impervious to currency forgery
and replication.
Demerits
• This model is unreliable because it only has one power source, a solar panel.
2.5 Coin-Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Tracker (S., Aithal, Soans, & Yadav,
2021)
In this paper, after the user inserts the coin, a sensor examines it. Sensor is nothing more than
a load cell, commonly utilized in digital scales. A load cell measures the weight of the coins
and produces various voltage readings. The controller receives the ADCs output, and the ADCs
value is compared to the coin value that has previously been stored. If the values do not match,
an alarm sounds, "coin duplicate" is displayed on the LCD screen, and the coin is placed outside
by the refund box. If the coin is authentic, the word "coin original" will appear on the LCD
display, and the coin will be gathered by a collecting box. The output unit also includes
charging probes and a collection container. when the user chooses any choice after the coin is
8
spotted. Example: Push 1 to turn on the first relay for 30 minutes while the phone is charging.
Automatic shut-off of charging occurs after 30 minutes. In this approach, the device is
constantly supplied with enough power by a tracker that tracks the sun's movement.
Merits
• The system can acquire adequate power thanks to a solar tracker that is built inside the
device.
Demerits
2.6 Automatic Gadget Charger Using Coin Detection (Chhabra, Kumar, &
Badoni, 2015)
In this project, an automated gadget charger that uses power from the main grid and solar
energy is designed using image processing techniques based on Matlab codes. These
techniques include masking, feature extraction, Hough Transformation, pattern matching and
hence on.
The physical circuit is designed and interfaced with a microcontroller which is programmed to
control the performance of the system. The system is programmed such that the coin holder
senses a coin on it, the camera positioned on top of it captures a real time image of the coin.
9
The image size and shape are compared to a threshold and the coin's value is detected based on
which the microcontroller turns on the charging system for a specific period of time to allow
for charging to be done.
10
Merits
• Due to the more advanced coin detection method used, the machine will be able to
detect whether or not a material placed on the coin holder is a coin.
• The system can be designed such that it accepts different coins by simply installing the
threshold sizes and shapes of several coins together with their corresponding values.
Demerits
• It does not have recognition and detection modes for currency notes and hence does not
accept currency notes.
• It cannot provide optimum security against fake coins which have been designed to be
of the same size and shape of some genuine coins.
2.7 Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Panel And RFID (Unnisa, Mubeena,
& Kulsum)
This project employs a solar panel, DC rechargeable battery and a power source from the grid
which serves as the primary source of electricity. The solar panel produces DC power some of
which is used to charge the 12V battery. To create a pure constant DC voltage, this voltage is
now sent through a voltage regulator.
When a coin is entered into the coin insertion slot, it triggers a pulse to the control unit, which
activates the coin acceptor system. The coin acceptor checks the validity of the coin using
mechanical based techniques. It rejects an invalid coin and sends it out of the coin module. If
a coin is valid, the microcontroller actuates a relay to start the charging process allowing the
mobile battery connected to the device to charge for a certain time under the direction of the
microcontroller program. Any additional coin inserted till charging is completed is returned to
the refund box for the user to take.
It has a locking mechanism which works by means of rotation of a servomotor to open and
close the charging system’s window so as and when necessary.
In the absence of coins, an RFID can be used. When a user swipes a valid RFID card through
an RFID reader, communication between the RFID tag and reader occurs, sending a signal to
the microcontroller and relay to begin charging the smartphone.
11
Figure 8: Block diagram
Merits
• It accepts RFID making it more possible for those without coins to use.
• The LCD present to allow interaction with the user makes this machine user friendly.
Demerits
2.8 Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Panel (Priyankra, Ramya, Harika,
& Sujatha, 2020)
The design proposed in this article uses a solar panel as its source of power. The value of DC
obtained by the solar PV cells is reduced to 12V and 5V DC by a voltage regulator. This voltage
is used to supply a relay, a coin sensor, a microcontroller and an LCD circuitry. For the sake
of reliability, the solar PV has 3 rechargeable batteries each supplying 12V and storing 4V.
The coin detector circuitry in this project adopts an IR sensor and a VCO. When the coin is
inserted, it interrupts the IR transmitter & receiver. The VCO compares an input signal
12
generated as a result of interruption of the IR rays with a reference signal. If any change
occurred in received signal, VCO sends signal to the micro controller which triggers the relay.
When a coin is inserted and sensed by the IR sensor, the validity of the coin is determined with
the help of a VCO. If confirmed valid, the microcontroller activates the relay to close its
contacts to drive the charging circuit. Thus, 5V is made available at the charging socket so that
any mobile device plugged in will receive a charge for a pre-determined time. An interfaced
LCD displays the counting down of the time. The countdown starts once the relay turns on.
13
Merits
Demerits
• Solar power being its primary and only source of electricity will make its operation
expensive.
2.9 Coin Based Mobile Charger (Kathiresan, Ashwin, & Raj, 2016)
The project mainly incorporates the use of an infrared receiver and transmitter, a Signal
Conditioning Unit, a charging system and a relay to design a coin based mobile charger.
The sensor for sensing the coin in this project is an IR transmitter and receiver. The coin
temporarily stops the IR radiation when dropped in between the transmitter and the receiver.
The receiver sends a pulse output to the SCU, when the IR rays are broken. The SCU is a
comparator, which compares an input signal with the reference voltage. A high output is
produced by the comparator when the sensor input exceeds the threshold value. The inverter
circuit receives the comparator's output in order to convert the pulse from high to low. The low
pulse serves as the trigger input for a 555 timer, which in turn triggers the relay to close the
charging circuit for a predetermined period of time. After the allotted time has elapsed, the
timer turns off the relay, stopping the charging process. The user must input another coin to re-
charge it.
14
Merits
Demerits
• It is observed from the project that the coin detection system is inefficient in that
whatever material inserted that is able to block the IR rays can activate the charger.
• It can only accept a particular value of coin for charging. This makes it less reliable.
2.10 Coin Based Mobile Charger (P.Soujanya, Vamsikrishna, Suresh, & Srilatha,
2019)
The set up works on a 230V AC power. Since mobile devices are low voltage direct cure
devices, a center-tapped step-down transformer is used to bring down the voltage to a value as
low as 12V. The 12V dc which is pulsating has a capacitor smoothing it after which a voltage
regulator is used to control the voltage to 5V. The 5V is supplied to an Arduino microcontroller,
a relay and a charging socket.
When a coin is inserted, through the infrared sensor, the presence of the coin is registered in
the system. A pulse is sent to the microcontroller which in turn switches on the relay. The relay
closes the charging circuit to allow a supply of 5V at the socket where the user can charge their
device. An LCD is used to display the time remaining which is computed by the
microcontroller. When the time elapses, the user is prompted via the LCD that the charging is
done and that they can insert another coin. If in the process of charging the device the user
inserts an additional coin, the microcontroller computes the new remaining time and continues
to count down from the new time.
15
Figure 12: Block diagram
Merits
• The use of an LCD to display information on the charging process and to interact with
the user makes the system more user friendly.
• The microcontroller is able to compute new time upon addition of a coin in the process
of charging.
16
Demerits
• IR sensing is less secure in detecting fake coins in that any material that is able to block
the IR rays upon insertion is able to cause the charging process to begin.
• It is less reliable in terms of power supply due to the fact that it has no renewable power
source serving as a backup.
2.11 Automatic Gadget Charger Using Matlab and Solar Panel (Sapkal, Shinde,
Sathe, & Waghmare, 2017)
This design uses a solar panel that follows the rotation of a stepper motor to track the maximum
sunlight intensity using the readings of an LDR. When a coin is entered into the coin insertion
slot at the input stage, the mobile battery charger begins charging a mobile that is connected to
it. Webcam technology is used to identify coins. To ensure proper coin insertion, the user will
see the kind and size of the coin shown on the LCD display. Any other coin will be returned to
the refund box if it is entered into the slot. The microcontroller will determine whether the coin
is worth one, two-, or five-rupees using MATLAB programs. The mobile battery is then
charged for a predetermined time under the direction of the microcontroller’s software.
Merits
17
• Webcam technology is more secure compared to IR sensors.
• The maximum sunlight intensity tracking ability of the solar system makes it more
efficient in terms of power supply.
Demerits
2.12 Coin Based Mobile Charger (Godbole, Kawade, Dongare, & Suryanwanshi,
2022)
The system employs an IR sensor-based coin acceptor system to detect the validity of a coin.
Here, the sensor has been fabricated for only a unique form of coin. An Arduino board which
carries the microcontroller is connected to the coin acceptor, which is then connected to the
Liquid Crystal Display. If a coin is found to be genuine upon insertion of a coin, a pulse is sent
to the microcontroller which activates a relay to provide 230V, 50Hz to the charging socket.
The user then can charge their mobile phone from the charging socket. The charger's SMPS
converts ac voltage to dc and regulates the voltage to the required value for the charge of the
mobile phone. The LCD panel will indicate how much charging time is left. If the user wants
to increase the amount of charging time, he must add another coin, and the microcontroller will
then add the additional time to the already remaining charging time on the LCD screen.
18
Merits
• The use of LCD to display the charging time makes it more convenient to use.
Demerits
2.13 Coin Based Mobile Charger (G.Priyanka, Anisha, & Shri, 2018)
In this report, a series of components, including an Arduino UNO board, an LCD 16x2 display,
a transistor, resistors, an Arduino power supply, a battery, and a USB port, are utilized in the
architecture. Every other device with serial capability can communicate with an Arduino since
the Arduino can "speak" (transmit or receive data data) via a serial channel.
A coin is inserted into the coin slot by the user. The coin is certified based on its diameter after
being placed into the slot with the sensor connected. The coin is given back if it is invalid.
After the coin is acknowledged, the Arduino and relay are turned on, and the software of the
relay begins charging the battery. The Arduino signals the relay after receiving the signal from
the coin-insertion slot. The relay produces a 5-volt voltage for the charging socket.
19
Merits
Demerits
• This system is unreliable, this is due to the use of solar panels as the only source of
electricity.
2.14 Mobile Charging Station Based on Coin Insertion System (Shakeeb, et al.,
2021)
The prototype in this paper is based on an Arduino Mega microcontroller, which controls the
whole system. The suggested system was built and designed in Coral Raw, and it was coded in
the Arduino IDE. It is made up of an Arduino Mega Microcontroller, a 16x2 Liquid Crystal
Display, a I2C Module, a 4x4 Keypad Matrix, a DC 5V Single Channel Relay, a DC 12V
Converter and a Coin Insertion Module are all included. The first message is a welcome
message that is displayed on a liquid crystal display using a microcontroller. Next, based on
user input—in this case, the insertion of two coins worth INR 5 and INR 10—actions are taken.
This coin is recognized by the coin insertion module, which then sends a HIGH signal to the
relay module, changing the relay's state from NO to NC and connecting the mobile charging
adaptor to the mainline. Mobile device charging for allotted time slots begins in this manner.
Merits
Demerits
• The system is unreliable because its only source of electrical power is from the
conventional power grid.
2.15 Coin Based Cell Phone Charger with Solar Tracking System (Reddy, Daniel,
Rai, & R, 2017)
The mobile battery charger starts charging a mobile device connected to it, when a coin is
inserted at the coin insertion slot at the input stage. The type of coin and the size will be
displayed at the LCD display for the user, so as to ensure correct coin insertion. Any other coin,
if inserted in the slot will be returned to refund box.
20
Coin accepted or rejected is based on the diameter of the coin. This invokes microcontroller
along with LCD interface displays the selection of mobile option if particular mobile is selected
for charging the corresponding routine is activated and charge the mobile for a particular
duration of time.
The efficiency of solar panel can be maximized by aligning the solar panel with the sun. The
sun tracking system is designed in this project, offers a reliable and affordable method of
aligning a solar panel with the sun.
Merits
• Less expensive.
21
Demerits
• Unreliable because the system uses only one source of power supply that is solar
energy.
22
3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Figure 18: A block diagram representation of proposed coin-based mobile charging system
• Rectifier
The rectifier converts the 16V AC at the LV side of the transformer into DC. A Schottky Diode
Array is adopted for use here. It has a steady state reverse voltage of 30V which implies that it
is capable of handling an input voltage of 60V without damage. Thus, the rectifier is safe
enough to rectify the AC voltage from the transformer.
23
This particular rectifier has a very low forward voltage of 0.5V at a current of 0.7A per diode.
This implies that each diode will consume a maximum power of 0.35VA resulting in high
efficiency and less heat dissipation as compared to traditional bridge and centre tapped
rectifiers. This feature of the diode is very desirable and appropriate for our system since it will
be deployed for use in public places and as a matter of fact is more likely to be exposed to the
sun's heat. There is therefore the need to use low power devices so as to reduce heat dissipation
within the device itself.
• Solar Panel
There is an integrated solar panel that serves as a back-up to the main power source from the
grid. A 15W solar panel is used here to supply, through the voltage regulator, voltage of 5V to
the microcontroller, LCD, the USB exit and the coin acceptor.
The panel has a robust frame and is made of materials designed for long-term durability. Hence,
it is able to withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, and wind. The
material composition of the housing of the solar panel is ABS/PC. In this case, the solar panel's
housing is made from a combination of two materials: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
and PC (Polycarbonate). ABS is known for its durability and impact resistance. PC
(Polycarbonate) is known for its heat resistance. It is often used in situations where resistance
to extreme temperatures is required, making it suitable for the charging station.
It is a monocrystalline panel and as such has high power and space efficiency, making it a good
choice for smaller installations such as this charging station.
• Regulator
The voltage regulator maintains a constant output voltage of 5V to the Arduino microcontroller,
the USB exit, the coin sensor, the relay and the LCD even when the input voltage from the
rectifier changes as a result of fluctuations in the grid power. This helps protect the components
from damage during power fluctuations.
A synchronous buck converter of input and output voltage ranges of 4.5V to 28V and 0.6V to
16V respectively is used to supply 5V to the above-mentioned components.
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there is no voltage drop. This results in very low heat generation which is a desirable feature
for this design.
The independent powered switch is integrated with a relay and an Arduino battery which
powers it. In the case where there is power from the grid, it keeps the relay open, keeping the
solar panel disconnected. Once the grid power is loss, it senses it and closes the relay to create
a path for current flow to the panel, thus connecting the panel for it to supply power to the
system. It has a voltage rating of 12V which implies that it can work with the charging station
which works on 5V without any damage. The switch has a temperature range of -40°C to
+125°C, thus less heat will be produced and this makes it suitable for our charging station
which is most likely to be exposed to the sun’s heat during the day.
• Relay
An electromechanical relay of coil voltage range 5V to 60V is used in this design to control
the flow of electricity to the charging port. When a coin is sensed and confirmed valid, the
microcontroller sends a signal to a MOSFET positioned between the voltage regulator and the
relay, which acts as a switch, closing the path to allow a supply of 5V to the relay coil. The
relay thus closes its contacts for a designated period of time based on the type of inserted coin
so that current can flow to the charging port.
The aim of the display is to provide a user-friendly interface that communicates with users.
Information displayed by the LCD include;
❖ charging status.
The charging station requires the display of only text-based information which are not
significantly lengthy and ranges between 2 and 17. In light of this, a 3V to 5V logic supply dot
matrix character LCD display with 2-lines x 16-characters is selected for this system. Each
character has height of approximately 15mm which enhances readability.
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It is an LCD display module that displays white characters on a blue background. The charging
station is to be used in public settings and most of these areas may not have any means of
providing shade during sunny days. Hence the blue blacklight is a better option, as it can
provide better contrast in bright environments.
It features a white LED backlight which provides a brighter and more uniform light, making it
easier to see the display even in bright light conditions during the day or low light conditions
at dusk. Aside their longer lifespan and aesthetics, white LEDs consume less power than other
types of backlights making them a more energy-efficient choice for your charging station.
• Keypad
The keypad enables the users to start the charging process by pressing the letter ‘C’.
The keypad is an I²C 3x4 membrane matrix keypad having all the 10 digits plus the hashtag
and star characters, giving users the flexibility to create passwords. In the case of this charging
station, the hashtag character is used for clearing or deleting characters.
The membrane matrix keypad is made of durable materials like polyester, polycarbonate, and
polyurethane, which can withstand exposure to dirt, dust, and moisture. This makes it ideal for
this charging station which is most probably to be used outdoor and as such is exposed to these
elements.
It costs $4.7 which costs very less as compared to mechanical and capacitive keypads which
cost around $10 to $50 and $20 to $100 respectively, thus lowering start-up cost.
• ATmega2560 Microcontroller
The Arduino board houses the microcontroller which is the heart and brain of the project
generally controlling and integrating various processes and functions of the charging station.
Using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment, the code used for the execution and
control of the processes of this project is written and uploaded onto the microcontroller for
prototyping and experimenting. The python code for the image processing and the machine
learning model is also uploaded onto the microcontroller.
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and 4 KB of EEPROM for storing the code, volatile data and non-volatile data such as assigned
coin values and their allocated charging time periods respectively.
Our design requires approximately 18 connections (8 pins for keypad, 6 keys for the LCD, 1
key each for the relay and MOSFET and 3 pins for the coin acceptor). The selected
microcontroller has 54/86 input/output pins which will suffice for connections to all external
components.
Amongst its communication interfaces is the byte oriented 2-wire Serial Interface (I2C) which
makes it compatible with all the peripherals that will be connected to it.
When in its active mode, it requires 1.8V at 500µA and when it is in the power down mode, it
requires 1.8V at 0.1µA. This ultra-low power consumption of the microcontroller makes it
ideal for this application.
❖ It turns off the relay circuit when the charging period is exhausted.
❖ It computes and keeps track of the charging time via a count down.
• Coin Acceptor
The CH-926 multi-coin acceptor verifies inserted coins based on size, weight, and other
characteristics. It generates electronic signals to identify coin types and values, allowing the
microcontroller to start the charging process. Invalid coins are rejected, and security measures
prevent fraud. Configuration options enable recognition of specific currencies or tokens.
The coin acceptor has an identity accuracy rate of 95% implying that the coin acceptor can
correctly identify and accept valid coins with a high degree of reliability. This accuracy rate
ensures that users will have a positive experience when using your charging station, minimizing
frustrations caused by rejected coins. It has a quick identity speed of 0.6 seconds which ensures
that the coin acceptor processes coins efficiently. Thus, users won't experience delays when
inserting coins into the charging station, contributing to a smooth and efficient transaction
process.
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The low working current requirement of 50mA is energy-efficient. This is important for your
charging station's overall power consumption, helping to keep operational costs and heat
production lower.
The wide operating temperature range, -10℃ to 60℃ allows the coin acceptor to function
effectively in various environmental conditions, making highly suitable for outdoor This is
important for outdoor or indoor charging station installations.
The range of accepted coin diameters, 15mm to 32mm, accommodates a variety of coins,
ensuring that users can use a wide range of local currencies. Similarly, the range of accepted
coin thicknesses, 1.8mm to 3.5mm, accommodates various coin types commonly used.
The use of PC plastic for the casing makes the coin acceptor durable and resistant to
environmental factors like temperature and humidity as it can be deployed for use outdoor.
An XL6009 step-up boost module is a small electronic device that utilizes this IC to convert a
lower input voltage to a higher output voltage. The voltage going into the ATmega328P is 5V
DC, however the voltage required by the CH-926-coin selector is 12Vdc hence the XL6009
step-up boost module increases the 5vdc to 12vdc.
• TP 4056 Micro USB Battery Charger with Protection
This is used for charging and managing rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.
This will be used for the solar battery. Here is what it is typically used for:
❖ Battery Charging: The primary purpose of the TP4056 module is to charge lithium-ion
or lithium-polymer batteries. It accepts power from a micro-USB input source (such as
a USB charger or power bank) and charges the connected battery.
❖ Single-Cell Charging: TP4056 modules are designed for single-cell battery charging.
They are not suitable for charging multiple batteries in series.
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❖ Protection Features: These modules often come with built-in protection features like
overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, and overcurrent protection. These
safeguards help prevent damage to the battery during charging and discharging cycles.
In case an invalid coin is inserted, it is placed in a separate refund box so that the user can
retrieve it later. The LCD screen provides a message prompting the user to insert different
coins.
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4. METHODOLOGY
This chapter outlines the methodology adopted to achieve the objectives of designing and
building a coin-operated gadget charging station. The step-by-step procedures and activities
are presented below in a sequential manner.
1. Literature Review
This phase involved conceptualizing the coin-operated gadget charging station. The system
architecture, physical layout, and components were defined. Detailed planning encompassed
the identification of necessary components, mechanisms for coin recognition, power supply
requirements, and safety features.
Based on the design specifications, components such as coin acceptors, charging ports,
electronic control and circuit boards, enclosures, and user interface components were procured
from reputable suppliers. Components were selected to ensure compatibility and reliability
within the system.
4. Prototype Development
The selected components were assembled to form the charging station's physical structure. A
functional prototype of the coin-operated charging station was developed. The coin acceptor,
charging ports, control electronics, and user interface were integrated into a cohesive unit.
Wiring and circuitry were organized, and safety measures were implemented to prevent
electrical hazards.
An intuitive user interface was designed to enable users to insert coins and initiate the charging
process. The interface displayed the charging status, inserted coin values, and instructions to
guide users through the process.
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6. Control Logic Development
The software logic for the charging station's operation was then developed. This included
programming the coin acceptor to recognize some particular coins as valid and writing a code
to control the various processes of the system such as management of power distribution to the
charging ports and handling of user interactions.
The various components of the charging station were rigorously tested to ensure seamless
integration and functionality. This included verifying coin acceptance, power distribution, user
interface responsiveness, and overall system stability.
The complete charging station was made to undergo operational testing under real-world
conditions to validate its performance and durability. This testing phase involved prolonged
usage to simulate the station's performance over time.
User feedback gathered during testing was analysed, and any necessary refinements to the
design, user interface, or functionality were implemented to address identified issues.
A comprehensive final testing phase was conducted, involving real-world scenarios to ensure
that the coin-operated gadget charging station met its design objectives. The prototype's
performance was assessed based on factors such as coin acceptance rate, charging reliability,
user interface responsiveness, and safety precautions.
The outcomes of the testing phase were documented, including details of system behaviour,
performance metrics, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. A comprehensive report
was generated, summarizing the design, construction, and testing phases of the coin-operated
charging station.
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5. IMPLEMENTATION
5.1 Simulation Using Arduino Proteus Software
Arduino Proteus served as a valuable tool in simulating the coin-operated gadget charging
station project. It was used to verify the system's functionality, interactions, and user experience
virtually before moving on to physical implementation. The Arduino Proteus was used in the
project as follows:
• Circuit Design: The electronic circuit of the charging station, including the coin
acceptor, LCD display, control circuitry, and charging ports, were designed using
Arduino Proteus's component library.
• Arduino Integration: The appropriate Arduino board was selected and integrated into
the circuit. This involved connecting the Arduino pins to various components,
simulating the actual connections in the design.
• Programming Simulation: The Arduino code developed for the charging station is
uploaded to the simulated Arduino board. The simulation environment executed the
code virtually, emulating the system's behaviour.
• Coin Insertion and Interaction: The simulation tools were used to virtually insert
coins, observe the LCD display's response, simulate charging periods based on coin
values, and evaluate the overall user interaction with the charging station.
The program begins by prompting the user to insert as many coins as they want to. After the
coins are inserted and detected valid, the user then presses the ‘C’ button on the keypad. The
relay switches contacts to enable the flow of electricity to the USB. A probe in the software
was used to determine and ensure that the voltage received by the USB is 5V for charging to
start.
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On the other hand, if a coin inserted is invalid, the invalid coin is sent into the refund box so
that the user can have access to it. The LCD displays a prompt for the user to insert other coins.
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6. RESULTS AND ANALYSES
6.1 Results
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Figure 23: After coin insertion
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6.2 Analyses
• Observations
The observations derived from the prototype testing yielded valuable insights into its
performance and user interaction:
❖ User Interface Engagement: The LCD display proved effective in guiding users
through the coin insertion process. Clear instructions improved user understanding and
interaction.
❖ Refund Mechanism: The rejection of invalid coins and their redirection to a refund
space showcased the system's ability to handle such occurrences, offering a fair and
transparent transaction process.
❖ Charging Completion Indication: Users were able to confidently unplug their mobile
devices once the charging was completed, indicating the prototype's effectiveness in
fulfilling its intended purpose.
• Discussion
The outcomes of the prototype testing align with the project's objectives, demonstrating that
the coin-operated gadget charging station effectively enables users to charge their mobile
devices conveniently. The prototype's accuracy in recognizing valid coins, coupled with its
user-friendly interface and transparent transaction process, contribute to the accomplishment
of the project's aim. Further refinements and adjustments based on user feedback could enhance
the prototype's overall performance and user experience.
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7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Conclusions
In conclusion, the coin-operated electronic gadget charging station represents a valuable
addition to modern public spaces, catering to the ever-increasing demand for convenient and
accessible charging solutions. Throughout this report, we have examined the key aspects of its
operation, usage patterns, and potential benefits.
• User-Centric Approach: Our design prioritized user needs, resulting in a seamless and
engaging experience that merges tangible interactions with technology.
• Closing Thoughts: The charging station exemplifies design's ability to enhance user
experiences and bridge gaps between traditional and emerging technologies, opening
creative possibilities at the design-technology intersection.
7.2 Recommendations
Based on the findings and analysis presented in this report, the following recommendations are
proposed:
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• Diversify Payment Options: While the coin-operated model is effective, there can
be exploration of additional payment options such as mobile app payments or
contactless card payments to cater to a wider range of users' preferences.
• Regular Maintenance: Implementing a proactive maintenance schedule to ensure
the charging stations remain in optimal working condition. Routine inspections and
timely repairs are crucial for user satisfaction.
• Enhanced Security: Continuous investment in security features to protect both the
charging station and users' devices. This can include advanced locking mechanisms,
surveillance cameras, and robust data encryption.
• User Education: Development of user-friendly instructional materials or digital
guides to assist individuals in operating the charging stations effectively, addressing
common troubleshooting issues, and promoting responsible usage.
• Sustainability Measures: Considering the incorporation of eco-friendly features,
such as solar power options or energy-efficient components, will help to reduce the
environmental footprint of the charging stations.
• User Feedback: Future advancements can include the establishment of a feedback
mechanism for users to provide suggestions and report any issues they encounter.
Regular review and implementation of user feedback can help to improve the
charging station experience.
Incorporating these recommendations will not only enhance the usability and reliability of the
coin-operated electronic gadget charging station but also ensure its continued success in
meeting the evolving needs of users in various public settings.
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8. REFERENCES
Access to electricity (% of population) - Ghana. (2023). Retrieved from World Bank Open Data:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/home
Aliza, S., Tauseef, M., Shahrukh, S., Izhar, A., & Pappu, P. (2018). Mobile Charging Based On Coin
Insertion. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research(JETIR), 4.
Chhabra, G., Kumar, S., & Badoni, P. (2015). Automatic Gadget Charger using Coin Detection.
International Conference on Next Generation Computing Technologies (p. 6). Dehradun:
Gunjan Chhabra.
G.Priyanka, Anisha, S., & Shri, P. P. (2018). Coin Based Mobile Charger. International Journal of Pure
and Applied Mathematics, 8.
Godbole, M. M., Kawade, M., Dongare, M., & Suryanwanshi, R. (2022). Coin-Based Mobile Charger.
International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM), 3.
Kamat, A., Kulkarni, A., Akshay, K., Kasturi, R., & Balur, N. (2017). Coin Insert Mobile Charger. 6.
Kathiresan, Ashwin, R., & Raj, V. (2016). Coin Based Mobile Charger. International Journal of
Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, 4.
M.S.Varadarajan. (2012). Coin Based Universal Mobile Battery Charger. IOSR Journal of Engineering
(IOSRJEN), 6.
P.Soujanya, Vamsikrishna, Y., Suresh, V., & Srilatha, V. (2019). Coin Based Mobile Charger.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 5.
Pawar, A. D. (2015). Coin Based Solar Mobile Charger. International Journal of Engineering and
Technical Research (IJETR), 4.
Priyankra, V., Ramya, G., Harika, B., & Sujatha, C. (2020). Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar
Panel. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts(IJCRT), 5.
Reddy, M. C., Daniel, U., Rai, R., & R, B. (2017). Coin Based Cell Phone Charger with Solar Tracking
System. International Journal of Latest Engineering Research and Applications (IJLERA) , 8.
S., N. P., Aithal, P., Soans, S., & Yadav, N. (2021). Coin-Based Mobile Charger using Solar.
International Journal of Applied Engineering and Management, 11.
Sapkal, P. R., Shinde, S. N., Sathe, M. B., & Waghmare, R. M. (2017). Automatic Gadget Charger using
Matlab and Solar Panel. International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Shakeeb, S. M., Ahsan, S. M., Khan, F., Salmani, T., Dahatonde, N., & S., J. (2021). International
Research Journal of Engineering and Technology.
Unnisa, M. H., Mubeena, M., & Kulsum, M. (n.d.). Coin Based Mobile Charger Using Solar Panel and
RFID. Shivamogga.
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9. APPENDICES
9.1 Simulation Code
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