DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A RUNNING LED MESSAGE DISPLAY WITH A BACKUP SOLAR INVERTER POWER SYSTEM
Abstract
The increasing demand for reliable, low-power, and energy-efficient communication systems has made the integration of renewable energy into electronic display technologies both timely and essential. The research study reports the design, development, and construction of a functional LED message display system powered by a standby solar inverter for uninterrupted operation in locations where grid electricity supply is not reliable. The system integrates a 16×64 LED matrix display, controlled by an ATmega328P microcontroller, with ULN2803 Darlington transistor arrays as driver circuits to stretch logic signals. A firmware in the Arduino IDE enables text input, storage, and real-time scrolling of alphanumeric messages. The power sub-system includes a 12 V solar photovoltaic module, a deep-cycle battery, and an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that automatically switches between solar, battery, and grid supply through a regulated inverter unit.
Schematic design was first simulated in Proteus CAD software to check system functionality, identify potential errors, and optimize circuit performance. Subsequently, hardware was realized through PCB development, soldering, and systematic integration of display, control, and power modules. Tests confirmed that the system conformed to stable message scrolling without flickering, efficient power consumption, and seamless switchover between power sources without disrupting the display. Empirical results revealed that the system consumed significantly less power compared to conventional signage, while ensuring uninterrupted operation under varying load and supply conditions.
The study demonstrates that the combination of solar inverter backup and LED display technology is a green, affordable, and replicable method of small- and medium-scale information sharing in schools, enterprises, religious organizations, and community centers. It further contributes academically by integrating the principles of embedded systems, power electronics, and renewable energy technologies into a single application. This renders the system not just a stable communications medium but also a model for clean energy adoption in the developing world where access to continuous power supply is still a problem.
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