Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered RFID-Enabled Charging Booth for Secure and Sustainable Device Charging

This study outlines the design and implementation of a solar-powered, RFID-enabled smart charging booth, which aims to deliver secure, efficient, and sustainable mobile device charging solutions in public spaces. The system incorporates solar energy to facilitate off-grid functionality, tackling the issues associated with inconsistent electricity supply in developing areas. The system incorporates RFID authentication to ensure secure access, permitting only authorised individuals to charge their devices, and offers both wired and wireless charging options. The setup incorporates an Arduino Nano microcontroller, ACS712 current sensors, and a wireless charging module to facilitate safe and real-time energy management. The experimental results illustrate the system's adaptability, showcasing its support for a range of mobile devices such as the iPhone 11 Pro (iOS 18), Samsung Z Fold 5 (Android 13), Redmi 9a (Android 10), and Infinix Hot 10 (Android 10). The various devices, spanning multiple operating systems and charging techniques, underscore the extensive applicability of the system in a range of environments. The results indicate that the system improves energy efficiency, enhances user security, and promotes sustainability in public charging infrastructure. Nonetheless, challenges such as the compatibility of wireless charging with Qi-standard devices and the necessity for expedited charging protocols have been recognised. Potential advancements may involve the incorporation of rapid charging technologies and NFC capabilities to expand device compatibility.