Rain-Aware Smart Wiper Control System with Low Power Operation

The Smart wiper mechanisms play a crucial role in enhancing driver visibility and safety while optimizing energy consumption in modern vehicles. The smart wiper control system is simulated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment with rain intensity modeled as an analog input signal between 0 and 1024. Window comparator logic is applied to decide if the rain level is above operational levels, so that the wiper is activated only when required. A separately excited DC motor model is simulated to provide the mechanical response of the wiper system for different rain fall conditions. Digital control logic alternates between intermittent, low, and high-speed modes. System efficiency is assessed by comparing electrical input and mechanical output power, showing enhanced energy use under adaptive operating conditions. Based on simulation insights, the hardware prototype is realized on an Arduino Nano microcontroller and a 4-channel relay driver to drive a 5-pin wiper motor. A rain intensity sensor which provides input to the window comparator circuit, which is designed using LM358 operational amplifier eliminates low levels of rain to avoid unnecessary activation of the wipers. The method allows low power consumption through the use of sleep mode in the microcontroller and wiper circuitry in dry or very low rainfall levels. The system operates in six modes Intermittent 1 through 4, Low Speed, and High Speed. Which is selected depending on the rain intensity which is detected using water flow sensor. This makes the system adaptive and energy efficient wiper control specific to varying conditions.