Design and Performance Evaluation of a Portable Solar-Powered Mosquito Control Device Using Ultraviolet Light Attraction
Keywords:
Applied physics, Mosquito control, Photovoltaic system, Portable device, Renewable energy, Ultraviolet LEDAbstract
Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in tropical regions where environmental conditions favor mosquito breeding and disease transmission. Conventional mosquito control methods, such as chemical insecticides and electrically powered mosquito killers, have limitations related to environmental impact, energy consumption, and operational flexibility. Therefore, this study aimed to design, fabricate, and evaluate the performance of a portable solar-powered mosquito control device utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light attraction as an environmentally friendly alternative for mosquito management. An engineering design and experimental evaluation approach was employed, consisting of conceptual design, prototype fabrication, system integration, and functional performance testing. The developed prototype integrates three photovoltaic solar panels, a TP4056 battery charging module, a rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery, an ultraviolet LED attraction system, and a high-voltage mosquito eradication module within a compact PVC housing. Experimental evaluation demonstrated that all subsystems operated successfully under normal operating conditions. The photovoltaic panels effectively converted solar energy into electrical energy, while the rechargeable battery provided a stable power supply for both the UV LED and the high-voltage module. The ultraviolet LED successfully attracted mosquitoes through phototactic behavior, and the electrified wire mesh effectively eliminated mosquitoes upon contact. The integrated system exhibited stable operation, portability, and energy autonomy without requiring continuous electrical power from the utility grid. Furthermore, the prototype demonstrates the practical application of photovoltaic energy conversion, electromagnetic radiation, electrical discharge, and energy storage principles in a single engineering system. Overall, the proposed device provides a low-cost, portable, and environmentally sustainable mosquito control solution while simultaneously serving as an effective instructional medium for renewable energy and applied physics education. Future studies should focus on optimizing photovoltaic efficiency, battery capacity, ultraviolet wavelength selection, and long-term field performance under diverse environmental conditions.
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