EcoRenovator  

Go Back   EcoRenovator > Improvements > Appliances & Gadgets
Advanced Search
 


Blog 60+ Home Energy Saving Tips Recent Posts Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 09-08-09, 09:14 AM   #1
Daox
Administrator
 
Daox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germantown, WI
Posts: 5,525
Thanks: 1,162
Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts
Default DIY thermal differential controller (solar hot water pump controller)

In anticipation of using a solar hot water system, I am working to design a DIY thermal differential controller. The main reason behind this is that it is a simple device that costs $130+ for a commercial controller. I know I can make one for less than half that price. Plus, if I put together good documentation others should be able to easily construct them as well.

So, what is a thermal differential controller anyway? A thermal differential controller is what is used to control the pump between the solar panel and hot water tank. It senses when the solar panel is hotter than the tank and starts up the pump so that the water can go get warmed up. When the panel cools off, the controller then turns the pump back off so it doesn't cool down the tank. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Well, it is and thats why I don't want to pay $130 for one!

The setup is pretty simple. You have a micro controller and two sensors. One sensor goes in the panel and ones goes in the tank. You also need a relay of some sort to switch your pump on and off.


For the micro controller, I am going to use an arduino. It is very popular micro controller and is more than capable of handling this small task. I'm also some what familiar with using it.

The sensors will be 10k thermistors. These are what are commonly used on the commercial controllers. This makes for quick and easy replacement should the user choose to go that way. The other option is making your own sensors which will save a fair bit of money. This is the route I will pursue.

__________________
Current project -
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
&
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Daox is offline   Reply With Quote
 


Tags
controller, diy, hot water, solar

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger
Inactive Reminders By Icora Web Design