This project is a standalone automatic fan speed controller the controls the speed of an electric fan according to the requirement. The use of embedded technology makes this closed-loop feedback-control system efficient and reliable. The microcontroller (MCU) ATMega8/168/328 allows dynamic and faster control and the LCD makes the system user-friendly. Sensed temperature and fan speed levels are simultaneously displayed on the LCD panel.
The project is very compact and uses a few components only. It can be implemented for several applications including air-conditioners, water-heaters, snow-melters, ovens, heat-exchangers, mixers, furnaces, incubators, thermal baths, and veterinary operating tables. The project will help save energy/electricity.
Circuit and working
Circuit diagram of the temperature fan speed control and monitoring is shown in Fig. 1. It is built around the Arduino Uno board (Board1), 16×2 LCD (LCD1), temperature sensor LM35 (IC1) and a few other components.
Arduino is at the heart of the circuit as it controls all functions. LM35 is a precision integrated-circuit whose output voltage is linearly proportional to Celsius (Centigrade) temperature. It is rated to operate over a -55°C to 150°C temperature range. It has +10.0mV/Celsius linear-scale factor.
Temperature sensor LM35 senses the temperature and converts it into an electrical (analog) signal, which is applied to the MCU through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The analog signal is converted into a digital format by the ADC. Sensed values of the temperature and speed of the fan are displayed on the LCD. Temperature and monitoring using Arduino The MCU on Arduino drive the motor driver to control fan speed.
Fan speed control technique
A low-frequency pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal, usually in the range of about 30Hz, whose duty cycle is varied to adjust the fan’s speed is used. An inexpensive, single, small pass transistor can be used here. It is efficient because the pass transistor is used as a switch.
One disadvantage of this approach, however, is that it can make the fan noisy because of the pulsed nature of the signal. The PWM waveform’s sharp edges cause the fan’s mechanical structure to move (like a badly-designed loudspeaker), which can easily be audible.
Construction and testing
Download PCB and Component Layout PDFs: click here
Software
Software for the automatic temperature controller and monitor circuit is written in the Arduino programming language. Arduino Uno is programmed using Arduino IDE software.
ATmega328P on Arduino Uno comes with a pre-programmed bootloader that allows users to upload new code to it without using an external hardware programmer.
Connect the Arduino board to the PC and select the correct COM port in Arduino IDE. Compile the program (sketch). Then select the correct board from Tools Board menu in Arduino IDE and upload the sketch (abfc.ino) to Arduino through a standard USB port.
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