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Microprocessor Controlled Kiln For Drying Wood

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Shing

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I have recently been given a project to design and produce a kiln controlled using a "stand-alone" controller based on a Stamp 2 microcontroller. Software is required to interface the microcontroller with a computer using PBASIC programming.

A 60W light bulb is used to heat the kiln while a small fan is used to cool the kiln accordingly. Two LED's are used to indicate whether the kiln is heating or cooling.

An LED/LCD display is used with a thermal sensor to display the temperature inside the kiln.

A sensor at the door is used as a safety measure. Should the door be open, the light bulb and fan should not be operational.

Any help and ideas would be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Wai Shing
 
what type of kiln are you using, and are you just want to dry wood with it?
 
It's really a basic project. A box that is heated using a light bulb and cooled with a fan. There's really nothing to be done with the kiln. Just the controller.
 
well, isn't a kiln used for pottery and stuff like that. If you just wanting to heat a box (ceramic, wood) and then cool it down, how long are you wanting to heat it? Couldn't you just use a 555 timer and have it run the light bulb for a certain amount of time, then turn off and then turn on the cooling fan?
 
A temperature is decided and the box is heated and cool accordingly surrounding the decided temperature. So there's a sensor to regulate temperature.
 
Hi Shing,

Is that the one described here?
**broken link removed**

I take it this is just an excercise to demonstrate
effective handling of the unit ?

Basic safety, on the door sensor, use a normally open
pair which close when the door closes, the intention
being that if the wiring fails along the way, the bulb
and fan will not operate.

Bear in mind that the kiln (or whatever) is likely to
be controlled at a distance, and the person in control
at the display end may not be in a position to even
see or hear the unit under control, your display should
include not only an indication that the door is closed,
but an indication that the door is open, if that has to
come from the same sensor, that sensor should have both
conditions relayed back to the display.

Where one function such as cooling from a fan is the
opposite or complementary action to another function
such as heating from a lamp, care should be observed
in the setting of the controls. Try to leave an area
or range between them, so as the fan doesnt come on
as soon as the lamp goes out.

Try to relay as much information as possible back to
the display, even if it seems unnecesary.

There should also be indication at the kiln end of
when it is under distant control and liable to run,
not just an indication that its running.

Best of luck with it,
John
 
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