Project Control Humidifier
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 5:43 pm
This is a project in progress. I am posting this so it may help others with similar projects.
Scope:
Control a HVAC humidifier based on OUTSIDE air temperature and INSIDE HUMIDITY.
Prevent moisture build up on windows and doors during the winter time from too much moisture in the air.
Winter time here in Michigan can see temperature swings from -15F to 45F (-26C to 7C) during the winter months. Unless you manually change the humidistat settings condensation will form around windows and doors leading to damage and mold. I have read many a post where people have built temperature / humidity displays for various reasons so I got to thinking why not control my humidifier with a PIC and be done with it.
The humidity and temperature readings do not have to be that accurate, so whole numbers will be used. I do have access to calibrated temperature and humidity devices to compare with.
Actual humidity with in +-2% is acceptable and I will be looking at 5% increments.
I also wanted to be able to override the humidity level by +- 5%
The SIMULATION:
PIC used 16F1827 I have about 6 of them laying around and they can easily handle everything.
4x20 character LCD Have two of these on hand as well.
two sliders to represent the Temperature and Humidity inputs.
2 switches to provide the +-5% override. (will be one 3 position switch on my project ON- OFF- ON)
1 LED so I know if the humidifier is on or off (also used in first hook up to do the blink test)
The LED will also be the output to an SSR to control the humidifier motor. (24vac Synchronous type)
I have attached what I have so far.
This is just a start to see if what I have envisioned could be done.
I still have to add several decision trees to check temperature against humidity.
Am not sure of the temperature offset I will need till I hook up the actual sensor. Same goes with Humidity.
I could not use an all in one sensor as the temperature will be out doors and the Humidity in doors.
Will post more when parts show up and I can build the real thing.
Bob
Scope:
Control a HVAC humidifier based on OUTSIDE air temperature and INSIDE HUMIDITY.
Prevent moisture build up on windows and doors during the winter time from too much moisture in the air.
Winter time here in Michigan can see temperature swings from -15F to 45F (-26C to 7C) during the winter months. Unless you manually change the humidistat settings condensation will form around windows and doors leading to damage and mold. I have read many a post where people have built temperature / humidity displays for various reasons so I got to thinking why not control my humidifier with a PIC and be done with it.
The humidity and temperature readings do not have to be that accurate, so whole numbers will be used. I do have access to calibrated temperature and humidity devices to compare with.
Actual humidity with in +-2% is acceptable and I will be looking at 5% increments.
I also wanted to be able to override the humidity level by +- 5%
The SIMULATION:
PIC used 16F1827 I have about 6 of them laying around and they can easily handle everything.
4x20 character LCD Have two of these on hand as well.
two sliders to represent the Temperature and Humidity inputs.
2 switches to provide the +-5% override. (will be one 3 position switch on my project ON- OFF- ON)
1 LED so I know if the humidifier is on or off (also used in first hook up to do the blink test)
The LED will also be the output to an SSR to control the humidifier motor. (24vac Synchronous type)
I have attached what I have so far.
This is just a start to see if what I have envisioned could be done.
I still have to add several decision trees to check temperature against humidity.
Am not sure of the temperature offset I will need till I hook up the actual sensor. Same goes with Humidity.
I could not use an all in one sensor as the temperature will be out doors and the Humidity in doors.
Will post more when parts show up and I can build the real thing.
Bob