Description
We created a smart shower mixer to allow consistent and perceptible water supply at the demanded temperature.
Contributions
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Ideating and creating the device schematic
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Sourcing relevant components and creating the bill of materials
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Assembling and set-up of the prototype
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Adding to the logic and algorithm development using Arduino
Prototype Setup
Ideation and Concept Design
The problem in itself was simple. We would need to create an automated mixing process which would take into account the demanded flow rate and temperature for the output and, tracking the cold and hot sources would proceed to supply the ideal mix.
Temperature and pressure sensors at both the sources would allow the data acquisition system to make input decisions.
In addition, the output temperature and flow would be measured to close the loop on feedback to the logic circuit.
Schematic
We used solenoid valves for control of the input streams. However, we weren't able to procure appropriate flow control valves in the context of time. We landed with solenoids offering only on and off states.
We accommodated this in the control algorithm and created an output wave function for both the cold and hot water valves.
The project got me exposed to the PID algorithm commonly used in combination circuits. The temperature demand in the prototype was set up through a rotary potentiometer
System Design
Gallery
