Difference between revisions of "Temperature Difference Sensor and Switch for Solar Water Circulation Pump"

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m (a note about good hysteresis for the pump)
m (solenoid relay version)
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is not needed for my pump. A steeper slope and instantaneous off/on for some other pump might need some further thought, like perhaps
 
is not needed for my pump. A steeper slope and instantaneous off/on for some other pump might need some further thought, like perhaps
 
feedback-R6 should be much larger or omitted completely for more amplification. Experiment with it.
 
feedback-R6 should be much larger or omitted completely for more amplification. Experiment with it.
 +
 +
Alternative configuration with a relay:
 +
[[File:Water_temp_difference_sensor_and-on-off-switch_for_solar-pump.png]]

Revision as of 06:45, 7 May 2022

ALL MY PROJECTS ARE HERE: https://opencircuits.com/index.php?title=User:Definitionofis

This is using two diodes to sense the temperature of the roof solar collector and the storage tank in the house. The diodes form a H-bridge which drifts +- through to -+ across the op amp inputs, depending on the temperature difference which varies the diodes' forward resistance. I have been running this for seventeen years with the diode on the roof touching the hot water outlet pipe.

Water temp difference sensor and-on-off-switch for solar-pump.png

There is hysteresis because the copper pipes transfer heat and cool with a lag to the pump switching off/on. Also, my pump can run without harm, at low voltages, and slower speed. So a sharp slope in the switching speed versus temperature change is not needed for my pump. A steeper slope and instantaneous off/on for some other pump might need some further thought, like perhaps feedback-R6 should be much larger or omitted completely for more amplification. Experiment with it.

Alternative configuration with a relay: Water temp difference sensor and-on-off-switch for solar-pump.png