Charles, Andrew (2006) Ambient air temperature aeration controller. [USQ Project]
![[img]](https://sear.unisq.edu.au/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png)
|
PDF
CHARLES_Andrew_2006.pdf Download (7MB) |
Abstract
Aeration is an important component in the successful bulk storage of grain.
Without it, grain can degrade in quality, destroying profits. To achieve the best
results from aeration, an automatic aeration controller should be used. This
device monitors the condition of ambient air and automatically activates aeration
fans, during the coolest period of the day, to cool the stored grain. The system has
been designed by researching existing control methods, in quest of improvements
and alternatives, and developed into a working prototype.
A PICAXE microcontroller is used to process data and determine the optimal
period to operate the aerators. A combined Relative Humidity and Temperature
sensor is utilised to measure the state of the ambient air. The Relative Humidity is
combined with a lookup table to determine an approximate wet-bulb temperature.
By utilising wet-bulb temperature, a greater cooling effect is achieved through an
evaporative cooling effect. A LCD display provides a user interface exhibiting
useful data in relation to the device. The CSIRO Time Proportioning Control
Method was implemented, providing Normal and Rapid outputs. An alternative
method of calculating set-points, involving cumulative probability, was applied.
The final prototype constructed was tested successfully, logging data and
determining set-points for operation. Improvements and further work aimed at
improving the design are discussed.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | No |
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Up to 30 Jun 2013) |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Oct 2007 01:05 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jul 2013 22:44 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ambient air; temperature; aeration; PICAXE; liquid crystal display (LCD); printed circuit board (PCB); cyclic redundancy check (CRC) |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 09 Engineering > 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering > 090602 Control Systems, Robotics and Automation |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 40 ENGINEERING > 4007 Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics > 400799 Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/2406 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
