Introduction: Temperature Controlled Incubator Using Arduino

An incubator is used in biology to grow bacteria operating theater yeast e.g.. It is a pricey equipment for no rationality. Luckily we can make one for very cheap (under $20 The States).

This simple project uses a light to increase the temperature inside a Styrofoam enclosure. The temperature is monitored via a DS18B20 sensor that is connected to an Arduino UNO. The light is turned happening/polish off via a solid state relay too regimented by the Arduino. This allows for really quiet operation.

When the temperature is below the target, the undemanding turns connected. Once the target is reached, the airy turns off.

An LCD display indicates the real temperature and the set target.

To make the temperature more straight-grained, a fan can be added.

Supplies

  • Styrofoam inclosure
  • Arduino (UNO) - ~$5 for a dead ringer
  • Solid Electrical relay - ~$3.50
  • DS18B20 temperature sensor with 4.7kohm resistor ~2$
  • Light bulb socket

Take out the electronics, you could find everything else for free if you look around.

Step 1: Twinkle Electric-light bulb Socket Installation and Solid State Relay

Make a hole smaller than the socket you desire to use. For that I use a propane torch to wake a hole saw. Then I just press it against the foam. Next you can press fit the socket and make a gnomish hole on the other side to pass the wires. I use a washer to batten everything in place by making a naut mi with the wires.


Next step, you need to link the Ac part of the solid state relay (SSR).


I installed a man of wood to hold the SSR. It is not ideal, since a SSR is suppositional to dissipate its heat on a metallic show u. From experience, lighting a electric-light bulb won't give much heating system. Therefore information technology is o.k..

Step 2: Circuitry

The LCD display is connected via I2C. I recommend you get yourself this model as it will salve you much trouble for wiring.


For the DS18B20, I rich person added a 4.7kohm resistor betwixt the VCC and Information pin.

Dance step 3: The Encrypt

The target area temperature is hard-coded since information technology is non something that you need to convert very often. It also offers the advantage of resuming correctly in case of a power failure. That being said, you could add u a knob to set this temperature and save that in the eeprom. I didn't do it to keep the code as shield-shaped as possible.

Some other advance that you could induce would be to flicker the light when you begin closer to the target temperature.

I use the following libraries :

For the LCD display

  • LiquidCrystal_I2C_Hangul (reliable with v. 2.0.0)
  • Wire

For the DS18B20

  • OneWire (tested with v. 2.3.5)
  • DallasTemperature (tested with v. 3.9.0)

My first version of the code was pretty simple compared to what information technology is now. I make added a couple of conditions to gain it safer. For instance, I don't let the easy happening for also long without taking a short break. This will prevent thawing the foam. I besides monitor that the DS18B20 is still connected.

About protection, you never know what could cause a problem. This apparatus was not proved for a very long fourth dimension, you Crataegus oxycantha wishing to keep an eye on this thing.

Arduino IDE version : 1.8.10

Step 4: 3d Printed Parts

I exercise the following 3d printed parts :

  • Fotek solid relay SSR AC DC safety cover

  • Arduino 16x2 LCD housin

Both are optional...


I have not chosen a casing for the Arduino sooner or later. Experience extricated to give your suggestions in the comments.

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