Difference between revisions of "Prototyping with Microcontrollers, Sensors, and Materials"

From EG1004 Lab Manual
Jump to: navigation, search
(118 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
= Objective =
= Objective =
The objective of this lab is to utilize electronic components, an Arduino board, and the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to control an LED without and with a button, to take temperature readings, and to design a prototype for a product. The Arduino IDE will be used to program the Arduino board.
This is a competition lab that will require designing an effective thermal insulation device.  An Arduino board and other electronic components will be used to design the device. Data analysis will be performed to see if the device slowed the rate of heat loss from a container of melted wax placed inside it. The performance of the device will be rated by a design ratio that uses the cost of the device, insulating capacity, the final temperature of the melted wax, and the room temperature. The lowest ratio wins the competition.
 
The prototyping will focus on designing and building a thermal insulation device that will be tested and the resulting data analyzed. All designs will be tested for their capacity to slow the rate of heat loss from melted wax placed inside them. The design will be entered in a competition that will be judged by a ratio that uses the cost of the device, its insulating capacity, the final temperature of the melted wax inside the device, and the room temperature. The lowest ratio wins.


= Overview =
= Overview =
Line 8: Line 6:
== Prototyping ==
== Prototyping ==


<b>Prototyping</b> is the process of designing and building an early model of a product to test a concept or process. Any system or device that will be sold to consumers, government agencies, or businesses will begin as a prototype that typically does not have all of the components or functions that will be used in the product that is eventually brought to market. A prototype can serve as a proof of concept showing that the system or device can be built and will perform correctly. In this lab, a prototype of a thermal insulation device will be built. Its function will be to reduce the rate of heat loss from a container of heated wax placed in the device. The prototype insulating device will use a thermistor to measure heat loss and it will be operated by a microcontroller.  
Prototyping is the process of designing and building an early model of a product to test that product. Any system or device that will be sold to consumers, government agencies, or businesses will begin as a prototype that typically does not have all of the components or functions that will be used in the product that is eventually brought to market. A prototype can serve as a proof of concept showing that the system or device can be built and will perform correctly.
 
In this lab, a prototype of a thermal insulation device will be built. Its function will be to reduce the rate of heat loss from a container of heated wax placed in the device. The prototype insulating device will use a TMP 36 sensor to measure heat loss and it will be operated by a microcontroller.


== Electricity ==
== Electricity ==
<b>Electricity</b> is the movement of electrons. Electrons flow through a conductive wire when there is a difference in charge between two points in the wire. This flow of electrons is the <b>electrical current</b> and it is measured in amperes (A). Due to convection, electrical current flows in the opposite direction of the electrons. The difference in charge is the <b>electrical voltage</b> and is measured in volts (V). Certain materials resist that flow of electrons. This property is <b>electrical resistance</b> and is measured in ohms (&Omega;). Ohm’s Law (1) describes the relationship of the voltage across a resistor, the current (I) flowing through a resistor, and the resistance (R) of the resistor.
Electricity is the movement of electrons. Electrons flow through a conductive wire when there is a difference in charge between two points in the wire. This flow of electrons is the electrical current and it is measured in amperes (A). Electrical current flows in the opposite direction of the electrons. The difference in charge is the electrical voltage and is measured in volts (V). Certain materials resist the flow of electrons. This property is electrical resistance and is measured in ohms (Ω).
 
Ohm’s Law (1) describes the relationship of the voltage across a resistor, the current (I) flowing through a resistor, and the resistance (R) of the resistor.
<center><math>V=I*R</math></center>
<center><math>V=I*R</math></center>
<p style="text-align:right">(1)</p>
<p style="text-align:right">(1)</p>


Variations in voltage and current are also used in digital signal processing to operate complex systems and devices and simpler devices, such as microcontrollers and household digital instruments.
Variations in voltage and current are used in digital signal processing to operate complex systems and devices and simpler devices, such as microcontrollers and household digital instruments.


== Electronic Components ==
== Electrical Components ==


Several basic electronic components are used to build simple circuits. Some of these components are polarized, which means the way they are connected affects their functionality.
Several basic electrical components are used to build simple circuits.
 
=== Breadboards ===
Breadboards (Figure 1) are small boards that are commonly used for circuit prototyping. They allow the circuit’s components to be connected without making permanent connections. The red and blue strips on the sides of the board (sections A and D) called power rails are connected down the board and are usually used for powering and grounding. The non-colored rows between the power and ground strips (sections B and C) are connected across and are usually used for making the connections between components. Sections B and C are not connected to each other across the bridge in the middle of the board.
 
[[Image:breadboard.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 1: Breadboard Connections]]


=== DC (Direct Current) Voltage Sources ===
=== DC (Direct Current) Voltage Sources ===


<b>DC voltage sources</b> are used to power circuits because they have a voltage difference across their terminals. DC voltage sources are usually batteries (e.g. AA, AAA). Arduino boards can be powered by a battery, a USB cable, or an AC adapter. When the Arduino is powered, it can be used as a 5V DC voltage source. They are polarized.
DC voltage sources are used to power circuits because they have a voltage difference across their terminals. DC voltage sources are usually batteries (e.g. AA, AAA). Arduino boards can be powered by a battery, a USB cable, or an AC adapter. When the Arduino is powered, it can be used as a 5V DC voltage source.


=== Resistors ===
=== Resistors ===


<b>Resistors</b> (Figure 1) are components that reduce the current flowing through a circuit and convert the excess current to thermal energy. Resistors can be used to control the voltage and current of circuits. Resistors are color coded to indicate their resistance (Figure 2). They are not polarized.
Resistors (Figure 2) are components that reduce the current flowing through a circuit and convert the excess current to thermal energy. They are one of the most common components in electrical circuits. Resistors are mainly used to limit the current flowing through a component. For example, when connecting an LED to a battery, a resistor helps limit the circuit to ensure the LED is not damaged.


[[Image:resistor.jpg|center]]
[[Image:Resistor and symbol.png|center|thumb|center|300px|Figure 2: Resistor (I) & Resistor Symbol (r) used in Circuit Diagrams]]
<center><p>Figure 1: Symbol for a Resistor</p></center>


[[Image:Resistor color code.png‎|thumb|center|500px|Figure 2: Resistor Color Codes]]
Resistors are color coded to indicate their resistance in ohms (Figure 3). They are not polarized, meaning the orientation of the resistor does not affect the circuit.


A <b>thermistor</b> (Figure 3) is a thermal resistor that is used to measure temperature. The voltage in the thermistor will change proportionally to the temperature. The output voltage can then be converted to a temperature reading.
[[Image:Resistor color code.png‎|thumb|center|500px|Figure 3: Resistor Color Codes (zachpoff.com)]]


[[Image:Thermistor.jpg‎|thumb|center|300px|Figure 3: Thermistor]]
=== Push-Buttons and Switches ===


=== Push-Buttons and Switches ===
Push-buttons and switches (Figure 4) are mechanical devices that interrupt or divert current. Basic push-buttons are polarized while basic switches are not.
 
[[Image:Lab_Push_button_Proto.png|375px|thumb|center|Figure 4: A Push Button, and its Internal Switch Circuit]]
 
=== Diodes ===
 
Diodes allow current to pass in only one direction. The anode is the positive terminal of the diode, and the cathode is the negative terminal. Diodes can also be used to amplify signals (Figure 5).


<b>Push-buttons</b> and <b>switches</b> (Figure 4) are mechanical devices that interrupt or divert current. Basic push-buttons are polarized while basic switches are not.
[[Image:Anode_cathode_current_flow.png |350px|thumb|center|Figure 5: A Diode and its Corresponding Symbol]]
[[Image:button_switch.jpg|375px|thumb|center|Figure 4: Symbols for Buttons and Switches]]


=== Diodes and Transistors (BJT/MOSFETs) ===
A light emitting diode (LED) is a small electric light that uses low voltage and current (Figure 6). The longer lead of an LED is the anode, and the shorter lead is the cathode. The orientation of an LED is important since they are polarized. Most LEDs also require a resistor because they will burn out almost instantly when they encounter high current.


<b>Diodes</b> and <b>transistors</b> (Figure 5) allow current to only pass in one direction. MOSFETs are electrically controlled switches. They can also be used to amplify signals. They are polarized.
[[Image:Lab_LED_Proto.png |350px|thumb|center|Figure 6: An LED and its Corresponding Symbol]]
[[Image:diode_transistor.jpg|350px|thumb|center|Figure 5: Symbols for Diodes and Transistors]]


=== Light Emitting Diodes ===
A TMP36 sensor (Figure 7) uses the voltage-temperature relationship of diodes to measure temperature. The voltage across the diode of the sensor will change proportionally to the temperature. The output voltage can then be converted to a temperature reading.
<b>Light emitting diodes (LEDs)</b> are small electric lights that use low voltage and current (Figure 6). The orientation of an LED is important since it acts like a diode and only allows current to flow in one direction. Most LEDs also require a resistor (typically 470 &Omega;) in series because they will burn out almost instantly when they encounter high current. They are polarized.


[[Image:LED.jpg|center]]
[[Image:Lab_TMP36_sensor_Proto.png |200px|thumb|center|Figure 7: TMP36 Sensor]]
<center><p>Figure 6: Symbol for an LED</p></center>


== Microcontrollers ==
== Microcontrollers ==
A <b>microcontroller</b> is an inexpensive, programmable computer without any peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, or screen. Microcontroller boards have direct access to the input and output pins of their processing chips so that the user can directly read from sensors and perform actions. Microcontrollers are used in many electrical appliances, such as microwaves. Arduino boards (Figure 7), which use a microcontroller, were designed to be easily programmed and assembled into larger projects. These boards come in many shapes and sizes and some contain additional features, such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. Different boards can also have different features, such as processing speed and memory size.
A microcontroller is an inexpensive, programmable computer without any peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, or screen. Microcontroller boards have direct access to the input and output pins of their processing chips so that the user can directly read from sensors and perform actions. Microcontrollers perform specific functions in household appliances, medical devices, cars, and other systems and devices. Arduino boards (Figure 8), which use a microcontroller, were designed to be easily programmed and assembled into larger projects. These boards come in many shapes and sizes, and some contain additional features, such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. Different boards can also have different features, such as a higher processing speed and more memory.


[[Image:arduino.jpg|250px|thumb|center|Figure 7: Arduino UNO]]
[[Image:arduino.jpg|250px|thumb|center|Figure 8: Arduino UNO]]


This lab will use an Arduino UNO board created by SparkFun called a RedBoard (Figure 8). A RedBoard has many of the basic functions of a computer.
This lab will use an Arduino UNO board created by SparkFun called a RedBoard (Figure 9).
   
   
[[Image:redboard.jpg|250px|thumb|center|Figure 8: RedBoard]]
[[Image:redboard.jpg|250px|thumb|center|Figure 9: RedBoard]]


=== Arduino Hardware ===
=== Arduino Hardware ===


All Arduino boards have a general layout similar to that in Figure 9. Not all the sections and pins will be used in this lab or for the SLDPs.
All Arduino boards have a general layout that is similar to that shown in Figure 10. Not all the sections and pins will be used in this lab or for the Semester Long Design Projects.
 
[[Image:redboard_info.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Figure 9: RedBoard Layout]]
 
* <b>Reset Button:</b> Restarts the board
* <b>Reset Button:</b> Restarts the board
* <b>USB Connector:</b> Provides power and connects it to the computer
* <b>USB Connector:</b> Provides power and connects it to the computer
Line 75: Line 80:
* <b>Serial LEDS:</b> Shows if the Arduino is transmitting or receiving data from pins 0, 1, or the USB connection
* <b>Serial LEDS:</b> Shows if the Arduino is transmitting or receiving data from pins 0, 1, or the USB connection


The <b>power pins</b> are used to supply voltage to other pins, and are also used to ground pins (Figure 10).
[[Image:redboard_info.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 10: RedBoard Layout]]


[[Image:redboard_pins.jpg|150px|thumb|center|Figure 10: RedBoard Power Pins]]
The <b>power pins</b> are used to supply voltage to other pins, and are also used to ground pins (Figure 11).


* <b>3.3V:</b> Usually used to power low-voltage sensors
* <b>3.3V:</b> Usually used to power low-voltage sensors
* <b>5V:</b> Most common power pin used to power circuits
* <b>5V:</b> Uused to power circuits
* <b>GND:</b> Ground pin, which is 0V
* <b>GND:</b> Ground pin, 0V
* <b>VIN:</b> Voltage-in can be used to power the board using a battery or other external voltage source
* <b>VIN:</b> Voltage-in can be used to power the board using a battery or other external voltage source


The <b>digital and analog pins</b> are used for input and output commands to the microcontroller and electrical components (Figure 11). They can be used with both analog and digital devices, as the Arduino board converts analog inputs to a digital input.
[[Image:redboard_pins.jpg|150px|thumb|center|Figure 11: RedBoard Power Pins]]


[[Image:redboard_IO.jpg|150px|thumb|center|Figure 11: Digital and Analog Pins]]
The digital and analog pins are used for input and output commands to the microcontroller and electrical components (Figure 12). They can be used with both analog and digital devices, as the Arduino board converts analog inputs to a digital input.


* <b>A0-A5:</b> Identical analog pins that can be used to read sensors or control analog devices. Pins A0-A3 are more stable than A4 and A5
*'''A0-A5''': Identical analog pins that can read sensors or control analog devices. Analog pins can read/write values from 0 to 1023
* <b>Pins 0-1:</b> Transmitter and receiver pins. Do not use these pins for this lab
*'''Digital Pins 0-1''': Transmitter and receiver pins. Do not use these pins for this lab
* <b>Pins 2-12:</b> Digital pins that can be switched between HIGH states and LOW states
*'''Digital Pins 2-12''': Digital pins that switch between HIGH states and LOW states. Can only read/write values HIGH or LOW, unlike analog pins that allow a greater range of values
* <b>Pin 13:</b> Connected to the onboard LED, use it only as an input pin
*'''Digital Pin 13''': Connected to the onboard LED, use it only as an input pin


=== The Arduino IDE ===
[[Image:Lab 5 Figure 11.png|200px|thumb|center|Figure 12: RedBoard Digital (I) and Analog (r) Pins]]


The <b>Arduino IDE</b> is a program that can be used to edit, compile, and upload code to a supported microcontroller. Figure 11 is a screenshot of the program.
=== The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) ===


[[Image:arduinoide.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Figure 11: Arduino IDE Interface]]
Arduino IDE is a program that can be used to edit, compile, and upload code to a supported microcontroller. Figure 13 shows a screenshot of the program’s interface.


* <b>Verify:</b> Checks code for errors and points to where the errors occurred after it finishes
* <b>Verify:</b> Checks code for errors and points to the errors
* <b>Upload:</b> Verifies code and then uploads it to the Arduino board if there are no errors
* <b>Upload:</b> Verifies code and uploads it to the Arduino board
* <b>Console:</b> Shows any errors the software found in the hardware  
* <b>Console:</b> Shows errors found in the hardware  
* <b>Serial Monitor:</b> A tool used to send messages to and receive messages from the board
* <b>Serial Monitor:</b> Sends messages to and receives messages from the board


Programs written in Arduino are called <b>sketches</b>. A basic sketch can be broken up into three different areas: global, setup, and loop. These areas are pictured in Figure 11.
[[Image:Arduino_IDE_Interface.jpeg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 13: Arduino IDE Interface ]]


[[Image:Sketchareas.jpg‎|thumb|center|Figure 12: Areas in Arduino IDE Sketch]]
== Arduino Programming ==
The Arduino programming language is based on C/C++, but it is designed to be simpler and easier to learn. The intuitive way to think about programming is like building with LEGO blocks: certain rules must be followed and different building blocks can be used to build bigger parts.


* <b>Global:</b> Constants and imported libraries go here
Every line must end with a semicolon (;) unless it is a conditional, loop, or function. Comments start with two backslashes (//). Comments are text that the program ignores and are used to label and explain code.
* <b>Setup:</b> Activate the pins and sensors used. This code only runs once
* <b>Loop:</b> The code that runs continuously for reading sensors and turning pins HIGH or LOW


== Arduino Programming ==
== Arduino Programs ==
Programs written in Arduino are called sketches. A basic sketch can be broken up into three different areas: global, setup, and loop. These areas are pictured in Figure 14.


The <b>Arduino programming language</b> is based on C/C++, but it is designed to be simpler and easier to learn. The most intuitive way to think about programming is like building with LEGO blocks: certain rules must be followed and different building blocks can be used to build bigger parts.
* <b>Global:</b> Contains constants and imported libraries
* <b>Setup:</b> Function runs once at start of the program. Setup function often used to activate pins and sensors in the program
* <b>Loop:</b> Function runs continuously after Setup function. Code in a loop function will continue to run until Arduino loses power. Function often in most of the program to read sensors and switch pins HIGH or LOW


Every line must end with a semicolon (;) unless it is a conditional, loop, or function. <b>Comments</b> start with two backslashes (//). Comments are text that the program ignores and are used to label and explain code.
[[Image:Sketchareas.jpg‎|thumb|center|Figure 14: Areas in Arduino IDE Sketch]]


=== Datatypes ===
=== Datatypes ===


<b>Datatypes</b> are the different kinds of data values that can be used, manipulated, and stored using C++. Table 1 shows the most basic and widely used datatypes.
<b>Datatypes</b> are the different kinds of data values that can be used, manipulated, and stored using C++. The most basic and widely used datatypes were shown in Table 1.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Datatypes
|+ Table 1: Fundamental Data Types
!Datatype!!What It Stores (Examples)!!Default Value!!Notes
!Datatype!!What It Stores (Examples)!!Default Value!!Notes
|-
|-
Line 142: Line 149:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 2: Operators
|+ Table 2: Common Operators
!Operator!!What it Does!!Notes
!Operator!!What it Does!!Notes
|-
|-
Line 173: Line 180:
=== Constants and Variables ===
=== Constants and Variables ===


<b>Constants</b> and <b>variables</b> (Figure 13) hold data according to their datatype. They must be given a name so they can be referred to later. Constants hold data that will not change while a program is running. Constants usually contain pin numbers or sensor threshold values. Variables contain data that will change while a program is running. Variables usually contain sensor values and other values that must have mathematical operations done on them. Figure 13 is an example of how to create different constants and variables.
<b>Constants</b> and <b>variables</b> (Figure 15) hold data according to their datatype. They must be given a name so they can be referred to later. Constants hold data that will not change while a program is running. Constants usually contain pin numbers or sensor threshold values. Variables contain data that will change while a program is running. Variables usually contain sensor values and other values that must have mathematical operations done on them. Figure 15 shows how to create different constants and variables.


[[Image:variables.png‎|thumb|center|336px|Figure 13: Constants and Variables]]
[[Image:variables.png‎|thumb|center|336px|Figure 15: Constants and Variables]]


=== Conditional Statements ===
=== Conditional Statements ===


<b>Conditional statements</b> (Figure 14) run code enclosed by their curly brackets when a condition is met.
<b>Conditional statements</b> (Figure 16) run code enclosed by their curly brackets when a condition is met.


[[Image:conditionals.jpg‎|thumb|center|800px|Figure 14: Conditional Statements]]
[[Image:conditionals.jpg‎|thumb|center|800px|Figure 16: Conditional Statements]]


=== Loops ===
=== Loops ===


<b>Loops</b> (Figure 15) run the code enclosed by their curly brackets a specific number of times or until a condition is met. <b>While loops</b> are used to perform a task until a condition is met. In Figure 15, the while loop runs only if the button state is HIGH. Immediately when the button state becomes LOW, the while loop will stop running. <b>For loops</b> are used when an action must run a specific number of times. Although they seem complicated at first, the structure of most for loops is the same. In Figure 15, the first part of the for loop sets a variable (usually ‘i’ for ‘index’) to a value used to begin a count, the middle sets the condition to make the loop stop, and the third part is where the variable is incremented or decremented with each run of the loop. The first time the loop runs, i = 0 which does not meet the loop end condition (i > 10) and the code will run. At the end of the loop code, i is incremented by 1 and becomes i = 1. For the second time the loop runs, i = 1 which again does not meet the loop end condition and the code runs once again. i then becomes i = 2 at the end of the loop. This repeats until i = 10.
Loops run the code enclosed by their curly brackets a specific number of times or until a condition is met.  
 
While loops are used to perform a task until a condition is met. In Figure 17, the while loop runs only if the state of the button is HIGH. When the state of the button becomes LOW, the while loop will stop running.


[[Image:while.jpg|thumb|center|497px|Figure 15: While and For Loops]]
[[Image:Fig15lab3.png|thumb|center|500px|Figure 17: While and For Loops]]


=== Commonly Used Arduino Functions ===
=== Commonly Used Functions ===


Table 3 shows commonly used functions in the Arduino IDE that are specifically used to work with the digital and analog pins of the board.
Table 3 shows commonly used functions in the Arduino IDE that are specifically used to work with the digital and analog pins of the board.
Line 211: Line 220:
|style="text-align: center;"|Serial.print(value)||style="text-align: center;"|Prints the value (variable) to the Serial Monitor
|style="text-align: center;"|Serial.print(value)||style="text-align: center;"|Prints the value (variable) to the Serial Monitor
|}
|}
<!-- Tinkercad is a cloud-based, in-browser software that will be used for the simulation of microcontrollers and associated electrical components. Additionally, code can be programmed in-browser in the Arduino programming language and simulated with the virtual circuit. A link to the Tinkercad website can be found here. You can sign into Tinkercad with your Autodesk account, which you should have created in Lab 1.
Once a new circuit has been created, the interface appears like that in Figure 18. Components can be dragged and dropped from the sidebar into the work area.
[[File:Vc2.png|700px|thumb|center|Figure 18: Tinkercad Interface]]
To simulate the program, the Code block can be opened and the code typed into it. To run the simulation with the code and virtual circuit, click Start Simulation (Figure 19).[[File:Vc3.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 19: Tinkercad Simulation]] -->


== Heat and Heat Transfer ==
== Heat and Heat Transfer ==
<b>Heat</b> is a form of energy. Heat can be beneficial and it can be destructive. For example, the heat created by the combustion of fossil fuels in a combustion engine or the heat generated by the friction between parts of an engine in contact can destroy an engine. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home keeps the home warm at cooler temperatures. Many systems and devices use components and materials that are designed to remove heat from the system or retain heat in the system.
<b>Heat</b> is a form of energy. Heat can be beneficial, and it can be destructive. For example, the heat created by the combustion of fossil fuels in a combustion engine or the heat generated by the friction between parts of an engine in contact can destroy an engine. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home keeps the home warm at cooler temperatures and cooler at higher temperatures. Many systems and devices use components and materials that are designed to remove heat from the system or retain heat in the system.


<b>Heat transfer</b> is the process of thermal energy moving from one body to another as a result of a temperature difference. <b>Temperature</b> is the measure of the average kinetic energy of atomic motion. The faster the atoms are moving, the higher the temperature. The main mechanisms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.
<b>Heat transfer</b> is the process of thermal energy moving from one body to another as a result of a temperature difference. Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of atomic motion. The faster the atoms are moving, the higher the temperature. The main mechanisms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.


<b>Conduction</b> occurs when there is a temperature difference within a solid body or between solid bodies in contact. During conduction, energy (heat) will flow from the region of higher temperature to the region of lower temperature. Imagine a metal rod that is heated at one end. The atoms of the rod collide at the point where the temperature differs, transferring heat until the temperature of the rod becomes uniform.
<b>Conduction</b> occurs when there is a temperature difference within a solid body or between solid bodies in contact. During conduction, energy (heat) will flow from the region of higher temperature to the region of lower temperature. Imagine a metal rod that is heated at one end. The atoms of the rod collide at the point where the temperature differs, transferring energy until the temperature of the rod becomes uniform.


<b>Convection</b> is the transfer of heat within a fluid medium (fluids consist of gasses and liquids). Convection can occur as natural or forced convection. <b>Forced convection</b> (Figure 16) occurs when the main mechanism for heat transfer is due to an outside force causing the fluid to move. <b>Natural convection</b> results from the natural difference in density between fluids, causing a liquid or gas to rise.  
<b>Convection</b> is the transfer of heat within a fluid medium (fluids consist of gasses and liquids). Convection can occur as natural or forced convection. Forced convection (Figure 19) occurs when the main mechanism for heat transfer is due to an outside force causing the fluid to move. Natural convection results from the natural difference in density between fluids, causing a liquid or gas to rise.


[[Image:lab_hegg_2.jpg|frame|center|Figure 16: Air Circulation Diagram]]
[[Image:lab_hegg_2.jpg|frame|center|Figure 19: Air Circulation Diagram]]


<b>Radiation</b> is the process by which energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation is emitted by a heated surface in all directions. It does not require an intervening medium to carry it. The heating of the Earth by the Sun is an example of heat transfer by radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a means of energy transfer that occurs when an atom absorbs energy. This electromagnetic wave can propagate as heat, light, ultraviolet, or other electromagnetic waves depending on the type of atom and the amount of energy absorbed.
<b>Radiation</b> is the process by which energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation is emitted by a heated surface in all directions. It does not require an intervening medium to carry it. The heating of the Earth by the Sun is an example of heat transfer by radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a means of energy transfer that occurs when an atom absorbs energy. This electromagnetic wave can propagate as heat, light, ultraviolet, or other electromagnetic waves depending on the type of atom and the amount of energy absorbed.
Line 227: Line 240:
<b>Color</b> is a property of light. When an object appears white, it virtually reflects all the electromagnetic waves coming to it while a black object absorbs the waves. Color (reflectivity) should be considered when choosing materials for thermal insulation.
<b>Color</b> is a property of light. When an object appears white, it virtually reflects all the electromagnetic waves coming to it while a black object absorbs the waves. Color (reflectivity) should be considered when choosing materials for thermal insulation.


The container that will be built in the lab is a <b>thermodynamic system</b> (Figure 17), which is a part of the Universe separated from the surroundings by an imaginary boundary. There are three types of systems: open systems, closed systems, and isolated systems.
The container that will be built in the lab is a thermodynamic system (Figure 20), which is a part of the Universe separated from the surroundings by an imaginary boundary. There are three types of systems: open systems, closed systems, and isolated systems.


[[Image:lab_hegg_5.png|frame|center|Figure 17: Thermodynamic System]]
[[Image:lab_hegg_5.png|frame|center|Figure 20: Thermodynamic System]]


<b>Open systems</b> allow the transfer of mass and heat. For example, an open pot of boiling water is an open system. It exchanges heat and water vapor with the air around it. If collected, the water vapor can be condensed back to liquid water that has some mass.
<b>Open systems</b> allow the transfer of mass and heat. For example, an open pot of boiling water is an open system. It exchanges heat and water vapor with the air around it. If collected, the water vapor can be condensed back to liquid water that has some mass.
Line 235: Line 248:
<b>Closed systems</b> only allow heat to be transferred to the surroundings. A hermetically sealed bottle of soda is a closed system. If placed in a hot environment, it absorbs energy in the form of heat, but the amount of liquid within does not change.
<b>Closed systems</b> only allow heat to be transferred to the surroundings. A hermetically sealed bottle of soda is a closed system. If placed in a hot environment, it absorbs energy in the form of heat, but the amount of liquid within does not change.


<b>Isolated systems</b> do not interact with the surroundings at all. No exchange of heat or mass is possible. An ideal Thermos® is an isolated system. If hot chocolate is poured within, the same amount at the same temperature will be poured out later. No such system can be fabricated, but they can be approximated.
<b>Isolated systems</b> do not interact with the surroundings at all. No exchange of heat or mass is possible. An ideal Thermos® is an isolated system. If hot chocolate is poured inside a Thermos, the same amount at the same temperature will be poured out later. No such system can be fabricated, but they can be approximated.


Understanding how to minimize heat loss is the key to designing a successful insulating container. The first consideration is the materials chosen. Using materials that are poor conductors of heat, such as glass, will minimize heat loss. Plastic is also a poor conductor of heat. Foam cups are made of plastic that has tiny air bubbles suspended in it. Air is among the poorest conductors of heat. A vacuum, or the complete lack of air, is the best insulator of all. This is the principle employed in the Thermos® design.
Understanding how to minimize heat loss is the key to designing a successful insulating container. The first consideration is the materials chosen. Using materials that are poor conductors of heat, such as glass, will minimize heat loss. Plastic is also a poor conductor of heat. Foam cups are made of plastic that has tiny air bubbles suspended in it. Air is among the poorest conductors of heat. A vacuum, or the complete lack of air, is the best insulator of all. This is the principle employed in a Thermos® design.


The other important consideration in creating the container is its cost. Minimal design uses the fewest resources while maintaining the safety and efficacy of a product.
The other important consideration in creating the container is its cost. Minimal design uses the fewest resources while maintaining the safety and efficacy of a product.
Line 248: Line 261:
* Resistors
* Resistors
** 220 &Omega;
** 220 &Omega;
** 10 k&Omega;
** 2.2 k&Omega;
** 2.2 k&Omega;
* LED
* LED
* Push-button
* Push-button
* Thermistor


= Procedure =
= Procedure =
== Starting a New Sketch in the Arduino IDE ==
# Open the Arduino IDE
# Plug the Arduino/RedBoard into the computer
# In the Arduino IDE toolbar, go to Tools > Board > Select Arduino/Gunuino Uno
# In the toolbar, go to Port and select the correct port


== Building Circuits on a Breadboard ==
== 1. Building an LED Circuit and Button Circuit ==


<b>Breadboards</b> (Figure 18) are small boards that are commonly used for circuit prototyping. They allow the circuit’s components to be connected without making permanent connections.  
# A circuit using an LED and a button will be made in Part 1. The LED should be on when the button is pressed and off when the button is not pressed. The programming flowchart and circuit diagram are shown in Figure 21.[[Image:programmingflowchart.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 21: Programming Flowchart]][[Image:circuitdiagram.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 22: Circuit Diagram]]
# Before breadboarding the circuit, look at the bottom side (pin side) of the button to determine which pins are connected. Note which pins are for power, ground, and digital input into the Arduino. There is a wire internally connecting the pins across the sides of the push-button (Figure 23). Pins 1 and 2 are connected, and pins 3 and 4 are connected. Make sure the button straddles the break in the breadboard.
#; [[Image:Lab_5_Part_2_Fritz_Diagram.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 23: Button Circuit Diagram]]
# Breadboard the circuit diagram in Figure 24. Remember, since LEDs are polarized, their orientation matters. The shorter leg of the LED should be connected to the same row as GND. The 220 Ω resistor for the LED is needed, otherwise too much current would flow and the LED will burn out. The 2.2k Ω resistor for the button is needed to get a stable input. Make sure the correct resistor is used for both the LED and the button.
#; [[Image:breadboardcircuitdiagram.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 24: Circuit]]
# Write the Arduino program to implement the flowchart. Include comments explaining what the code is doing. The code must have comments to be approved by a TA
## First start a new sketch in the Arduino IDE
### Open the Arduino IDE
### Plug the Arduino/RedBoard into the computer
### In the Arduino IDE toolbar, go to Tools > Board > Select Arduino/Genuino Uno
### In the toolbar, go to Port and select the correct port
## In the <b>Global Area</b>, create the constants used to hold the pin numbers for the button and the LED.
##; [[Image:globalareacode.png|300px|thumb|center]]
## In the <b>Setup Area</b>, use <b>pinMode()</b> to set up the LED and Button. The LED will be set to OUTPUT since it will be controlled by the program. The button will be set to INPUT since the program will receive data from the button.
##; [[Image:setupareacode.png|300px|thumb|center]]
## In the <b>Loop Area</b>, use <b>digitalRead()</b>, <b>digitalWrite()</b>, and a conditional to write the code that controls the button
### Create a variable named buttonState, that will hold the input from the button
###; [[Image:loopareacode1.png|200px|thumb|center]]
### Use <b>digitalRead()</b> to set the buttonState variable to the current state of the button
###; [[Image:loopareacode2.png|500px|thumb|center]]
### Set up the conditional statement that will be used to control the LED. In this code, the conditional is controlled by the button state.
###; [[Image:conditionalstatement.png|400px|thumb|center]]
### Use <b>digitalWrite()</b> to control the LED. Remember, we want the LED to be on when the button is pressed, and off otherwise
#### This line will turn the LED on
####; [[Image:dw1.png|400px|thumb|center]]
#### This line will turn the LED off
####;[[Image:dw2.png|400px|thumb|center]]


The red and blue strips on the sides of the board (sections A and D) are connected all the way down the board and are usually used for powering and grounding. The non-colored rows between the power and ground strips (sections B and C) are connected across and are usually used for making the connections between components and sensors. Sections B and C are not connected to each other across the board.
<!--== 2. Using a Button ==
# Part 2 adds a button to the circuit from Part 1 and requires conditionals (if-statements). The LED should be on when the button is pressed and off when the button is not pressed. <b>For remote students</b>, copy the [https://www.tinkercad.com/things/ltcFAatwjUO Part 2] template to the Tinkercad workspace using the steps in Starting a New Circuit in Tinkercad.
# Before breadboarding the circuit, look at the bottom side (pin side) of the button to determine which pins are connected. Note which pins are for power, ground, and digital input into the Arduino.
# There is a wire internally connecting the pins across the sides of the push-button (Figure 24). Pins 1 and 2 are connected, and pins 3 and 4 are connected. Make sure the button straddles the break in the breadboard.
#: [[Image:Lab_5_Part_2_Fritz_Diagram.png|400px|thumb|center|Figure 24: Button Circuit Diagram]]
# Breadboard the circuit diagram in Figure 25 and sketch a flowchart of the program needed. Have a TA verify the flowchart.
#: [[Image:Arduino_Wiring.png|600px|thumb|center|Figure 25: Part 2 Wiring]]
# Write the Arduino program to implement the flowchart. Use an if-statement. Refer to the Conditional Statements part of the Overview for help with writing if-statements.
# Remember to create a constant that holds the pin number that the button is connected to and that the button will be a digital input. After the button constant, create an integer that will hold the button state, as shown in Figure 26.
#: [[Image:button_read.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Figure 26: Button Integer]]
# Within the loop function, check the state of the button (whether it is pressed or not pressed), using the code in Figure 27.
#: [[Image:button_state.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Figure 27: Button State]]
# Take screenshots or pictures of the final code, circuit, and results (the LED state when the button is pressed and is not pressed), and send the files to yourself.-->


[[Image:breadboard.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 18: Breadboard Connections]]
== 2. Prototyping a Thermal Insulation Device ==


== Activity 1: Building an LED Circuit ==
# The first activity will be making a simple LED blinking circuit. The programming flowchart and circuit diagram are in Figure 14.
#: [[Image:LED_flowchart.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 14: LED Circuit Diagram and Flowchart]]
# First, wire the LED to the breadboard like in Figure 15. Remember, since LEDs are polarized, their orientation matters. The shorter leg of the LED should be connected to the same row as GND. The resistor is NECESSARY, otherwise too much current would flow and the LED will burn out! Make sure to wire power to the power (red) rail and the signal from 7 to the LED directly
#: [[Image:LED_wiring.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 15: Arduino Wiring]]
# Now type the following code into a new sketch.
#: [[Image:LED_code.jpg|300px|thumb|center|Figure 16: LED Code]]
# The flowchart uses Digital Pin 7 on the Arduino as an output. Therefore, create a constant that holds the number 7 and in the setup area set Pin 7 as an output using pinMode. Then, turn the LED on by using digitalWrite, have a delay of one second, turn the LED off by using digitalWrite and then set another delay of one second.
# The LED circuit will be used in the next activity. Do not deconstruct it.
== Activity 2: Using a Button ==
# Activity 2 adds a button to the circuit from activity 1 and requires conditionals (think if-statement). The LED should be on when the button is pressed and off when the button isn’t pressed.
# Before you breadboard the circuit look at the bottom side (pin side) of the button to examine which pins are connected.
There is a line connecting the pins that are wired together internally on each side. See the schematic below, pins 1 and 2 are connected, and pins 3 and 4 are connected. Make sure the button straddles the break in the breadboard
[[Image:Lab_5_Part_2_Fritz_Diagram.png|300px|thumb|center|Figure 17: Button Circuit Diagram]]
# First, breadboard the circuit diagram in Figure 18 and sketch a flowchart of the program needed. Have a TA verify the flowchart. 
#: [[Image:Arduino_Wiring.png|500px|thumb|center|Figure 18: Arduino Wiring]]
# Write the Arduino program to implement the flowchart. Use an if statement
# Remember to create a constant that holds the pin number to which the button is connected and that the button will be a digital input. After the button constant, create an integer that will hold the button state:
#: [[Image:button_read.jpg|500px|thumb|center|Figure 19: Button integer]]
# Within the loop function, you must check the state of the button (whether it is pressed or not pressed), using the following code:
#: [[Image:button_state.jpg|300px|thumb|center|Figure 20: Button state]]
== Activity 3: Prototyping a Thermal Insulation Device and Product Evaluation ==
=== Competition Rules ===
=== Competition Rules ===


The following rules must be observed at all times during
The following rules must be observed at all times during the competition. Violation of any of these rules will result in disqualification.
the competition. Violation of any of these rules will result in the
disqualification.


* You must use a cup or clay in the design of your thermal insulation device
* The placement of the thermistor with respect to the lid may not be changed
* In order to protect the wax from being ruined, no materials may be poured on top of the jar
* The thermal insulating device may not be held while testing
* Students are not allowed change the placement of the thermistor with respect to the lid
* The container may not be held
* External heat sources are prohibited
* External heat sources are prohibited
* The candle must be inside the container within 30 seconds from when you receive it
* The jar of beeswax must be inside the container within 30 seconds of it being received
* The jar of beeswax cannot be returned (no restarts)
* A minimum of $0.40 must be used in the design of the insulating device
The competition will be judged by the minimal design ratio (MDR) (2) of the design. The design with the lowest MDR wins
<center><math>MDR = \left | IC \right | \times Cost \times \frac{T_{\text{R}}}{T_{\text{F}}}\,</math></center>
<p style="text-align:right">(2)</p>


=== Materials with Price List ===
In (2), <b>IC</b> is the insulating capacity, <b>Cost</b> is the cost of the container, <b>T<sub>R</sub></b> is the temperature of the room, and <b>T<sub>F</sub> </b> is the final temperature read by the thermistor. Ask a TA for the room temperature
* Large foam cup - $0.50
* Lid - $0.25
* Pack of clay - $0.20/bag
* Wool fabric pieces - $0.10/2 pieces
* Cotton balls - $0.05/3 pieces
* Popsicle sticks - $0.01/stick
* Paper cup - $0.40
* Styrofoam pieces - $0.05/3 pieces
* Tape - $0.10/ft
* Aluminum foil - $0.30/ft<SUP>2</SUP>
* Plastic wrap - $0.02/ft<SUP>2</SUP>


The insulating container will be built using the materials in Table 4. Select the materials carefully. Consider their cost and their use as an insulator. Review the competition ratio before purchasing materials


<b><font color=#ff0000>"NO RETURN" POLICY</font>: When calculating cost, you must include
{| class="wikitable"
ALL materials you request, even if you end up not using them. Make your selections carefully so you don't end up with cost that hurts your performance, but has no benefit.</b>
|+ Table 4: Materials and Costs
!Material!!Unit!!Cost Per Unit
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Large foam cup||style="text-align: center;"|1||style="text-align: center;"|$0.50
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Lid||style="text-align: center;"|1||style="text-align: center;"|$0.25
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Pack of clay||style="text-align: center;"|1 bag||style="text-align: center;"|$0.20
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Wool fabric||style="text-align: center;"|2 pieces||style="text-align: center;"|$0.10
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Cotton balls||style="text-align: center;"|3 balls||style="text-align: center;"|$0.05
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Popsicle sticks||style="text-align: center;"|1||style="text-align: center;"|$0.01
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Paper cup||style="text-align: center;"|1||style="text-align: center;"|$0.40
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Styrofoam pieces||style="text-align: center;"|5||style="text-align: center;"|$0.05
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Tape||style="text-align: center;"|1 ft||style="text-align: center;"|$0.10
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Aluminum foil||style="text-align: center;"|1 ft<sup>2</sup>||style="text-align: center;"|$0.30
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Plastic wrap||style="text-align: center;"|1 ft<sup>2</sup>||style="text-align: center;"|$0.02
|-
|}


=== Competition Procedure ===
<b><font color=#ff0000>NO RETURN POLICY</font>: When calculating cost, ALL materials requested must be included, even if they were not used. Choose the materials carefully to avoid increasing the cost unnecessarily.</b>
====Building a Thermistor====
<ol>
Using the Arduino, the temperature change of the candle will be recorded over the course of 15 minutes. The Arduino will read the temperature through the thermistor and print out the values into serial monitor.
[[Image:ArduinoConnection.png|thumb|center|500px|Figure 21: Arduino thermistor wiring diagram.]]
<li>Carefully remove the existing circuit, and wire the circuit according to the following configuration. A 10 K&Omega; (Brown, Black, Orange) resistor should be used. Make sure that pin A0 is used, and the circuit is powered to 5V and grounded. </li>
<li> Download the program here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XTx0EHq4knP3qQIawumjvxLWdxH4rp1T
</li>There are missing components in the code; make sure to read through the comments and insert code where it is necessary.
</li>After the program is completed and uploaded, open up the Serial Monitor to check if the readings are correct (should be in the 70s &deg;F range).
Keep the circuit intact since it will be used to measure the temperature of your container.
</li>


<li>Notes:
== 3. Competition Procedure ==
A thermistor is a thermal resistor, which is a resistor that changes resistance with temperature. Depending on the temperature that it detects, the amount of voltage that goes through the thermistor will change proportionally to the temperature. Using the output voltage of the thermistor, it can be converted to a temperature reading.
The Arduino should be taking a temperature reading every 5 seconds. The analog voltage value read through pin A0 should then be converted to a Fahrenheit reading. The temperature reading should be printed to the Serial monitor along with the seconds timestamp of the reading.</li>


=== Building a Thermistor ===


</ol>
Using the Arduino, the temperature change of the hot wax will be recorded over 10 minutes. The Arduino will read the temperature through the thermistor and print the values into the serial monitor.


==== Insulating Container Design ====
#Carefully remove the existing circuit and wire the circuit according to the configuration in Figure 28. A <b>10 k&Omega;</b> (Brown, Black, Orange) resistor should be used. Make sure that pin A0 is used, and the circuit is powered to 5V and grounded. [[Image:ArduinoConnection.png|thumb|center|600px|Figure 28: Arduino Thermistor Wiring Diagram]]
<ol>
#Download the [[Media:Lab3.zip | Arduino Program]] to be used to operate the thermistor.
<li>Analyze your materials and consider your design options, keeping in mind the lab's specifications.
#There are missing components in the code. Read through the comments and insert code where necessary. After the program is completed and uploaded, open the <b>Serial Monitor</b> to check if the readings are correct (should be at or near 70 &deg;F). Keep the circuit intact since it will be used to measure the temperature of the wax.
Make sure you make preliminary sketches during this process.</li>
#The Arduino should be taking a temperature reading every 30 seconds. The analog voltage value read through pin A0 should then be converted to degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature reading should be printed to the Serial Monitor along with the seconds timestamp of the reading.
<li>Now, sketch your design. Label your drawings clearly. Prepare a price-list
for your insulating container based on the materials you have chosen. </li>
<li>Build your insulating container based on the sketch you just completed. Your TA will provide the
materials needed for your design. If you decide to modify your design during the construction of your
insulating container, note the changes and describe the reasons for them. If the modifications required
more materials to be used, make sure you update your price list and your TA approves it.</li>
</ol>


=== Insulating Device Design ===
#Analyze the materials and consider the design options, keeping in mind the lab's specifications. Make preliminary sketches during this process.
#Sketch the design. Label the drawings clearly. Prepare a price list and write down the total cost for the insulating container based on the materials chosen. Receive approval of the design sketch from a TA.
#Build the insulating device based on the completed sketch. The TA will provide the materials needed for the design. If the design is modified during construction, note the changes and describe the reasons for them. If the modifications required more materials, update the price list and obtain approval.


=== Competition ===


==== Competition ====
# Have a TA verify the fixed Arduino code. Run the program for approximately 30 seconds to obtain an average room temperature. The data from the Arduino can be seen in the Serial Monitor on the top right corner of the Arduino IDE.
# Stop the program after 30 seconds and check to ensure that the data was collected. Record the average room temperature.
# The TA will bring the heated wax. Place the lid with the thermistor attached over the top of the wax. Be sure the top of the container is loosely covered with the lid.
# Do not adjust the thermistor from its position in the lid. Do not screw on the lid, just place it over the container. <span style="color: red;">Warning: Be careful! The melted wax is hot!</span>
# Restart the Arduino program. Once the temperature readings stop increasing, start timing the 10 minute run.
# The data from the thermistor will allow for further analysis. The Arduino data from the Serial Monitor will be used to calculate the insulating capacity (IC) for the competition ratio. <span style="color: red;">DO NOT CLOSE OUT OF THE SERIAL MONITOR WINDOW</span>. After 10 minutes from the time the temperature readings stop increasing, copy and paste the data from the Serial Monitor into a Microsoft Excel file.


<ol>
== 4. Data Analysis ==
<li>Have a TA test your Arduino code. Run the program for approximately 30 seconds to obtain an average room temperature. The data from the Arduino can be seen in the Serial Monitor on the top right corner of the Arduino IDE.</li>
<li> Stop the program after 30 seconds and check to ensure that the data was collected. </li>
<li>The TA will bring the candle to you once you are ready to receive it. Place the lid with the thermistor attached over the top of the wax. Be sure the top of the container is loosely covered with the lid. </li>
<li>Do not adjust the thermistor from its position in the lid.</li>
<li>Do not screw on the lid; just place it over the container.</li>


<span style="color: red;"> Warning: Be careful! The hot melted wax is HOT! </span>
# The data pasted from the Serial Monitor into Excel is not correctly separated into columns. To present the data in the correct format, highlight all the data, and go to the <b>Data tab</b> and select <b>“Text to Columns”</b>. [[Image:datatab.png|700px|center]]
# In the <b>Text-to-Columns</b> wizard, select <b>Delimited</b> as the data type and click <b>Next</b>. Then select <b>“Comma”</b> as the delimiter, and hit <b>“Finish”</b>. Ensure that the data has been separated into two separate columns. 
# Create a graph of the data using the X, Y Scatter template. First, select the data starting from the where the temperature readings stop increasing (example below). Next go to the <b>Insert</b> tab, and click on the first <b>Scatter</b> option under the <b>Charts</b> group. This should create a new scatter plot, as seen below. [[Image:charts.png|400px|center]]
# Next add axis labels and a trendline. First click on the graph, and then the green <b>“+”</b> icon next to it. Then, check off <b>“Axis Titles, Chart Titles, and Trendline”</b>. Click on the added labels to edit the text.  When finished, the graph should look similar to Figure 29. Figure 29: Temperature vs. Time Graph of the Thermal Insulation Device [[Image:charttitle.png|400px|center]]
# Calculate the insulating capacity (IC) of the design. This will be done using the trendline equation. Right-click on the trendline and select <b>“Format Trendline”</b>. On the <b>“Trendline Options”</b> tab, ensure that the trendline is linear. Select the <b>“Display Equation on Chart"</b> option. The slope of this linear equation is the IC.
# Give the IC, final temperature, and total cost to the TA to enter the design's performance into the competition score sheet and calculate the MDR.


<li>Restart your Arduino program. Once the temperature readings stop increasing, start timing your 15 minute run. </li>
The lab work is now complete. Please clean up the workstation. Return all unused materials to a TA.
<li> The data from the thermistor will allow for further analysis.
<span style="color: red;"> The Arduino data from the Serial Monitor will be used to attain the IC for the competition calculation. PLEASE DO NOT CLOSE OUT OF THE SERIAL MONITOR WINDOW. After 15 minutes (or 900 seconds), copy the data from the serial monitor into an Excel file. </span></ol>


==== Data Analysis ====
= Assignment =
 
<ol>
<li>
The data pasted from the Serial Monitor into Excel is not correctly separated into columns; therefore, to put them in the correct format, highlight all the data, and go to Data -> Text to Columns -> Delimited, and check off comma. Press finish to see the data in the correct columns.
</li>
<li>Create a graph using the X, Y Scatter template.
 
You'll find the template on the <b><i>Insert</i></b> tab, under the
<b><i>Charts</i></b> group, with the <b><i>Scatter</i></b> icon. Click
on the arrow below the icon and select the top left icon in the pulldown
gallery. You can get the axes you want by clicking on the axis. You can get
labels and titles by clicking on the chart, which will change the ribbon to the
<b><i>Design</i></b> tab. In the <b><i>Charts Layout</i></b> group, click the
icon that looks like the chart you want. Right click on the things you want to
change.</li>
<li>For the thermistor name the X-axis <i>Time</i>, name the Y-axis <i>Temperature</i>. Plot it in half minute intervals for fifteen minutes, starting from the downhill trend. You may need to divide the Arduino data by 60 to convert to minutes. You may select the intervals based on your results. When you are finished, your graph should look similar to Figure 22.</li>
 
[[Image:Lab_hegg_7.PNG|frame|center|Figure 22: Temperature vs. Time diagram of first 15 minutes of VI run]]


<li>Calculate the <b><i>Insulating Capacity (IC) </i></b>of your design, do not include the first few seconds of an uphill trend, this is just the thermistor changing from room temperature to the temperature of the wax. <b><i>IC</i></b>
Note: <b>Part 2: Thermal Insulation Device Competition</b> will be included in both lab report and team presentation. <b>Part 1: Building an LED and Button Circuit</b> DOES NOT need to be included in the lab report and team presentation.  
The IC is the value of the slope of the graph of fifteen minutes of data. <span style="color: red;">  The IC is calculated using the data from the Arduino for this lab. </span></li>
 
<li>Add a trendline to your graph. To do so, click on the chart to get the <b><i>Design</i></b> tab on the
ribbon. Under the <b><i>Chart Layouts</i></b> group, click on the chart
template that has a trend line. As before, right click on the various items to
make them what you want, including deleting things. Finally, right click on the
trend line. This will bring up the <b><i>Format Trendline</i></b> window. On
the left side, the <b><i>Trendline Options</i></b> item should be highlighted.
If it isn't, click on it to highlight it. On the right side near the bottom is
an item <b><i>Display Equation on chart</i></b>. Click on the check box to the
left of this item and click <b><i>Close</i></b>. You can then click on the
equation that's on the chart to move it where you want.</li>
<li>Calculate the <b><i>Minimal Design Ratio (MDR)</i></b> for your design:</li>
 
<math>MDR = \left | IC \right | \times cost \times \frac{T_{\text{R}}}{T_{\text{F}}}\,</math>
 
<b>IC</b> is the insulating capacity you calculated earlier. <b>Cost</b> is the cost of your container, <b>T<sub>R</sub></b> is the temperature of the room given to you by the TA, and <b>T<sub>F</sub></b> is the final temperature read by the
thermistor. Check the MDR using data from all the devices for a better reference. '''Again, please use IC from Arduino to calculate the final MDR.'''
</ol>
 
'''Note: If your average room temperature is significantly different from the TA's average, let the TA know.'''
 
The team with the <b><i>lowest MDR</i></b> wins.
 
Your lab work is now complete. Please clean up your workstation. Return all
unused materials to your TA.
 
= Assignment =


== Individual Lab Report ==
== Individual Lab Report ==
<!--
<!--
* For EG1003: This is a REQUIRED Lab Report
* For EG1004: This is a REQUIRED Lab Report
*
*
-->
-->
{{Labs:Lab Report}} The LED and button circuit procedure does not need to be discussed.


Follow the lab report guidelines laid out in the page called
*Abstract
[[Specifications for Writing Your Lab Reports]] in the <i>Technical Communication</i> section of this
**Briefly summarize the lab exercise. Include the competition results
manual. As you write, the following discussion points should be addressed in the appropriate section of your lab report:
*Introduction
 
**Discuss prototyping, the hardware and software components used in the lab, heat and heat transfer,  all elements of the competition, and the design strategy and impact of rules, materials, and ratio on design strategy
<ul>
*Procedure
 
**Materials
<li>Describe the basics of Arduino and its application</li>
**Describe the steps taken in the competition exercise in sufficient detail so that another person could follow the description and replicate the results
<li>Explain heat, heat transfer and all the mechanisms that perform heat transfer. Discuss which of these mechanisms applied to your design</li>
*Data/Observations 
<li>Define what thermal insulation is and the different types of thermodynamic systems</li>
**Present and discuss all data collected during the exercise
<li>Discuss minimal design and its importance</li>
*Conclusion
<li>Describe your container's design. Explain the choices you made. Make sure you include a
**Analyze the competition results using the data from the competition
discussion of the materials you chose and why. Talk about your team's strategy
**Describe how the design’s performance could be improved. Recalculate the ratio to prove that design modifications would improve performance
for winning the competition</li>
** Discuss what factors could affect the MDR and IC
<li>What changes would have increased/decreased your MDR or IC?</li>
**Describe the Temperature vs Time graph. Discuss potential factors that could affect the graph readings that were recorded and the shape of the graph       
<li>How did your team derive the IC value?
*Contribution Statement
 
<li>Should the <b><i>Temperature vs. Time </i></b>graph be smooth or should it have spikes?
Explain how closely your curve approximates the ideal and what would affect the readings you recorded</li>
 
<li>Describe how your design succeeded or failed. Discuss design improvements</li>


<li>Include spreadsheet with every team's results. Describe the results and talk about other designs in the class


</ul>
Note: It is not unusual to experience instrumentation errors in this lab, leading to incorrect temperatures being recorded. Be sure to read [[How to Handle Unusual Data]] in the manual to learn how to handle this.


<b>Note:</b> It is not unusual to experience instrumentation errors in this lab, leading to
{{Labs:Lab Notes}}
incorrect temperatures being recorded. Be sure to read [[How to Handle Unusual Data]] in the
online manual to learn how to handle this.
 
{{Lab notes}}


== Team PowerPoint Presentation ==
== Team PowerPoint Presentation ==


Follow the presentation guidelines laid out in the page called
{{Labs:Team Presentation}}
[[EG1003 Lab Presentation Format]] in the <i>Introduction to Technical Presentations</i>
section of this manual. When you are preparing your presentation, consider the following
points:
 
<ul>
<li>What is the importance of prototyping and using Arduino?</li>
<li>What is the importance of minimal design?</li>
<li>What is the importance of materials in prototyping?</li>
<li>Why is it important in today's world to minimize heat loss?</li>
<li>What is the importance of proper data collection method and automation?</li>
<li> Is there any benefit to using one data collection method over the other? </li>
<li>How would you improve your design?</li>
</ul>


*What is the importance of prototyping and using Arduino?
*What is the importance of minimal design?
*How are materials selected in prototyping?
*Why is it important to minimize heat loss?
*What is the importance of the automation of proper data collection methods?
*How can the design be improved?


= References =
Poff, Zach. (n.d.). “Resistor Color Code Chart.” Accessed August 11, 2021 from zachpoff.com


[[Main_Page | Return to Table of Contents]]'''
{{Laboratory Experiments}}

Revision as of 12:44, 20 September 2022

Objective

This is a competition lab that will require designing an effective thermal insulation device. An Arduino board and other electronic components will be used to design the device. Data analysis will be performed to see if the device slowed the rate of heat loss from a container of melted wax placed inside it. The performance of the device will be rated by a design ratio that uses the cost of the device, insulating capacity, the final temperature of the melted wax, and the room temperature. The lowest ratio wins the competition.

Overview

Prototyping

Prototyping is the process of designing and building an early model of a product to test that product. Any system or device that will be sold to consumers, government agencies, or businesses will begin as a prototype that typically does not have all of the components or functions that will be used in the product that is eventually brought to market. A prototype can serve as a proof of concept showing that the system or device can be built and will perform correctly.

In this lab, a prototype of a thermal insulation device will be built. Its function will be to reduce the rate of heat loss from a container of heated wax placed in the device. The prototype insulating device will use a TMP 36 sensor to measure heat loss and it will be operated by a microcontroller.

Electricity

Electricity is the movement of electrons. Electrons flow through a conductive wire when there is a difference in charge between two points in the wire. This flow of electrons is the electrical current and it is measured in amperes (A). Electrical current flows in the opposite direction of the electrons. The difference in charge is the electrical voltage and is measured in volts (V). Certain materials resist the flow of electrons. This property is electrical resistance and is measured in ohms (Ω).

Ohm’s Law (1) describes the relationship of the voltage across a resistor, the current (I) flowing through a resistor, and the resistance (R) of the resistor.

(1)

Variations in voltage and current are used in digital signal processing to operate complex systems and devices and simpler devices, such as microcontrollers and household digital instruments.

Electrical Components

Several basic electrical components are used to build simple circuits.

Breadboards

Breadboards (Figure 1) are small boards that are commonly used for circuit prototyping. They allow the circuit’s components to be connected without making permanent connections. The red and blue strips on the sides of the board (sections A and D) called power rails are connected down the board and are usually used for powering and grounding. The non-colored rows between the power and ground strips (sections B and C) are connected across and are usually used for making the connections between components. Sections B and C are not connected to each other across the bridge in the middle of the board.

Figure 1: Breadboard Connections

DC (Direct Current) Voltage Sources

DC voltage sources are used to power circuits because they have a voltage difference across their terminals. DC voltage sources are usually batteries (e.g. AA, AAA). Arduino boards can be powered by a battery, a USB cable, or an AC adapter. When the Arduino is powered, it can be used as a 5V DC voltage source.

Resistors

Resistors (Figure 2) are components that reduce the current flowing through a circuit and convert the excess current to thermal energy. They are one of the most common components in electrical circuits. Resistors are mainly used to limit the current flowing through a component. For example, when connecting an LED to a battery, a resistor helps limit the circuit to ensure the LED is not damaged.

Figure 2: Resistor (I) & Resistor Symbol (r) used in Circuit Diagrams

Resistors are color coded to indicate their resistance in ohms (Figure 3). They are not polarized, meaning the orientation of the resistor does not affect the circuit.

Figure 3: Resistor Color Codes (zachpoff.com)

Push-Buttons and Switches

Push-buttons and switches (Figure 4) are mechanical devices that interrupt or divert current. Basic push-buttons are polarized while basic switches are not.

Figure 4: A Push Button, and its Internal Switch Circuit

Diodes

Diodes allow current to pass in only one direction. The anode is the positive terminal of the diode, and the cathode is the negative terminal. Diodes can also be used to amplify signals (Figure 5).

Figure 5: A Diode and its Corresponding Symbol

A light emitting diode (LED) is a small electric light that uses low voltage and current (Figure 6). The longer lead of an LED is the anode, and the shorter lead is the cathode. The orientation of an LED is important since they are polarized. Most LEDs also require a resistor because they will burn out almost instantly when they encounter high current.

Figure 6: An LED and its Corresponding Symbol

A TMP36 sensor (Figure 7) uses the voltage-temperature relationship of diodes to measure temperature. The voltage across the diode of the sensor will change proportionally to the temperature. The output voltage can then be converted to a temperature reading.

Figure 7: TMP36 Sensor

Microcontrollers

A microcontroller is an inexpensive, programmable computer without any peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, or screen. Microcontroller boards have direct access to the input and output pins of their processing chips so that the user can directly read from sensors and perform actions. Microcontrollers perform specific functions in household appliances, medical devices, cars, and other systems and devices. Arduino boards (Figure 8), which use a microcontroller, were designed to be easily programmed and assembled into larger projects. These boards come in many shapes and sizes, and some contain additional features, such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. Different boards can also have different features, such as a higher processing speed and more memory.

Figure 8: Arduino UNO

This lab will use an Arduino UNO board created by SparkFun called a RedBoard (Figure 9).

Figure 9: RedBoard

Arduino Hardware

All Arduino boards have a general layout that is similar to that shown in Figure 10. Not all the sections and pins will be used in this lab or for the Semester Long Design Projects.

  • Reset Button: Restarts the board
  • USB Connector: Provides power and connects it to the computer
  • Pin 13 LED: Usable LED without making an LED circuit
  • Serial LEDS: Shows if the Arduino is transmitting or receiving data from pins 0, 1, or the USB connection
Figure 10: RedBoard Layout

The power pins are used to supply voltage to other pins, and are also used to ground pins (Figure 11).

  • 3.3V: Usually used to power low-voltage sensors
  • 5V: Uused to power circuits
  • GND: Ground pin, 0V
  • VIN: Voltage-in can be used to power the board using a battery or other external voltage source
Figure 11: RedBoard Power Pins

The digital and analog pins are used for input and output commands to the microcontroller and electrical components (Figure 12). They can be used with both analog and digital devices, as the Arduino board converts analog inputs to a digital input.

  • A0-A5: Identical analog pins that can read sensors or control analog devices. Analog pins can read/write values from 0 to 1023
  • Digital Pins 0-1: Transmitter and receiver pins. Do not use these pins for this lab
  • Digital Pins 2-12: Digital pins that switch between HIGH states and LOW states. Can only read/write values HIGH or LOW, unlike analog pins that allow a greater range of values
  • Digital Pin 13: Connected to the onboard LED, use it only as an input pin
Figure 12: RedBoard Digital (I) and Analog (r) Pins

The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Arduino IDE is a program that can be used to edit, compile, and upload code to a supported microcontroller. Figure 13 shows a screenshot of the program’s interface.

  • Verify: Checks code for errors and points to the errors
  • Upload: Verifies code and uploads it to the Arduino board
  • Console: Shows errors found in the hardware
  • Serial Monitor: Sends messages to and receives messages from the board
Figure 13: Arduino IDE Interface

Arduino Programming

The Arduino programming language is based on C/C++, but it is designed to be simpler and easier to learn. The intuitive way to think about programming is like building with LEGO blocks: certain rules must be followed and different building blocks can be used to build bigger parts.

Every line must end with a semicolon (;) unless it is a conditional, loop, or function. Comments start with two backslashes (//). Comments are text that the program ignores and are used to label and explain code.

Arduino Programs

Programs written in Arduino are called sketches. A basic sketch can be broken up into three different areas: global, setup, and loop. These areas are pictured in Figure 14.

  • Global: Contains constants and imported libraries
  • Setup: Function runs once at start of the program. Setup function often used to activate pins and sensors in the program
  • Loop: Function runs continuously after Setup function. Code in a loop function will continue to run until Arduino loses power. Function often in most of the program to read sensors and switch pins HIGH or LOW
Figure 14: Areas in Arduino IDE Sketch

Datatypes

Datatypes are the different kinds of data values that can be used, manipulated, and stored using C++. The most basic and widely used datatypes were shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Fundamental Data Types
Datatype What It Stores (Examples) Default Value Notes
Boolean
True value (1, HIGH) or
false value (0, LOW)
0, FALSE, LOW -
int
Integer number (e.g. -5, 15, 1047) 0 Positive or negative
double
Decimal number (e.g. -0.5, 123.77) 0 Positive or negative
char
Single character (e.g. ‘c’, ‘A’, ‘5’, ‘?’) Indeterminate Enclosed in single quotes
string
Sequence of characters (e.g. “Hello World!”, “10”, “157+5”) Empty (“”) Enclosed in quotes

Operators

Operators perform operations on variables and constants. The results of these operations are usually stored in a variable. Table 2 displays common operators.

Table 2: Common Operators
Operator What it Does Notes
= Assigns a value to a variable -
+ Adds two or more values -
- Subtracts two or more values -
* Multiplies two or more values -
/ Divides two or more values -
++ Increment by 1 Usually used in loops
-- Decrement by 1 Usually used in loops
== Checks if two values are equal Usually used in conditionals
!= Checks if two values are not equal Usually used in conditionals
> or < Less than, greater than comparison Usually used in conditionals
<= or >= Less than, greater than, or equal to comparison Usually used in conditionals
&& or || Boolean AND or Boolean OR ssed to cascade multiple Boolean operations Usually used in conditionals

Constants and Variables

Constants and variables (Figure 15) hold data according to their datatype. They must be given a name so they can be referred to later. Constants hold data that will not change while a program is running. Constants usually contain pin numbers or sensor threshold values. Variables contain data that will change while a program is running. Variables usually contain sensor values and other values that must have mathematical operations done on them. Figure 15 shows how to create different constants and variables.

Figure 15: Constants and Variables

Conditional Statements

Conditional statements (Figure 16) run code enclosed by their curly brackets when a condition is met.

Figure 16: Conditional Statements

Loops

Loops run the code enclosed by their curly brackets a specific number of times or until a condition is met.

While loops are used to perform a task until a condition is met. In Figure 17, the while loop runs only if the state of the button is HIGH. When the state of the button becomes LOW, the while loop will stop running.

Figure 17: While and For Loops

Commonly Used Functions

Table 3 shows commonly used functions in the Arduino IDE that are specifically used to work with the digital and analog pins of the board.

Table 3: Commonly Used Arduino Functions
Function What it Does
pinMode(pin, mode) Sets a pin as an input or output
digitalWrite(pin, value) Sets a digital output pin to HIGH or LOW
digitalRead(pin) Reads a digital input pin as HIGH or LOW
analogWrite(pin, value) Sets an analog output pin to a value 0-1023
analogRead(pin) Reads an analog output pin as a value 0-1023
delay(milliseconds) Pauses program for a certain amount of time
Serial.print(value) Prints the value (variable) to the Serial Monitor

Heat and Heat Transfer

Heat is a form of energy. Heat can be beneficial, and it can be destructive. For example, the heat created by the combustion of fossil fuels in a combustion engine or the heat generated by the friction between parts of an engine in contact can destroy an engine. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home keeps the home warm at cooler temperatures and cooler at higher temperatures. Many systems and devices use components and materials that are designed to remove heat from the system or retain heat in the system.

Heat transfer is the process of thermal energy moving from one body to another as a result of a temperature difference. Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of atomic motion. The faster the atoms are moving, the higher the temperature. The main mechanisms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction occurs when there is a temperature difference within a solid body or between solid bodies in contact. During conduction, energy (heat) will flow from the region of higher temperature to the region of lower temperature. Imagine a metal rod that is heated at one end. The atoms of the rod collide at the point where the temperature differs, transferring energy until the temperature of the rod becomes uniform.

Convection is the transfer of heat within a fluid medium (fluids consist of gasses and liquids). Convection can occur as natural or forced convection. Forced convection (Figure 19) occurs when the main mechanism for heat transfer is due to an outside force causing the fluid to move. Natural convection results from the natural difference in density between fluids, causing a liquid or gas to rise.

Figure 19: Air Circulation Diagram

Radiation is the process by which energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation is emitted by a heated surface in all directions. It does not require an intervening medium to carry it. The heating of the Earth by the Sun is an example of heat transfer by radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a means of energy transfer that occurs when an atom absorbs energy. This electromagnetic wave can propagate as heat, light, ultraviolet, or other electromagnetic waves depending on the type of atom and the amount of energy absorbed.

Color is a property of light. When an object appears white, it virtually reflects all the electromagnetic waves coming to it while a black object absorbs the waves. Color (reflectivity) should be considered when choosing materials for thermal insulation.

The container that will be built in the lab is a thermodynamic system (Figure 20), which is a part of the Universe separated from the surroundings by an imaginary boundary. There are three types of systems: open systems, closed systems, and isolated systems.

Figure 20: Thermodynamic System

Open systems allow the transfer of mass and heat. For example, an open pot of boiling water is an open system. It exchanges heat and water vapor with the air around it. If collected, the water vapor can be condensed back to liquid water that has some mass.

Closed systems only allow heat to be transferred to the surroundings. A hermetically sealed bottle of soda is a closed system. If placed in a hot environment, it absorbs energy in the form of heat, but the amount of liquid within does not change.

Isolated systems do not interact with the surroundings at all. No exchange of heat or mass is possible. An ideal Thermos® is an isolated system. If hot chocolate is poured inside a Thermos, the same amount at the same temperature will be poured out later. No such system can be fabricated, but they can be approximated.

Understanding how to minimize heat loss is the key to designing a successful insulating container. The first consideration is the materials chosen. Using materials that are poor conductors of heat, such as glass, will minimize heat loss. Plastic is also a poor conductor of heat. Foam cups are made of plastic that has tiny air bubbles suspended in it. Air is among the poorest conductors of heat. A vacuum, or the complete lack of air, is the best insulator of all. This is the principle employed in a Thermos® design.

The other important consideration in creating the container is its cost. Minimal design uses the fewest resources while maintaining the safety and efficacy of a product.

Materials and Equipment

  • Arduino UNO microcontroller and USB cable
  • Computer with Arduino IDE
  • Breadboard
  • Jumper wires
  • Resistors
    • 220 Ω
    • 10 kΩ
    • 2.2 kΩ
  • LED
  • Push-button
  • Thermistor

Procedure

1. Building an LED Circuit and Button Circuit

  1. A circuit using an LED and a button will be made in Part 1. The LED should be on when the button is pressed and off when the button is not pressed. The programming flowchart and circuit diagram are shown in Figure 21.
    Figure 21: Programming Flowchart
    Figure 22: Circuit Diagram
  2. Before breadboarding the circuit, look at the bottom side (pin side) of the button to determine which pins are connected. Note which pins are for power, ground, and digital input into the Arduino. There is a wire internally connecting the pins across the sides of the push-button (Figure 23). Pins 1 and 2 are connected, and pins 3 and 4 are connected. Make sure the button straddles the break in the breadboard.
    Figure 23: Button Circuit Diagram
  3. Breadboard the circuit diagram in Figure 24. Remember, since LEDs are polarized, their orientation matters. The shorter leg of the LED should be connected to the same row as GND. The 220 Ω resistor for the LED is needed, otherwise too much current would flow and the LED will burn out. The 2.2k Ω resistor for the button is needed to get a stable input. Make sure the correct resistor is used for both the LED and the button.
    Figure 24: Circuit
  4. Write the Arduino program to implement the flowchart. Include comments explaining what the code is doing. The code must have comments to be approved by a TA
    1. First start a new sketch in the Arduino IDE
      1. Open the Arduino IDE
      2. Plug the Arduino/RedBoard into the computer
      3. In the Arduino IDE toolbar, go to Tools > Board > Select Arduino/Genuino Uno
      4. In the toolbar, go to Port and select the correct port
    2. In the Global Area, create the constants used to hold the pin numbers for the button and the LED.
      Globalareacode.png
    3. In the Setup Area, use pinMode() to set up the LED and Button. The LED will be set to OUTPUT since it will be controlled by the program. The button will be set to INPUT since the program will receive data from the button.
      Setupareacode.png
    4. In the Loop Area, use digitalRead(), digitalWrite(), and a conditional to write the code that controls the button
      1. Create a variable named buttonState, that will hold the input from the button
        Loopareacode1.png
      2. Use digitalRead() to set the buttonState variable to the current state of the button
        Loopareacode2.png
      3. Set up the conditional statement that will be used to control the LED. In this code, the conditional is controlled by the button state.
        Conditionalstatement.png
      4. Use digitalWrite() to control the LED. Remember, we want the LED to be on when the button is pressed, and off otherwise
        1. This line will turn the LED on
          Dw1.png
        2. This line will turn the LED off
          Dw2.png


2. Prototyping a Thermal Insulation Device

Competition Rules

The following rules must be observed at all times during the competition. Violation of any of these rules will result in disqualification.

  • The placement of the thermistor with respect to the lid may not be changed
  • The thermal insulating device may not be held while testing
  • External heat sources are prohibited
  • The jar of beeswax must be inside the container within 30 seconds of it being received
  • The jar of beeswax cannot be returned (no restarts)
  • A minimum of $0.40 must be used in the design of the insulating device

The competition will be judged by the minimal design ratio (MDR) (2) of the design. The design with the lowest MDR wins

(2)

In (2), IC is the insulating capacity, Cost is the cost of the container, TR is the temperature of the room, and TF is the final temperature read by the thermistor. Ask a TA for the room temperature

The insulating container will be built using the materials in Table 4. Select the materials carefully. Consider their cost and their use as an insulator. Review the competition ratio before purchasing materials

Table 4: Materials and Costs
Material Unit Cost Per Unit
Large foam cup 1 $0.50
Lid 1 $0.25
Pack of clay 1 bag $0.20
Wool fabric 2 pieces $0.10
Cotton balls 3 balls $0.05
Popsicle sticks 1 $0.01
Paper cup 1 $0.40
Styrofoam pieces 5 $0.05
Tape 1 ft $0.10
Aluminum foil 1 ft2 $0.30
Plastic wrap 1 ft2 $0.02

NO RETURN POLICY: When calculating cost, ALL materials requested must be included, even if they were not used. Choose the materials carefully to avoid increasing the cost unnecessarily.

3. Competition Procedure

Building a Thermistor

Using the Arduino, the temperature change of the hot wax will be recorded over 10 minutes. The Arduino will read the temperature through the thermistor and print the values into the serial monitor.

  1. Carefully remove the existing circuit and wire the circuit according to the configuration in Figure 28. A 10 kΩ (Brown, Black, Orange) resistor should be used. Make sure that pin A0 is used, and the circuit is powered to 5V and grounded.
    Figure 28: Arduino Thermistor Wiring Diagram
  2. Download the Arduino Program to be used to operate the thermistor.
  3. There are missing components in the code. Read through the comments and insert code where necessary. After the program is completed and uploaded, open the Serial Monitor to check if the readings are correct (should be at or near 70 °F). Keep the circuit intact since it will be used to measure the temperature of the wax.
  4. The Arduino should be taking a temperature reading every 30 seconds. The analog voltage value read through pin A0 should then be converted to degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature reading should be printed to the Serial Monitor along with the seconds timestamp of the reading.

Insulating Device Design

  1. Analyze the materials and consider the design options, keeping in mind the lab's specifications. Make preliminary sketches during this process.
  2. Sketch the design. Label the drawings clearly. Prepare a price list and write down the total cost for the insulating container based on the materials chosen. Receive approval of the design sketch from a TA.
  3. Build the insulating device based on the completed sketch. The TA will provide the materials needed for the design. If the design is modified during construction, note the changes and describe the reasons for them. If the modifications required more materials, update the price list and obtain approval.

Competition

  1. Have a TA verify the fixed Arduino code. Run the program for approximately 30 seconds to obtain an average room temperature. The data from the Arduino can be seen in the Serial Monitor on the top right corner of the Arduino IDE.
  2. Stop the program after 30 seconds and check to ensure that the data was collected. Record the average room temperature.
  3. The TA will bring the heated wax. Place the lid with the thermistor attached over the top of the wax. Be sure the top of the container is loosely covered with the lid.
  4. Do not adjust the thermistor from its position in the lid. Do not screw on the lid, just place it over the container. Warning: Be careful! The melted wax is hot!
  5. Restart the Arduino program. Once the temperature readings stop increasing, start timing the 10 minute run.
  6. The data from the thermistor will allow for further analysis. The Arduino data from the Serial Monitor will be used to calculate the insulating capacity (IC) for the competition ratio. DO NOT CLOSE OUT OF THE SERIAL MONITOR WINDOW. After 10 minutes from the time the temperature readings stop increasing, copy and paste the data from the Serial Monitor into a Microsoft Excel file.

4. Data Analysis

  1. The data pasted from the Serial Monitor into Excel is not correctly separated into columns. To present the data in the correct format, highlight all the data, and go to the Data tab and select “Text to Columns”.
    Datatab.png
  2. In the Text-to-Columns wizard, select Delimited as the data type and click Next. Then select “Comma” as the delimiter, and hit “Finish”. Ensure that the data has been separated into two separate columns.
  3. Create a graph of the data using the X, Y Scatter template. First, select the data starting from the where the temperature readings stop increasing (example below). Next go to the Insert tab, and click on the first Scatter option under the Charts group. This should create a new scatter plot, as seen below.
    Charts.png
  4. Next add axis labels and a trendline. First click on the graph, and then the green “+” icon next to it. Then, check off “Axis Titles, Chart Titles, and Trendline”. Click on the added labels to edit the text. When finished, the graph should look similar to Figure 29. Figure 29: Temperature vs. Time Graph of the Thermal Insulation Device
    Charttitle.png
  5. Calculate the insulating capacity (IC) of the design. This will be done using the trendline equation. Right-click on the trendline and select “Format Trendline”. On the “Trendline Options” tab, ensure that the trendline is linear. Select the “Display Equation on Chart" option. The slope of this linear equation is the IC.
  6. Give the IC, final temperature, and total cost to the TA to enter the design's performance into the competition score sheet and calculate the MDR.

The lab work is now complete. Please clean up the workstation. Return all unused materials to a TA.

Assignment

Note: Part 2: Thermal Insulation Device Competition will be included in both lab report and team presentation. Part 1: Building an LED and Button Circuit DOES NOT need to be included in the lab report and team presentation.

Individual Lab Report

Follow the lab report guidelines laid out in the EG1004 Writing Style Guide in the Technical Writing section of the manual. Use the outline below to write this report. The LED and button circuit procedure does not need to be discussed.

  • Abstract
    • Briefly summarize the lab exercise. Include the competition results
  • Introduction
    • Discuss prototyping, the hardware and software components used in the lab, heat and heat transfer, all elements of the competition, and the design strategy and impact of rules, materials, and ratio on design strategy
  • Procedure
    • Materials
    • Describe the steps taken in the competition exercise in sufficient detail so that another person could follow the description and replicate the results
  • Data/Observations
    • Present and discuss all data collected during the exercise
  • Conclusion
    • Analyze the competition results using the data from the competition
    • Describe how the design’s performance could be improved. Recalculate the ratio to prove that design modifications would improve performance
    • Discuss what factors could affect the MDR and IC
    • Describe the Temperature vs Time graph. Discuss potential factors that could affect the graph readings that were recorded and the shape of the graph
  • Contribution Statement


Note: It is not unusual to experience instrumentation errors in this lab, leading to incorrect temperatures being recorded. Be sure to read How to Handle Unusual Data in the manual to learn how to handle this.

Remember: Lab notes must be taken. Experimental details are easily forgotten unless written down. EG1004 Lab Notes paper can be downloaded and printed from the EG1004 Website. Use the lab notes to write the Procedure section of the lab report. At the end of each lab, a TA will scan the lab notes and upload them to the Lab Documents section of the EG1004 Website. One point of extra credit is awarded if the lab notes are attached at the end of the lab report. Keeping careful notes is an essential component of all scientific practice.

Team PowerPoint Presentation

Follow the presentation guidelines laid out in the EG1004 Lab Presentation Format in the Technical Presentations section of the manual. When preparing the presentation, consider the following points.

  • What is the importance of prototyping and using Arduino?
  • What is the importance of minimal design?
  • How are materials selected in prototyping?
  • Why is it important to minimize heat loss?
  • What is the importance of the automation of proper data collection methods?
  • How can the design be improved?

References

Poff, Zach. (n.d.). “Resistor Color Code Chart.” Accessed August 11, 2021 from zachpoff.com