Final Project

What it is my project?

My idea of final project is a steam generator. This machine is used by clothes designers, it is a steam iron more powerful than a conventional iron. By having more steam, ironing is more efficient and in less time. You can read more about in my week one
In the picture you can see the 3d idea of ​​my final project. The first thing we must do is understand the operation of an old boiler on which I am based for my final project. The boiler will begin to heat the electrical resistance inside the water tank, two temperature sensors are used connected to a differential switch, when the temperature of the same resistance and the temperature of the boiler, this resistance will stop passing current to avoid overheating and there may be an accident. In addition, it has a pressure switch that will activate when the pressure is above 4 BAR, in case it reaches that pressure, the activation of the resistance will stop again.
The general objective of my project is to make this operation with a microcontroller for better automation, in addition to having a digital screen that will be used to visualize the parameters to be measured and controlled.
In order to better understand the project, we will divide it into 3 parts:

DESIGN


SENSORS


ELECTRONICS AND CONTROL


IMPLEMENTATION


PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS


The result can be seen in the following image. You can see a considerable difference of the main idea of the design with respect to the final prototype.
With the Fabacademy I have learned to use various tools and softwares to be able to achieve a functional design, from the conception of the idea to the final operation. I never thought that I would make molds or create a composite. My skills in electronics have increased considering that I had never designed and manufactured an electronic card, always used breadboard and conventional components. The laser cutter is very useful for making small designs and models and with the printers we know if the design is feasible or not.
I am very satisfied with the results obtained during these 20 weeks of continuous work.
Next, the video and the slide used for my final Project
Slide. Video.


Some Cuestions about my final project:

What tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?

In my case I have already made the design of the enclosure and electronics. Tests of each sensor were performed to verify its correct functioning.
Then all the electronics in the atmega designed specifically for the final project were implemented, giving good results. The implementation of the sensors with the tank was done too.
What remains to be done is more test and create a base for the iron.

What has worked? what hasn't?

Of all the sensors used work perfectly in the basic tests. It began to implement some sensors in the tank and one does not work well. The sensor to measure the water level using the continuity of the water stopped working.
The problem was when adjusting the cables inside the tank, when the covers were soldered it is impossible to remove the cables. There is continuity between the cable and the tank, the reason I am thinking is that, at the time of welding, the cable cover was melted and makes direct contact with the tank.
We must be careful when including water and avoid damaging the sensors

What questions need to be resolved?

A basic question that I must answer is whether there will be water or steam leaks in the connectors or welds.
To avoid these problems would be to use special clamps to properly adjust the separation between the cables and the hose.

Cost of the materials

Some elements of my project have been reused such as the AC cables, the iron and the switches. Components such as resistors and connectors are kept in the laboratory. Basically the costs were for the sensors and the tank that I bought in Paruro Shoping Center:
  1. Pressure sensor: $15.00
  2. Stainless steel: $36.00
  3. Switches: $0.5
  4. Temperature sensor: $4.0
  5. Fittings accessories: $15.00
  6. LCD screen: $9.00
  7. Accesories(cable, resistor, etc): $6.00
  8. Atmega328 (laboratory)
  9. 20Mhz Resonator (laboratory)
  10. Pinheads (laboratory)
  11. MDF 18.5mm (3.10m x 1.5m) (laboratory)
  12. Push button (laboratory)
Total: $85.5.

Great!!! it costs less than $100.00!!!
As stated in week 19(Invention, intellectual property and income) I want to acquire a patent. You can review all the information in that assignment here.