[Mini Project] Controlling the temperature of a closed environment (Log 2)

In the previous post I had posted that based on requirement by user that is for either heating or cooling we can switch on/off the heating and cooling element, but this approach seems naive for purpose of achieving a range of temperatures.

So we decided on using a peltier element for heating as well cooling purpose.
By using a peltier element a range of temperatures can be achieved by controlling the amount of current supplied to it!

About peltier device:

Peltier is a semiconductor technology that concentrates the heat on of of its face making the other one cooler. Therefore one of the sides being extremely warm and the other one being extremely cold.
The polarity of the supply decides which face is warm or cool. Reversing the polarity makes the warmer side cool and vice versa.

Peltier Element

The peltier works on a 12 V DC supply but draws a huge current (The peltier we’ll be using in our project draws 3 – 5 A Current). The amount of current it draws decides the magnitude of Heating/Cooling it can provide. Thus the amount of temperature change that we want can be controlled by controlling the amount of current supplied to it.

The efficiency of how cold a side of the peltier gets depends upon how efficiently the other side of the device dissipates the heat. Thus the requirement of a heat sink and a fan to dissipate/spread the  heat on one side and propagate the cold on other side.

HeatSink and Fan Arrangement

Now two major things to be figured out are the feedback loop mechanism to achieve the desired temperature, and the driving circuit for Peltier to control current according to the requirement.

The component list draft :

-Peltier Element
-Arduino Uno

Arduino UNO

-A 2 x 16 LCD to display temperatures current and set

2 x 16 LCD

-Potentiometer for varying the temperature

Potentiometer

-Temperature Sensor DHT11 for measuring current temperature

DHT11 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor)

-x2 Heat sinks and fans
-Thermocol Box as an isolated environment

-Driving circuit components for the peltier current
-Supply for the Peltier Probably an SMPS

Next : Circuit connections and code for LCD Display, DHT11 and Potentiometer with arduino.

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My Journey to Girnar - A Pilgrimage Site for The Jains

Girnar is a pilgrimage spots for people following Jainism. Located in the Junagadh district of Gujrat, it is known for its religious significance. Not only Jains but the people who worship Lord Shiva and Lord Dattatreya are also fascinated by the pristine atmosphere of Girnar.

According to the holy scriptures of Jainism, Girnar is one of the places where many Jain Tirthankars have attained the liberation of their soul by rigorous penance at the heights of this mountain. Away from the chaos of outside world, the land of salvation is holy and is worshipped by Jains.

There are about 10,000 steps to the summit of Mt. Girnar. At the summit is the shrine of Lord Dattatrey, and the footmarks of Jain Tirthankar Neminath. However, very few Jains visit the summit, since the central temple (Shree Neminath Jain Derasar) is situated at a climb of 4000 Steps.

Entry of temple premises at 4000 steps

The Neminath Jain Temple

There’s another way down the mountain that branches out roughly at 200 steps further from the Jain temple, also known as the Sehsavan Route. The branched route is a little more difficult to manoeuvre through. Generally, the pilgrims prefer to descend from the Sehsavan route since there are three more shrines on the way – The Sehsavan Temple, and the other two shrines dedicated to the milestones that Tirthankar Neminath achieved on his eternal journey to salvation.

I saw a rainbow on my way down!

The Base Village of Mt. Girnar

Junagadh railway station is nearest to Girnar, and a plenty of rickshaws or cabs are available outside the station to reach the base village. The trip from station to base approximately takes 30 mins. The base village a is nothing less than a holy theme park full of monks and ashrams.

Of the many places for accommodation at the mountain bed, the pilgrims generally prefer the ashrams. Hotels are rare to spot but not nil. We had decided to stay in Kuttchi Bhavan (A place of accommodation for people of Kuttchi Community).

An important ritual to be followed by the pilgrims before beginning their ascent is worshipping the base of the berg, also known as Taleti.

Prayers at Taleti

My Experience

My mom was a part of a group of thousand people including the organizers and the monks who travelled from Palitana to Girnar on foot(Padayatra). Their journey was from 21st Feb to 8th March, inclusive of a single day climb at Palitana at the start and a single day climb at Girnar on the last day. So, each day they had to walk 12-15 Km based on the schedule decided by the organizers.

These people stayed in tents for the duration of their yatra. The tents were setup a day or two prior by the workers employed by the organizers, at the places that marked the end of each day’s journey.

The group!

So, me and my dad, along with the family members of the other Padyatris who were a part of this journey assembled with the group at Girnar a day prior to the climb, so that everyone can ascend for prayers at Girnar together.

Started the ascent at 5am, the path till 4000 steps is marked with lights

Early morning view from the top

Uperkot fort and Junagadh Museum are tourist spots that one can visit in Junagadh and are close to Girnar. (Rickshaw’s aren’t allowed inside the Uperkot fort, you’ll either have to walk to explore or hire a taxi inside, the local taxi’s inside the fort don’t allow the rickshaw’s to enter!)

The View from Uperkot fort

Corridors of Uperkot fort

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