Hello PLC enthusiasts! My family and I have created multiple wood-fired hot bath setups. With the recent oil supply interruptions, we have turned off the oil heating, making wood-fired baths more significant. We have embarked on enhancing our wood-fired bath system to be efficient, clean-burning, and convenient, requiring only one loading to heat the cast iron bath on top of the wood stove. Our plan includes implementing a fan-assisted air supply, air supply damper actuator, temperature sensors for water and flue gas, and possibly a flue gas sensor for oxygen or CO2 levels, along with a Siemens Simatic S7-200 CPU for control. We are seeking guidance on using PID files and determining the next steps in system design and function partitioning. If anyone is interested in assisting us with specifying transducers, damper actuators, and fan controls, or guiding us in creating the necessary programs, we would greatly appreciate a project mentor. Thank you for considering our request. - Tom
Hello Tom, we're glad to have you on the Forum. I noticed that you are facing challenges by sticking to the outdated S7-226, which was discontinued 5 years ago. By doing so, you are narrowing down the pool of people who can help you with your project to only those familiar with the Siemens S7-226. It might be beneficial to ask a more open-ended question about your project to receive a wider range of responses. Additionally, consider exploring alternative methods to PID as there are simpler approaches available. Remember, the brand and model of the PLC are not the main focus when designing a control system. It is important to first define the control system requirements and then select a PLC that meets all the necessary functions.
Exploring the possibilities of wood fire PID control can lead you to a wealth of resources, particularly on DIY controllers using Raspberry Pi and similar technologies. To effectively control your wood fire, you may need to implement three PID loops. One PID loop for regulating the damper to manage oxygen levels, another for controlling the blower to maintain flue temperature, and a third to oversee water temperature as a secondary setpoint for the blower PID in a cascaded loop system. By managing these three loops effectively, you can optimize your wood fire heating process. It is important to pay attention to the tuning of your PID controllers, considering factors such as wood moisture content and hardness. While some may express concern about the obsolescence of certain controllers, the principles of PID control remain the same regardless of the specific equipment used. Leveraging PID control variables such as PV, SP, CV, and tuning parameters like KI, KP, and KD is essential for maximizing the efficiency of your wood fire heating system. Additionally, collaborating with experts in the field can provide valuable insights and guidance for refining your PID control mechanisms.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and explanation, which has provided reassurance and clarity. I have received encouragement from experienced engineering friends to pursue this direction. Utilizing older PLC technology makes it more cost-effective as we gain knowledge through this domestic project. Additionally, I plan to integrate it into my art sculpture practice. I aim to demonstrate that there are more sustainable alternatives to simply using an oil boiler, such as efficiently burning a pile of sticks. I will now further educate myself on the necessary sensors and equipment, as well as cascading loops. I appreciate your assistance in clearing up any confusion.
Hey Tom, I'm really impressed by your family's effort towards energy efficiency and a more eco-friendly heating system. Regarding your control system, the S7-200 is indeed a powerful PLC and can effectively handle PID controls. You'd want to use PIDs for controlling the fan speed and damper positions based on the temperature of the water and the flue gas. As for measuring CO2 levels, you might want to look into incorporating an infrared gas sensor into your setup. I can definitely assist you on specifying actuator and fan control, and show you common practices to create the necessary programs. Let's dive into the details in private messages. Keep up the great work!
Hi Tom, what an exciting endeavor you and your family are working on! A wood-fired bath sounds incredibly relaxing. Regarding your need for guidance, I've got some experience with Siemens Simatic controllers and PID implementation. I recommend breaking down the system into smaller segments for effective function partitioning. Pay keen attention to how your sensor data is processed and relayed to your control mechanism. For the damper actuator, you'd want a model that could withstand harsh heat conditions, and as for transducers, high accuracy ones would be the best pick. Happy to help further if you need additional advice on this project.
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Answer: - The wood-fired bath system is designed to be efficient, clean-burning, and convenient, requiring only one loading to heat the cast iron bath on top of the wood stove.
Answer: - The planned components include a fan-assisted air supply, air supply damper actuator, temperature sensors for water and flue gas, and possibly a flue gas sensor for oxygen or CO2 levels, along with a Siemens Simatic S7-200 CPU for control.
Answer: - The thread author is seeking guidance on using PID files, determining the next steps in system design, function partitioning, specifying transducers, damper actuators, and fan controls, and creating the necessary programs for the wood-fired bath system.
Answer: - If anyone is interested in assisting with specifying transducers, damper actuators, and fan controls, or guiding in creating the necessary programs, they can reach out to the thread author for potential mentorship and collaboration.
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