Build a Microcontroller-controlled Vent

Introduction

This experiment demonstrates how to build a microcontroller-controlled vent. You’ll learn to control actuators, understand the wiring setup, and write code for automation projects. Such projects have wide applications in ventilation systems, robotics, and smart home setups.

Components Required

• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino Uno or ESP32)
• Actuator (e.g., servo motor or stepper motor)
• Temperature or humidity sensor (optional for feedback control)
• Power supply (e.g., USB cable, battery, or adapter)
• Connecting wires
• Breadboard
• Vent assembly (manual or prefabricated)

Steps

1. Prepare the vent assembly and ensure compatibility with the chosen actuator.
2. Connect the actuator to the microcontroller as per the schematic below:
3. Upload the provided code (see the next section) to the microcontroller.
4. Power the setup and test the actuator's response by running the code.
5. Modify the code to adjust the actuator's behavior or integrate sensors for advanced control.

Code Example

// Microcontroller-controlled Vent Code
#include <Servo.h>

Servo ventMotor;

void setup() {
    ventMotor.attach(9); // Attach servo to pin 9
    Serial.begin(9600);
    Serial.println("Vent control initialized.");
}

void loop() {
    ventMotor.write(0); // Close the vent
    delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds
    ventMotor.write(90); // Partially open the vent
    delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds
    ventMotor.write(180); // Fully open the vent
    delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds
}

            

Modify the angles and delays in the code to adjust the vent's behavior according to your needs.

Applications

Building a microcontroller-controlled vent can be useful in:

• Smart home ventilation systems
• Automated greenhouses
• Educational robotics projects
• Prototype development for industrial automation

Conclusion

By completing this project, you have learned how to integrate actuators with microcontrollers to build an automated vent system. Experiment further by adding sensors for feedback control or integrating the vent into larger systems for home or industrial automation.