Microprocessor Control System

What is a microprocessor?
1. A microprocessor is really just a tiny cpu built onto a single chip .
2. Microprocessors are put into electronic devices to control how they function.
3. Microprocessor controlled devices affect our lives in lots of different ways including in our
homes, our leisure time, how we interact socially.
4. They even have an affect on our needs to actually leave our houses.

AUTOMATIC OVEN/COOKERS

Sensors and microprocessors are also often uses in control devices.

The microprocessor inside intelligent ovens can read the barcodes on packaging and then
automatically set the temperature and cooking time to the perfect levels.

Intelligent microwaves work in much the same way.

Intelligent fridges can read the barcodes on food and determine the 'use by' dates. Food that is
due to good bad is then automatically moved to the front of the fridge so that you use it first.

The following steps outline how its set:

1. User inputs the amount of time required and the cooking temp
2. The microprocessor check the set time against the current time
IF its within time the cooker remains ON
IF its outside the time the cooker turns off and sends a message to a BEEPER
3. The system also checks the temperature temp
If its above the PRE-SET value it will turn heating element OFF
IF its below the PRE-SET value it will turn heating element ON
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CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM

A central heating system provides warmth to the whole interior of a building (or portion of a
building) from one point to multiple rooms. When combined with other systems to control the
building climate, the whole system may be an HVAC system.

CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS

How does a gas heating

system work?
Gas heating systems are the most commonly
used in the UK. This type of central heating is
known as a wet system where a gas-fired
boiler heats water, which provides heating via
radiators and hot water through the taps in
your home.
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1. A gas boiler has a continuous supply of natural gas streaming into it from a pipe that goes out to
a gas main in the street.
2. Gas jets are directed onto a pipe containing cold water, heating it up to approximately 60 degrees
Celsius.
3. The water pipe makes up one small section of a large continuous circuit of pipe. This network
travels right around your home.
4. It passes through each hot-water radiator in turn and then returns to the boiler again.
5. As the water flows through the radiators, it gives off some of its heat, warming each room in
turn. The boiler has to keep firing in order to keep the water at a high enough temperature to
heat a home.
6. An electric pump is used to direct the water flow around the circuit of pipe work and radiators.

Electric central heating systems

1. The required temperature is keyed in and thus is stored in the microprocessor memory
(known as preset value)

2. The temperature sensor constantly sends data readings to the microprocessor

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3. The sensor data is first sent to an ADC to convert the analogue data into digital data

4. The digital data is sent to the microprocessor

5. The microprocessor compares the data with the preset value

6. If the temperature reading is greater or equal to the preset value, then no action is taken

7. If the temperature reading is less than the preset value, then a signal is sent:
To an actuator (via a DAC) to open the gas valve to the boiler
To an actuator (via a DAC) to turn on the water pump
8. The process continues until the central heating is switched off.

Comparison of Electric(microprocessor-controlled) and

Gas heating systems

ELECTRIC HEATING SYSTEMS GAS HEATING SYSTEMS

Gas central heating is

Electric central heating is
cheaper, per unit, than
available to homes not on
electricity.
the gas grid.

Gas boilers are getting more

Electric night storage heaters
and more efficient.
are easier to install than gas
central heating apparatus

Many properties are often

Electric central heating is
not connected to the gas
often more expensive as
grid. Getting connected can
electricity unit prices are up
prove lengthy and costly.

Gas central heating boilers

Electric central heating
should also be serviced
storage heaters do not
regularly
provide instant control
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COMBI BOILER

CHEMICAL PROCESS CONTROL

Chemical process control involves using a microprocessor to control the conditions of producing
chemicals, medicines and food.

The computer tries to maintain a constant temperature and may also control the amount of acidity
by adding acid into a formula.

For examples that the temperature required for a process to work should be 85 degrees and the
acidity should be less than 3.5

The microprocessor controls the process by:

1. Using a temperature and pH sensor to read data from the chemical process
2. Data from sensors is converted from analogue to digital using an ADC
3. The microprocessor compares the sensor reading with PRE-SET values
a. IF the temp is less than 85 degrees it turns heating ON
b. IF temp is 85 degrees or more it turns heating OFF
c. IF pH is greater than 3.5 microprocessor sends a message to open a valve and add
acid
d. IF pH is less than or equal to 3.5 microprocessor sends a message close valve
4. Microprocessor continuously monitors the temperature
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Green house environmental control

Green houses are used to control the environment in order to grow vegetables, fruits and flowers
in countries that they wouldnt normally grow.

There are five main sensors that tend to be used in a greenhouse:

1. Humidity
2. Moisture
3. Temperature
4. pH
5. Light
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The computer controls the environment by:

1. Taking inputs from the sensors (listed above)

2. Sensor readings are converted from analogue to digital using an ADC
3. Microprocessor then compares the sensor reading with the PRE-SET values
1. HUMIDITY is:
Greater than PRE-SET value computer sends signal to OPEN windows
Lower than PRE-SET value computer sends a signal to CLOSE windows
2. MOISTURE is:
Greater than PRE-SET value computer sends signal to TURN ON heater to
dry
Lower than PRE-SET value computer sends a signal to OPEN VALVE to
add water
3. TEMPERATURE is:
Greater than PRE-SET value computer sends signal to motors to OPEN
window
Lower than PRE-SET value computer sends a signal to motors to CLOSE
windows
4. pH is:
Greater than PRE-SET value computer sends signal to OPEN valve to add
acid
Lower than PRE-SET value computer sends a signal to OPEN valve to add
alkali
5. LIGHT is:
Greater than PRE-SET value computer sends signal to motor to CLOSE
blinds
Lower than PRE-SET value computer sends a signal to motor to OPEN
blinds
4. The microprocessor continuously monitors the temperature
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