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Author Topic: AC motor control for septic aeration system  (Read 1129 times)

December 01, 2014, 02:28:48 AM
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devad

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  What's available for starting and stopping a 110v AC motor . It needs to run for  10 min and off for 50 min ..24/7.  I want to collect the starting and running current every time. Probably a good idea to capture the voltage too.  I want to use a non-invasive current sensor (wrap around type) followed by a A/D.  The collect data needs to be sent to my computer 50 ft away but on the first floor (device would be in the basement).  WiFi or Bluetooth  ?  Two goals:  1) Make sure the device is working every day 2) Use the collected data to predict problems before failure.

December 01, 2014, 05:06:01 PM
Reply #1

bkenobi

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I like your project!  Provides functionality and detects failures which could go unnoticed until, let's say...catastrophic failure.

You can go a couple ways with this.

1) Use a relay controlled by any type of automated switch (X10, ZWave, Insteon, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc) and then use a current loop attached to either a ready made system (box stores used to carry one that had a wireless modem, there are also some that hook around the AC wiring inside your main panel) or a somewhat DIY approach such as the following:
http://openenergymonitor.org/emon/
or

http://blog.arduino.cc/2011/01/10/wifi-enabled-whole-house-power-meter/

2) Use a component to control the power that also can report power usage.  I'm not familiar with Zwave, but I believe most of their components can do this.  I know this one was posted recently and definitely can do both.
http://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-Aeotec-Z-Wave-DSC11-ZWUS/dp/B00H3RL6JW

Option 2 may not provide as much data as a CT attached to the wiring, so that may dictate that you use option 1.  If you don't need to know at your automation controller whether the motor has been controlled ON or OFF, you could opt for a simple/cheap timer relay or an Arduino with a simple program based on a couple timers.  The CT will tell you if the motor is working correctly anyway, so this would probably be sufficient.