Using Elk M1 Gold I am creating a process to turn down my hot water heater during non-peak times. In addition to turning it down I will also automate the hot water loop back system to shut it off when we don't need it (really only in the am and evening for an hour). The general idea is to use off the shelf products to automate the thermostat. Replacing the thermostat is not ideal due to cost and the thermostat on the hot water tank is not terribly granular anyway. I only need to 'turn the knob' down to a lower temp. I am going to do this by programming the elk to communicate with the servo micro controller over the M1data bus + serial expander. The controller has 6 input/outputs on it so I can use it for other items. Initially I may just throw a relay across one of the inputs on the controller to tell it to 'set back' the thermostat by moving the servo. It may be easier (less time) than dissecting the serial protocol and using the serial expander, as the controller has a bit of memory to store a program.
For the loopback, I'm still looking for an inexpensive water valve, although I may just go with a higher torque servo, that's phase 2.
So far I have the following design:
For the loopback, I'm still looking for an inexpensive water valve, although I may just go with a higher torque servo, that's phase 2.
So far I have the following design:
- Embedded Motor microcontroller
- Servo
- Gears (have from building R/C cars)
- Elk Serial Expander