We designed a temperature-controllable device using a 3D-printed model, which allows for the manipulation of temperature and, in turn, the change in the thermistor's resistance. The primary goal is to measure how the resistance of the NTC thermistor varies with temperature.
Arduino UNO Board x 1: The Arduino serves as the central processing unit, controlling the entire experiment and reading data from the sensors.
Breadboard x 1: The breadboard is used to connect the components in a flexible and temporary manner, allowing for easy circuit assembly and testing.
Temperature Sensor (DS18B20) x 1: The DS18B20 digital temperature sensor is used to accurately measure the temperature of the system. It communicates with the D1 Mini to provide real-time temperature readings as the system's temperature changes.
Heatsink x 1: The heatsink is used to control the thermal environment, dissipating heat to help regulate the temperature change within the system. It helps maintain stable temperature conditions during the experiment.
Thermistor (NTC) 10k Ohm x 1: The NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor has a resistance of 10k Ohms at 25°C. This thermistor will be the main focus of the experiment, and its resistance will be monitored as the temperature is varied.
10k Ohm Resistor x 1: This resistor is used in conjunction with the thermistor to form a voltage divider, allowing for the measurement of the thermistor's resistance as it changes with temperature.
Jumper Wires (Dupont Wires) x N: These wires are used to connect all components on the breadboard, enabling electrical communication between the thermistor, resistors, temperature sensor, and Arduino board.
The experiment is centered around creating a temperature-controlled environment where we can monitor the resistive behavior of the NTC thermistor. We can measure the temperature and resistance changes by utilizing the DS18B20 sensor and the NTC thermistor in a circuit controlled by the Arduino. The 3D-printed housing and heatsink help control the environmental factors, allowing for precise changes in temperature.
The voltage divider circuit formed by the NTC thermistor and the 10k Ohm resistor allows us to calculate the thermistor’s resistance based on the measured voltage, which is then sent to the Arduino for analysis.
This setup allows us to study the relationship between temperature and resistance in the NTC thermistor, providing valuable insights into its temperature-dependent properties.
The circuit is set up on a breadboard, following the wiring layout shown in the diagram (refer to the circuit configuration on the right). The connections are made as follows:
GND Pin: The ground wire is connected to the GND pin on the Arduino board.
Other Pin Connections: The pins are wired according to the corresponding diagram (Arduino pin layout).
Prepare Hot Water and Start the Experiment:
Fill a beaker with hot water using a water dispenser.
Place the NTC thermistor and the temperature sensor (DS18B20) into the hot water.
Ensure the fan is connected to the power supply to facilitate the cooling process.
Record Data:
Start observing the changes in resistance as the temperature drops.
Begin recording the resistance at a starting temperature of 60°C.
Continue recording the resistance every 2°C drop in temperature, until the temperature reaches 30°C.
Document all the readings on the data sheet.
Experimental Analysis:
Analyze data points from low (60°C) and high (30°C) temperatures. These values will be used for calculations.
Visit Section II. Theory for a detailed method to calculate the B-value for the cooling experiment based on the resistance and temperature data.
Compare the calculated B-value with the data sheet specifications provided in the experiment’s theoretical background and compute the error between the experimental values and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Calculate the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (α):
Using the recorded data, calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance (α) based on the measured resistance values across the specified temperature range.
The α value will reflect the rate of resistance change per degree Celsius and will be a key metric in analyzing the thermistor’s temperature sensitivity during the cooling process.
This step-by-step procedure ensures that data is recorded accurately, transmitted for analysis, and compared with theoretical models to calculate the B-value and α for the NTC thermistor.