Hi to everybody.
I'm new to the forum, but not completely new to arduino. I have used it before in one of my university project, where I had to control a 12pole H-bridge with the PWM ports, but unfortunately, I didn't create the program myself. I'm an power engineer, so electronics isn't a problem for me. Currently I have some spare time, so I wanted to work on some projects, I haven't programmed too much, but I know basic C#/C++ programming.
I wanted to automatize and increase the efficiency of heating in my apartment. Currently I have some cold spots, and in order to keep the temperature at 23 degrees Celsius in one room I end up with other rooms which are very hot or very cold.
My plan is to use arduino to control the central heating. The central heating has a thermostat switch to control the on/off function, but I can't control and regulate the temperature in each room.
I have 6 radiators (one in each room). I'm planning on buying 6 solenoid valves in order to stop/start (via relays) the water flow through each radiator. In each room I want to install a temperature sensor (LM35) to read the temperature and a button to heat the room for 5 minutes independent of the temperature ( a turbo function to heat the room in case I'm feeling too cold). I would also want to use a display to be able too see the set temperature and in order to be able to adjust the desired temperature (it would be nice if I could see and set a desire temperature in each room).
It should work like this:
The arduino reads the temperature sensors and in case one (or more) rooms are under the desired temperature, it puts a digital port to high which is connected through a relay to the heating main switch and starts the heating, and at the same time it puts the digital ports to high for that room(s) in order to activate the solenoid valves on the radiators. Then, as the temperature in each room gets at the desired temperature, it turn off each valve until no valves are opened anymore, at which point it can shut down the central heating.
In case one of the rooms feels too cold (I come inside from extreme cold and I need more heat) I can press the button and the heating comes on for 5-15 minutes in that room.
I want to set the temperature for each room individually, if possible with 2 time schedules (day/night).
Because I'm using 6 temperature sensors and 6 buttons I think I need the arduino mega, because it's the only one which has enough ports.
Can someone help me with my project? I don't want you to do it, I just need some help selecting the right tools (arduino board + display) and to be pointed in the right direction (what to read, where to read, where to ask the questions).
P.S. my heating central system is a gas water heater which is connected through pipes to wall radiators in each room. Each room radiator has it's own pipes, so I can stop them individually.
Thank you very much,
Best regards,
Emanuel