Induction Furnace Crucible Break Detection Design Log 2

Introduction

The crucible break detection (CBD) detects if the crucible has broken and shuts off the induction furnace. It accomplishes it by having two parallel metal plates underneath the crucible. If the crucible were to break. the metal would pour out and short out the coil. An electrical circuit will then shut off the relay that provides power to energize the 3-phase contractor and thus the entire work coil driving circuit.

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Open-Source Induction Furnace Design Log 1

*NOTE: This is not a final design yet*

I along with a team started this project in the fall of 2014 and it is almost complete. The goal is to melt aluminum and steel for researching metal alloys. I don’t even know where to begin on this project because there are so many parts and systems. I guess I will start with a block diagram. This design is based off an instructable by Bayley Wang.

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100W LED Driver V2 Design Log 1

This second version of the led driver will improve the design of version 1.

  • The connectors feature a quick disconnect capability
  • A 5A mini-blade fuse on the +48V side has been added for extra safety
  • The BOM cost has been reduced
  • Current selection will now just require a jumper change, way better than soldering/de-soldering resistors
  • This version will feature an isolated PWM input to avoid any ground issues from the controller to the 48v supply
  • The current selection ranges will now be 3.0A,3.5A, and variable from 0A – 3.5A using a potentiometer
  • The controller was changed from the TI LM3409HV to HV9910CSG from Microchip
  • The PCB design program was switched from Eagle to KiCad. Continue reading “100W LED Driver V2 Design Log 1”