Method for collecting thermocouple data via secured shell over a wireless local area network in real time

Area of Science:

• Instrumentation and Measurement Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Monitoring high-temperature thermocouple data from dynamic systems presents challenges.
• Traditional wired or slip-ring methods are often impractical due to noise and mechanical constraints in systems with large angular displacements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, build, and program a novel apparatus for real-time monitoring of high-temperature thermocouple measurements.
• To enable accurate data acquisition from dynamic systems, specifically those involving significant sample rotation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a custom apparatus integrating a Raspberry Pi mini-Linux computer and an Arduino micro-controller.
• Utilization of an Ocean Controls thermocouple multiplexer shield and k-type thermocouples for data collection.
• Implementation of wireless network technology to transmit data from a moving sample frame to a static laboratory frame.

Main Results:

• Successful construction and programming of a functional wireless data acquisition system.
• Demonstration of the apparatus's capability to overcome noise issues associated with hard-wired solutions in rotating systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed wireless apparatus provides a practical and effective solution for real-time, high-temperature thermocouple measurements in dynamic environments.
• This custom design offers a viable alternative for applications where conventional measurement techniques are not feasible.