CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
With the continuous advancement of technology, electronic systems have become more
intelligent and efficient in meeting human needs. Temperature regulation has always been a
key aspect of comfort and industrial processes. Traditionally, cooling systems such as fans
have been manually operated, consuming unnecessary power and often failing to maintain
the required environmental conditions. However, with the integration of microcontrollers
into automation, efficient temperature-based control systems have been made possible.
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in
an embedded system. It is often described as the 'brain' of modern electronic devices
because of its ability to process data, execute instructions, and control output devices. In fan
control applications, microcontrollers have become crucial for designing intelligent systems
that automatically regulate speed in response to changes in ambient temperature.
The concept of a temperature-based fan speed controller is built upon this foundation. By
interfacing a temperature sensor such as the LM35 with a microcontroller (Arduino Uno in
this project), the system senses real-time temperature and adjusts the fan speed through
pulse width modulation (PWM). The fan speed is thus dynamically regulated to maintain
comfort while conserving energy.
1.2 Problem Statement
In most conventional cooling systems, fans operate at fixed speeds or limited settings (such
as low, medium, and high). This leads to inefficient energy consumption, as the fan may run
at full speed even when the room or equipment does not require it. Moreover, manual
regulation is not always feasible, particularly in industrial environments where
temperature may vary rapidly. Overheating of devices without adequate temperature-based
monitoring can cause reduced performance, system failure, or permanent damage.
Hence, there is a need for a system that can intelligently monitor environmental conditions
and automatically adjust fan speed without human intervention. The temperature-based fan
speed controller seeks to address these challenges.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this project is to design and implement a temperature-based fan speed controller
using a microcontroller.
The specific objectives are:
- To interface a temperature sensor (LM35) with Arduino Uno for real-time sensing.
- To process the sensor data and generate a PWM signal for fan control.
- To display the temperature and fan speed on a 16x2 LCD for user interaction.
- To ensure energy efficiency by varying fan speed according to environmental temperature.
- To provide a simple, cost-effective, and reliable solution for temperature regulation.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This project is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the practical
application of embedded systems in solving everyday challenges. Automatic temperature
control reduces human effort and ensures comfort. In industries, the system can be adapted
to regulate cooling fans in boilers, furnaces, computers, and other machines, thereby
preventing overheating and improving safety.
Moreover, the project contributes to energy conservation, as the fan runs only at the speed
necessary for cooling, reducing electricity wastage. It also has socio-economic importance,
as it can be adapted for use in developing regions where power consumption and cost
efficiency are critical factors.
In the academic domain, this work serves as a reference for students and researchers in
electronics, instrumentation, and computer engineering, showcasing how microcontrollers
can be applied in automation.
1.5 Scope of the Study
This project focuses on the design and implementation of a microcontroller-based fan speed
controller. The scope is limited to room temperature monitoring and fan control using an
LM35 temperature sensor, Arduino Uno, LCD display, and PWM technique.
The system demonstrates automatic fan control for small-scale applications such as homes,
offices, and laboratories. However, it is scalable for industrial environments where precise
temperature regulation is required. The study does not cover humidity, pressure, or multi-
parameter environmental monitoring, though these could be included in future
improvements.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of a temperature-based fan speed controller is grounded in the
principles of automation, embedded systems, and feedback control theory. Such systems
rely on a closed-loop mechanism where the output (fan speed) continuously adjusts based
on changes in an input parameter (temperature), thereby maintaining stability and
efficiency (Rahman & Chowdhury, 2022).
At the first stage, temperature sensing is conducted using a device such as the LM35 sensor,
which produces an analog voltage proportional to the ambient temperature. Sensors of this
nature are widely recognized for their accuracy and linearity, making them suitable for
embedded control applications (Ojo et al., 2022). The sensor’s analog signal is converted
into a digital value through the microcontroller’s ADC, enabling the controller to process
environmental data in real time.
The next stage involves the decision-making process carried out by the microcontroller.
Using embedded algorithms, the controller compares the sensed temperature with
predefined threshold values. When the temperature is below the minimum limit, the fan
remains off to conserve energy. As the temperature rises, the microcontroller adjusts the
fan’s rotational speed through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), a technique widely applied
for motor control because of its high efficiency and precision (Singh & Verma, 2021).
2.2 Evolution of Temperature-Based Automation Systems
The development of temperature-based automation systems has followed a progressive
trajectory, evolving from basic manual controls to advanced microcontroller and IoT-driven
solutions. In the earliest designs, cooling systems such as fans or blowers were regulated
manually or with simple thermostatic switches that operated in binary modes (ON/OFF).
While these early systems provided basic functionality, they lacked efficiency, as they could
not vary fan speed according to real-time thermal demands (Singh & Verma, 2021).
2.3 Microcontroller and Sensor Integration
The effectiveness of a temperature-based fan speed controller largely depends on the
integration between sensors and microcontrollers, which together form the core of the
automation process. Sensors provide real-time measurements of environmental variables,
while microcontrollers interpret these signals and generate corresponding control actions.
This synergy enables systems to respond dynamically to changes in temperature, ensuring
energy efficiency and operational reliability.
2.4 Applications of Temperature-Based Fan Controllers
Temperature-based fan controllers have become increasingly relevant in both domestic and
industrial domains, as they provide reliable cooling while minimizing energy consumption.
Their versatility arises from the ability to automatically adjust fan speed based on
environmental conditions, making them suitable for a wide spectrum of applications.
2.5 Advantages and Limitations from Prior Studies
The deployment of temperature-based fan controllers has been widely studied, and
literature consistently highlights their numerous advantages in terms of energy efficiency,
system reliability, and user convenience. However, prior research also identifies certain
limitations, particularly in relation to scalability, environmental adaptability, and long-term
system performance.
