ESP32 - Cooling System using DS18B20 Temperature Sensor

This tutorial instructs you how to make a cooling system using ESP32, DS18B20 temperature sensor and fan. In detail:

Hardware Used In This Tutorial

1×ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module
1×USB Cable Type-C
1×DS18B20 Temperature Sensor (WITH Adapter)
1×DS18B20 Temperature Sensor (WITHOUT Adapter)
1×4.7 kΩ resistor
1×Relay
1×12V DC Cooling Fan
1×(Alternative) 5V DC Cooling Fan
1×12V Power Adapter
1×Breadboard
1×Jumper Wires
1×(Optional) DC Power Jack
1×(Recommended) ESP32 Screw Terminal Adapter

Or you can buy the following sensor kit:

1×DIYables Sensor Kit 30 types, 69 units
Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you. We appreciate it.

Buy Note: Numerous DS18B20 sensors available in the market are of poor quality. We strongly advise purchasing the sensor from the DIYables brand via the link above; we conducted tests, and it performed reliably.

Introduction to Cooling Fan and DS18B20 Temperature Sensor

We have specific tutorials about DS18B20 temperature sensor and fan. Each tutorial contains detailed information and step-by-step instructions about hardware pinout, working principle, wiring connection to ESP32, ESP32 code... Learn more about them at the following links:

Wiring Diagram

  • Wiring diagram with breadboard
ESP32 temperature sensor cooling system wiring diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

If you're unfamiliar with how to supply power to the ESP32 and other components, you can find guidance in the following tutorial: How to Power ESP32.

  • Wiring diagram with adapter (recommended)
ESP32 DS18B20 fan Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

For ease of connection, it's advisable to purchase a DS18B20 sensor that comes with a wiring adapter equipped with a built-in resistor, eliminating the need for an additional resistor in the wiring.

How System Works

  • The ESP32 reads the temperature from the DS18B20 temperature sensor
  • If the temperature is above an upper threshold, ESP32 automatically turns the fan on
  • If the temperature is below a lower threshold, ESP32 automatically turns the fan off

ESP32 keeps checking the temperature infinitely.

The lower threshold and upper threshold can be the same value.

ESP32 Code

/* * This ESP32 code is created by esp32io.com * * This ESP32 code is released in the public domain * * For more detail (instruction and wiring diagram), visit https://esp32io.com/tutorials/esp32-cooling-system-using-ds18b20-temperature-sensor */ #include <OneWire.h> #include <DallasTemperature.h> #define TEMP_UPPER_THRESHOLD 30 // upper temperature threshold #define TEMP_LOWER_THRESHOLD 15 // lower temperature threshold #define SENSOR_PIN 23 // ESP32 pin GPIO23 connected to DS18B20 sensor's DQ pin #define RELAY_FAN_PIN 18 // ESP32 pin GPIO18 connected to relay OneWire oneWire(SENSOR_PIN); DallasTemperature DS18B20(&oneWire); void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // initialize serial DS18B20.begin(); // initialize the DS18B20 sensor } void loop() { DS18B20.requestTemperatures(); // send the command to get temperatures float temperature = DS18B20.getTempCByIndex(0); // read temperature in Celsius if (temperature > TEMP_UPPER_THRESHOLD) { Serial.println("Turn the fan on"); digitalWrite(RELAY_FAN_PIN, HIGH); // turn on } else if (temperature < TEMP_LOWER_THRESHOLD) { Serial.println("Turn the fan off"); digitalWrite(RELAY_FAN_PIN, LOW); // turn off } delay(500); }

The above ESP32 code automatically turns the fan on if the temperature is above 30°C, and keeps the fan on until the temperature is below 15°C

Quick Instructions

  • If this is the first time you use ESP32, see how to setup environment for ESP32 on Arduino IDE.
  • Do the wiring as above image.
  • Connect the ESP32 board to your PC via a micro USB cable
  • Open Arduino IDE on your PC.
  • Select the right ESP32 board (e.g. ESP32 Dev Module) and COM port.
  • Click to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
  • Search “DallasTemperature” on the search box, then look for the DallasTemperature library by Miles Burton.
  • Click Install button to install DallasTemperature library.
ESP32 Dallas Temperature library
  • You will be asked to install the dependency. Click Install All button to install OneWire library.
ESP32 onewire library
  • Copy the above code and paste it to Arduino IDE.
  • Compile and upload code to ESP32 board by clicking Upload button on Arduino IDE
  • Make the sensor colder or hotter. For example, putting the sensor near a hot cup of coffee
  • Check the fan's state

Advanced Knowledge

  • The algorithm used on above tutorial to control the tmperature is called the on-off controller (also known as the "bang-bang" controller, or the signaller). This algorithm is simple to implement and works well in temperature control.
  • An alternative for the above algorithm is the PID controller. The PID controller makes the desired temperature more stable. However, it is very difficult to understand and implement. Therefore, the PID controller is not widely used in temperature control.

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