Heat Detector circuit using a heat sensitive resistor

Introduction:
The main property of a heat sensor is to sense the heat, which is present around
the sensor. When the set value of the temperature is high, then it is indicated with the help of a
ringing Buzzer. The usage of the heat sensor circuit is inside your PC or in your kitchen. Due
to overheating, the expensive components present in the PC or kitchen appliances could be
damaged. When the temperature around the heat sensor increases above its set value, then it
senses the heat and gives an indication, so that we can protect the devices from damage.
Heat sensor circuit senses the heat from various electronic devices like amplifiers, computer,
etc, and thus generates the warning alarm.

Apparatus:
 Resistor(3.3K & 100Ω)
 Transistor(BC548)
 Buzzer
 Battery(9V)
 Zener Diode(4.7V)
 Thermistor(110Ω)
Circuit Diagram:

Fig.1: Circuit Diagram of heat sensor

Buzzer:
A buzzer is between the +9V battery and the collector terminal of the transistor.
When the temperature exceeds a certain level, we can hear the alarm sound.

Fig.2: Buzzer
Zener Diode:
4.7V Zener diode is used to limit/control the emitter current.

Fig.3: Zener Diode

BC548 Transistor:
BC548 is an NPN transistor TO-92 type. We can use other alternatives
like 2N2222, BC168, BC238, BC183, etc. because the characteristics are almost the same for
these types of transistors.

Fig.4: BC548 Transistor

Battery:
9V is used as a single power source. 110 Ohms Thermistor is used to detect the heat.

Fig.5: 9V Battery
Thermistor(Heat Sensitive resistor):
Thermistors are used for the detection of heat.

Fig.6: Thermistor

Resistor:
Two resistor of 1000 &330ohms are used for controlling current flow through resistor.

Fig.6:Resistor

Methodology:
In the above circuit diagram, a 100 Ohms resistor and a thermistor are
connected in series. If the thermistor is of negative temperature coefficient type, then after
heating the thermistor, the resistance decreases and excess current flows through the thermistor.
As a result, more amount of voltage is found at the thermistor and resistance junction. The
voltage at the output is applied to an NPN transistor through resistance. With the help of the
Zener diode, the emitter voltage can be maintained at 4.7 volts. This voltage is used as a
comparison voltage. If the base voltage is greater than the emitter voltage, then the transistor
conducts. If the transistor gets more than 4.7 base voltage, then it conducts and the circuit is
completed through a buzzer and it generates sound.

Practical Application of Heat Detector Circuit:

Firefighting robot controlled using
RF transmitter and RF receiver is a simple example electronics project, which is a practical
application of heat detector. The circuit consists of heat detector (thermistor) that is connected
to the microcontroller of the receiver block which is interfaced with robotic vehicle. Under
normal room temperature, the robot’s heat detector will not give any signal to the
microcontroller and thus pump remains off. If once heat detector detects any considerable
change, then it sends signal to the microcontroller.Then microcontroller sends a signal to the
pump through a relay to activate it and extinguish the fire.Thus, heat detector can be used in
real time embedded systems based project firefighting robotic vehicle and industrial
temperature controller project.