Development of an Arduino-based Data Acquisition System for a Mid-sized Wind Tunnel

Aims: To develop a low-cost instrumentation system using Arduino-based components for measuring thermophysical properties in a mid-sized wind tunnel. Study Design: The existing research aims to design and implement an Arduino-based Data Acquisition System (DAQ) making use of a Pitot assembly and temperature sensors. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), between June and August 2023. Methodology: In this work, we have designed a new model using an Arduino Mega 2560, a MPXV7002DP Pressure Sensor with Pitot Tube, several DS18B20 temperature sensors, K-type thermocouples with MAX6675 Module, and an LCD display to develop a data acquisition system (DAQ) system. The system was calibrated and installed in the wind tunnel to measure air velocity and temperature under varying operational conditions. Experimental procedures involved operating the wind tunnel at different wind speeds, with data collected and analyzed for heat transfer behavior. Results: An Arduino-based DAQ System was developed, providing the wind tunnel with previously unavailable instrumentation. The DAQ system enabled real-time measurement of air velocity, pressure, and temperature. After testing the implemented system, results showed reliable and consistent data collection. Heat transfer analysis confirmed the system’s effectiveness with calculated heat transfer coefficients across different conditions. Conclusion: In this research, a low-cost Arduino-based instrumentation system has been developed and implemented for a wind tunnel, restoring and enhancing its usage. The implemented system successfully measured airflow velocities up to 15.5 m/s and enabled calculation of convective heat transfer coefficients. While the absence of a calibrated reference instrument introduces some uncertainty in the results, the system demonstrated reliable trends and offers a cost effective and accessible platform for educational experimentation.