SPARKAutomatic dog
bowl chiller
’ve been studying technology (mostly programming) for
about five years now, but got into hardware seriously just
two years ago. The Automatic Pet Water Chiller employs a
Peltier module, an active cooling heatsink, a 12 V relay, a boost
converter, and an Arduino Uno with a DHT22 temperature
and humidity sensor, to automatically cool a metal water dish.
The Water Chiller calculates the current local heat index and starts
cooling the water if it is hot enough, eliminating the need for me to go
outside with more ice cubes. This idea came about as I went outside
to replace my dog’s water and immediately began sweating due to
the Texas heat. With higher temperatures forecast for the coming
days, I was worried for Nilla’s wellbeing, and as she enjoys running
around our yard, bringing her inside wasn’t an option. I had already
been placing ice cubes in my pet’s bowl to help cool her down, but
going outside every hour was uncomfortable and repetitive enough
that it warranted automation. Fortunately, I had all the parts I needed
at hand, so I was able to build it in time for the heat. Now, Nilla can
enjoy a cool sip of water anytime.I
By Eduardo Pecina, Jr. hsmag.cc/VvYqqILeft
Your dog loves you.
Don’t leave it in a hot
car, even for just a
couple of minutes