Powering a flexible foil heater salvaged from a "diaper wipes warmer".
Sir Minus Minus wrote 03/03/2016 at 17:32 • 0 pointsSomeone "gave" us their old diaper wipe warmer one year, it was gross and only a matter of time before I took it apart. I found a neat foil heater in it that I might finally have a use for and was wondering if anyone knew how I should power it and any possible warnings?
It's about 8 by 4 (inches), clear plastic with a ladder pattern of foil with a black and red lead coming off the bottom. From what I can piece together It looks like it's heating power is controlled by varying voltage and it self regulates (fairy low) current?
I'd like to keep a water bath at a fairly constant temperature using an arduino, temp ir sensor and this heating pad. If this doesn't work i was thinking of getting a manual crockpot and wiring it up to a relay ... would rather use the foil heater for reuse++ and danger--.
Any idea's?
--minusminus
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Unfortunately I can not see a photo of the device or any specifications like nominal voltage, power or working temperature. So I can only estimate (guess). Measure the resistance of the device. Apply voltage equal to a moderate amount of power, like 0.5 to 1W/sq.cm and measure the temperature rise over time, ideally with a contact less (IR) thermometer or with a small sensor (thermocouple). Heat it up to 40 or 50°C and measure the resistance again to determine if it has self regulating ability. What is the base material and its heat resistancy?
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Maybe look to the physics of rear window defoggers - there's just got to be a godawful bit of auto industry studies into making those things do what they do in an environment of engine computer power filtering and what all about switching in and out, and the loads it puts on the battery & charging systems. Or Not. It just came to mind.
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no idea. Could be a fun experiment though...
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I totally skipped over that part. Actually, with its originally intended use, you picked a good alternative. Been on a 3D printing kick lately...
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hehe, no problem, I use a glue gun and hand made moulds as my 3d printer :).
Any idea if my theory about the pad is correct? That it increases heat with an increase in voltage and current draw is self regulating and fairly low?
Might just hook it up to a lipo with a MM and pray :).
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seriously!? Try using it as a matrix to heat a small, home-made ABS 3D printer. If it doesn't QUITE reach ABS bed temps, I bet it will be good enough for PLA. I certainly had problems when my Da Vinci Jr was in the basement. Even too cold down there...
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Why seriously? Is it too much for a water bath? I'd just like to grow some bacteria in a water bath held at around 48degC and need a controllable low current heat source. I won't be using it to heat ABS or PLA (I'm new to this and am assuming those are plastics?).
mm--
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