Temperature and moisture sensors for many points in walls, floors and ceilings are being installed for ongoing monitoring. This effort is a field research project of the Madison Area Technical College, with generous help from Computer Electronics Program Director Terry O'Laughlin, P.E. |
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We are working with Minnesota scientist Douglas Piltingsrud to develop better practical ways to formulate and test clay mixes for wall plasters and earthen floors.
University of Wisconsin Senior Scientist Dr. Wes Jarrell (and president of Dynambio, LLC) is helping to design and develop an innovative indoor plant-growth system
Spark Burmaster, E.E., BBEI, of Home Environmental Options is consulting on the low-EMF electrical system (healthy wiring).
Advice on monitoring techniques and experimental protocols are being kindly provided by:
Temperature sensors(above) Anthony installs temperature sensors before the earthen floor slab is laid down. We're using precision integrated-circuit sensors, LM34 from National Semiconductor, soldered to teflon-sheathed shielded cable, and double-sealed to keep out moisture. We tested the assemblies before and after the installation with a Fluke 8010M multi-meter. These accurate, low-cost sensors have output voltage that is linearly proportional to Fahrenheit temperature, which makes for convenient direct reading. |
(below) The
diagram shows sensor locations in the
air core floor. Temperature at each location is measured
at three depths: within the earthen slab itself, the air moving
within the core, and several inches down into the gravel sub-base. |
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Moisture sensorsSixteen plugs cut from a single piece of Douglas Fir timber will function as moisture sensors. We place them inside the walls, in direct contact with the straw-clay. (left) Sequence of fabrication.... The small brass screws are spaced the same distance apart as the probes of our Delmhost BD-10 moisture meter. The wires allow for accurate remote readings of the plugs deep in a wall. After soldering, the connections are thoroughly covered with an insulating coating to prevent a false reading. Since the meter is calibrated for Douglas Fir, we're able to monitor comparative moisture levels, and gain insight as to how moisture moves through the walls. |
Straw-clay
thermal performance test results by the U.S. Forest Products
Laboratory