Energy Leak Detector

High sensitivity, portable temperature comparator, Detects droughts around doors, windows, etc.

This sensitive circuit is basically a comparator, detecting very slight temperature changes in respect to the ambient temperature. It was primarily intended to detect draughts around doors and windows that cause energy leaks but can be used in many other ways, when a sensitive temperature change detector is needed. Two LEDs are used to signal if the temperature change is pointing above (Red LED) or below (Green LED) the ambient temperature.

Circuit operation:

IC1 acts as a bridge detector and amplifier: its output voltage raises when temperature increases and vice-versa. This happens because the n.t.c. resistor R2 reduces its resistance value as temperature increases and vice-versa, therefore unbalancing the bridge formed by R1, R2, R4, R5. IC2A and IC2B form a window comparator and R8 is the sensitivity control. Before starting a measurement the circuit must be balanced by means of R1 in order to obtain that both LEDs are off. If R8 is set to zero resistance the circuit sensitivity will be at maximum and one of the LEDs will illuminate when a very slight difference in temperature will be detected. As R8 value is increased the circuit sensitivity will decrease.

Circuit diagram:
Parts:

R1 = 22K - Linear Potentiometer (See Notes)
R2 = 15K @ 20°C n.t.c. Thermistor (See Notes)
R3 = 10K - 1/4W Resistor
R4 = 22K - 1/4W Resistor
R5 = 22K - 1/4W Resistor
R6 = 220K - 1/4W Resistor
R7 = 22K - 1/4W Resistor
R8 = 5K - 1/2W Trimmer Cermet
R9 = 22K - 1/4W Resistor
R10 = 680R - 1/4W Resistor
C1 = 47µF - 63V Electrolytic Capacitor
D1 = 5mm. Red LED
D2 = 5mm. Green LED
IC1 = TL061 Low current BIFET Op-Amp
IC2 = LM393 Dual Voltage Comparator IC
P1 = SPST Pushbutton
B1 = 9V PP3 Battery

Notes:

• The Thermistor value can be chosen in the 10K - 22K @ 20°C range.
• R1 value should be about twice the Thermistor value @ 20°C, so using a 22K Thermistor a 47K potentiometer should be used.
• To ensure fast detection of temperature changes, the use of a Thermistor having the case as small as possible is recommended.
• If only one LED is needed to show a change in temperature, no matter if raising or decreasing, D2 can be omitted and pin #1 of IC2B must be connected to pin #7 of IC2A.