System and method for measuring the specific heat of substances using non-insulating containers and microprocessors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for measuring the specific heat of substances that eliminates the need for insulated containers or thermoses and the problems of heat loss in measurements by using a microprocessor.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE SPECIFIC HEAT OF SUBSTANCES USING NON-INSULATING CONTAINERS AND MICROPROCESSORS

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method using a microprocessor for measuring the specific heat of substances that eliminates the need for insulated containers or thermoses and the problems of heat loss in measurements.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Measurements of the specific heat (or specific heat capacity) of substances are carried out for various purposes and requirements. Various methods are used to carry out these measurements. For example, measurements of the specific heat of substances can be performed using a calorimeter (insulating container / thermos). The heat capacity of the calorimeter container is taken into account when determining the temperature using a complex and difficult technique. In this technique, since heat losses cannot always be prevented, error rates are generally very high. Calorimeters generally allow some heat leakage and do not provide complete thermal insulation. In industrial and sectoral applications, calorimeters tend to lose their thermal insulation properties after a short period of time. Errors can frequently occur during temperature readings, leading to critical discrepancies in the measurement results.

[0006] In conventional techniques, the efficiencies obtained from measurements are low, and in situations where measurement tests must be performed continuously, cost-related difficulties arise. Applying alternative methods to calorimeter-based measurement techniques used in specific heat measurements of substances can provide more accurate and reliable specific heat results, while also enabling simpler processes.

[0007] Although various suggestions and applications have been developed for system for measuring specific heat of substance in the state of the art, these developments are not sufficient. Some applications for inventions developed for this purpose are given below. The patent file numbered "CN109374674A" in the known state of the art has been examined. The invention described in the application relates to a device for measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid. A weighing device, a temperature measuring component, and a calorimeter are paired with a control display device, and the specific heat capacity of a device under test can be automatically calculated through a simple process. Control display device obtains real-time data throughout the entire process. When a single-chip microcomputer timer is used for timing, an internal temperature sensor measures the temperature in real time, and the measuring device is an improvement over the problems where it is difficult for a stopwatch to record the temperature change in the corresponding time, and measurement errors often occur because the temperature changes very quickly in the mixing process. This document does not describe how heat loss to the environment is mathematically modelled using a microprocessor, or how heat capacity or specific heat is measured using this mathematical equation.

[0008] The patent file numbered "CN212514362U" in the known state of the art has been examined. The invention described in the application relates to the field of physical experimental instruments and consists of a heat-insulating type solid specific heat capacity measuring device comprising a heater, a calorimeter, a channel connecting the heater and calorimeter, a wireless temperature sensor embedded in the object to be measured, and a thermocouple embedded in the inner wall of the calorimeter. The calorimeter is characterized by having a spherical base, a measuring table being arranged above the center of the calorimeter base, a channel being formed in the measuring table, an objective plate being arranged attached to the top of the channel in the heater, a push rod being arranged in a mode that penetrates the left side wall surface of the heater, and a stirring paddle being arranged in the calorimeter. This section does not include improvements related to microprocessor usage and modelling.

[0009] The patent file numbered "CN102116750A" in the known state of the art has been examined. The invention described in the application discloses a device for measuring the specific heat capacity of a product. Here, the water container into which the ambient water is filled is arranged in the measuring dryer box. The first temperature sensor is located in the water tank to detect the ambient water temperature, and the second temperature sensor is located in the measuring dryer box to detect the air temperature inside the measuring dryer box. The air temperature in the measuring dryer box is automatically controlled by changing the ambient water temperature; preheating takes place above the measuring dryer box. The connection passage with the thermal insulation valve is arranged below the preheating dryer box and above the measuring dryer box. Mathematical models are not included.

[0010] Currently, there are methods for measuring the specific heat of substance. However, current methods for measuring the specific heat of substance are insufficient in several aspects, including eliminating the need for insulated containers or thermoses in heat capacity and specific heat measurements, taking into account the heat capacity of the calorimeter in measurements, and reducing undesirable error rates in measurement results.

[0011] As a result due to the abovementioned disadvantages and the insufficiency of the current solutions regarding the subject matter, a development is required to be made in the relevant technical field.

[0012] Object of the Invention:

[0013] The main object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for an insulating container for measuring the specific heat of substances by using microprocessors and mathematical modelling, thus enabling the use of any non-insulating container.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the problem of heat leakage by not using a calorimeter and to eliminate the need for thermal insulation.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to minimize the error rate because temperature measurements are performed automatically using microprocessors during the measurement process.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to enable measurements to be taken at the specific temperature at which the heat capacity is to be measured.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to reduce measurement costs by eliminating the need for unnecessary equipment during specific heat measurement. The structural and characteristic features of the present invention will be understood clearly by the following drawings and the detailed description made with reference to these drawings. Therefore the evaluation shall be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

[0018] Description of Drawings:

[0019] FIGURE -1; Drawing illustrating an example temperature-time graph of a specific heat measurement system of substance of the present invention.

[0020] FIGURE -2; Drawing illustrating the working mechanism of a specific heat measurement system of substance of the present invention.

[0021] Reference numbers:

[0022] 1 . Computer

[0023] 2. Container

[0024] 3. Microprocessor

[0025] 4. Temperature sensor

[0026] 5. Measuring equipment

[0027] 6. Substance sample

[0028] Description of the Invention:

[0029] The present invention relates to a system and method using a microprocessor for measuring the specific heat of substances that eliminates the need for insulated containers or thermoses and the problems of heat loss in measurements.

[0030] The specific heat measurement system of the substance comprises the following parts: computer (1 ), container (2), microprocessor (3), temperature sensor (4), measuring equipment (5) and substance sample (6). The specific heat measurement system of substance used in the present invention is based on determining the amount of heat escaping to the environment from the container (2) which does not have insulation properties during the measurement by means of mathematical modelling and then taking this heat loss into account. For the mathematical modelling of heat loss, an appropriate amount of water (250 g) is placed into the measurement container. Using the measurement equipment (5) consisting of components such as the temperature sensor (4), breadboard, and connection cables, the decrease in water temperature over time i.e. , temperature-time data is recorded via the microprocessor (3) for five-second intervals. A typical temperature-time graph is shown in Figure 1 .

[0031] In Figure 1 , which shows the temperature-time graph, the vertical "S" axis represents temperature values (Celsius), and the horizontal "Z" axis represents time values (seconds). “K” indicates the point at which the data collection process begins, “L” indicates the moment when the substance sample (6) whose specific heat is to be measured is thrown into the water, “M” indicates the point at which the hot water and the substance sample (6) reach thermal equilibrium, and “N” indicates the moment when the data collection ends.

[0032] In order to carry out the measurement, certain data needs to be determined from the temperature-time graph plotted using the obtained data. On the temperature-time graph, the initial time at point "L" can be determined as ts, the initial temperature as Tiw, the final time at point M as t , and the final equilibrium temperature of water as Te.

[0033] The heat loss of the system to the environment can be found by mathematically modelling the temperature-time graph of the material sample (6) before it is thrown into the hot water, i.e., between the points “K” and “L”. Since the decrease in temperature over time is linear, this decrease can be modelled by the mathematical equation T = - At + B. In this equation, A represents the slope of the experimentally determined graph. Here, “A” is a constant determined by the amount of heat escaping from the system. The substance sample (6) whose specific heat is to be measured is immersed into hot water, and immediately after being immersed into it, its temperature decreases suddenly and rapidly over time. This is because heat is transferred from the hot water to the cold substance, and depending on the amount of the substance sample (6), this heat exchange stops after a certain time and the system (hot water-substance) reaches thermal equilibrium. In this case, the temperature-time data again show a linear change. This point is "M" on the temperature-time graph shown in Figure 1 , and it can be identified on the graph as the point where linearity begins. In this case, the equilibrium temperature can be found at point "M" as Te.

[0034] Based on these values, the true equilibrium temperature can be mathematically modelled as follows, taking into account the amount of heat released.

[0035] In equation (a) above, At = t£- represents the time difference between the equilibrium moment and the initial moment, i.e., when the sample of the substance (6) is thrown into the hot water, and TRrepresents the corrected actual equilibrium temperature. In this case, the specific heat can be determined indirectly using the standard heat exchange equation. The amount of heat released by hot water ^Qgiven =mwcw(TWi~ TR)must be equal to the amount of heat absorbed by cold water ^received = mmcm(TR- Tmi). Therefore, the equation Qgiven= AQrece£vedcan be written here. When the specific heat of the substance sample (6) is extracted from here;there is the following equation; in equation (b); mwrepresents the mass of water, cwthe specific heat of water (4.18 J / gC), Twithe initial temperature of water, mmthe corrected equilibrium temperature of the substance sample (6) to be measured TR, and finally Tmithe initial temperature of the substance sample (6).

[0036] There are several application steps involved in implementing a system and method for measuring the specific heat of substance. These steps are as follows;

[0037] • Measuring the mass (mm) of the substance sample (6) using a precision balance, • Immersing the substance sample (6) in tap water in a beaker, waiting until thermal equilibrium is reached and recording the initial temperature (Tmi) of the substance sample (6) by the microprocessor (3),

[0038] • Using a water heater to heat a sufficient amount of tap water. Here, the mass of water being approximately twice the mass of (mm) the sample substance (6) and the mass of hot water (mw) being measured on a precision balance. The amount of water being important and being sufficient to completely submerge the substance sample (6). Not being too high so that the heat exchange mechanism can be clearly observed.

[0039] • Pouring the hot water into the non-insulating container (2) by the user and immersing the temperature sensor (4). Here, being expected to reach equilibrium in approximately 1 minute, and the computer (1 ) collecting temperature data as a function of time.

[0040] • After about 5 minutes, the microprocessor (3) continuously collecting data while the sample of the substance (6) being thrown into hot water,

[0041] • Continuing collecting data with the temperature sensor (4) for approximately 5 more minutes, and then stopping the data collection by the microprocessor (3). After a sharp drop in temperature, thermal equilibrium eventually being reached, and the temperature remaining almost constant.

[0042] • Using the collected temperature data, plotting the temperature-time graph on the computer (1 ),

[0043] • Drawing a second graph between the points K and L which can be seen in Figure-1 on the computer (1 ). Mathematically modelling the initial linear part of the graph on this graph, and determining the slope of the linear heat loss to the environment on the computer (1 ),

[0044] • Determining the time interval of heat exchange defined by the At = t£- between the hot water and cold substance sample (6) by estimating the moment when thermal equilibrium is reached by the microprocessor (3) using the graph. This moment being determined by looking at the thermal equilibrium point, which is the starting point of the second linear relationship in the graph, and using the second plateau of the temperature-time graph.

[0045] • Determining the thermal equilibrium temperature (Te) by the microprocessor (3) using the graph, • Determining the initial water temperature (Twi) by the microprocessor (3) using the graph,

[0046] • Determining the slope for heat loss from the part of the graph before sample disposal (between K and L in the graph) so as to eliminate heat loss from the container (2) to the environment,

[0047] • Determining the true equilibrium temperature by using equation (a) by the microprocessor and determining the specific heat using equation (b) based on this.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method of measuring the specific heat of substance, which is run on a microprocessor (3) to enable the measurement of the heat capacity and specific heat of the substances, comprising the process steps of;- measuring the mass of the substance sample (6) using a precision balance,- immersing the substance sample (6) in tap water in a beaker, waiting until thermal equilibrium is reached and then recording the initial temperature of the substance sample (6) by the microprocessor (3),- heating the tap water to be used in the measurement by using a water heater, on the condition that the mass of the substance sample (6) being approximately twice the mass of the water used in the measurement and the mass of the resulting hot water being measured on a precision balance,- pouring the hot water into the non-insulating container (2) by the user and immersing the temperature sensor (4) into the container (2),- five minutes after the temperature sensor (4) being immersed, the microprocessor (3) continuously collecting data while the substance sample (6) being thrown into hot water by the user,- after throwing the substance sample (6) into hot water by the user, data collection continuing for 5 minutes with the temperature sensor (4) and then stopping data collection by the microprocessor (3),- using the collected temperature data, plotting the temperature-time graph on the computer (1 ),- drawing a second graph between points K and L on the temperature-time graph on the computer (1 ),- determining the time interval of heat exchange defined by At = t£-between the hot water and the cold substance sample (6) by estimating the moment when thermal equilibrium is reached using the temperaturetime graph by the microprocessor (3),- determining the thermal equilibrium temperature by using the temperature-time graph by microprocessor (3),- determining the initial temperature of the water by using the temperaturetime graph by the microprocessor (3),- determining the slope for heat loss by the microprocessor (3) from the section of the graph between K and L before sample disposal, so as to eliminate heat loss of the container (2) to the environment, and- determining the actual equilibrium temperature from equation (a) by the microprocessor (3) and then determining the specific heat using equation (b).

2. Method for measuring the specific heat of substance according to claim 1 , wherein the process step of pouring hot water into a non-insulating container (2) and immersing the temperature sensor (4) comprises waiting for the hot water to reach equilibrium for 1 minute and starting the process of collecting temperature data as a function of time by the computer (1 ).

3. Method for measuring the specific heat of substance according to claim 1 , wherein the process step of plotting a second graph between points K and L on the temperature-time graph comprises mathematically modelling the initial linear portion of the graph and determining the slope of the linear heat loss to the environment.

4. Method for measuring the specific heat of substance according to claim 1 , wherein the process step of determining the time interval of heat exchange defined by At = t£-between the hot water and the cold substance sample (6) by estimating the moment when thermal equilibrium is reached using the temperature-time graph comprises determining the second linear relationship in the temperature-time graph by looking at the thermal equilibrium point, which is the starting point of the graph, and utilizing the second plateau of the temperature-time graph.

5. Specific heat measurement system that enables the measurement of the heat capacity and specific heat of substances, comprising;- at least one computer (1 ) that enables the collection of temperature data from temperature sensors (4),- at least one non-insulating container (2) into which hot water is poured during the measurement,- at least one microprocessor (3) from which the data of the decrease in water temperature over time is taken as a data point,- at least one temperature sensor (4) that enables determining temperature values in water temperature measurement, and- substance sample (6) taken from the substance whose specific heat is to be measured so as to perform specific heat measurement.

6. Specific heat measurement system of substance according to claim 5, comprising breadboard, measuring equipment (5) with connecting cables for ensuring connection and measurement processes.

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