stillbot-slave

The stillbot-slave is a programmable logic controller (PLC), the computer interface to the various sensors and actuators attached to a microdistillation plant. It oversees and records data for all operations of the plant and is the conduit through which the stillbot-master effects changes in the system.

stillbot-slave is currently based on the Arduino platform and the DS18(x)20 range of thermistors.

stillbot-slave is responsible for:

• identifying, initialising and running operational safety checks for all components
• ensuring the continuous operation of the plant and keeping it in a known, safe state at all times
• relaying sensor data (boiler temp, vapour temp, flow-rate, etc.) for analysis
• controlling actuators such as solid-state relays and solenoid valves

The architectural goals are:

• extensibility: allow for new components to be added easily

• autonomy: operate independently of the stillbot master, with definable failsafe settings

• modularity: plug'n'play philosophy for components via consistent, ontological hardware/software interfaces