# Temperature sensor for solar dryer heat control

I am designing a control system that runs a fan and electric heater based on the temperature measured inside of a hybrid electrical/solar dryer (for fruits and vegetables).

Temperatures inside could vary between 0 and 200 degrees (very, very roughly).

What kind of sensor would you suggest using for this kind of application?

• Assuming control accuracy is not overly tight (and you need to state that as part of your spec) then many sensors would work. Thermistor, RTD, thermocouple. Of these thermistor is arguably easiest. – Russell McMahon Nov 20 '19 at 9:39
• These look OK - 1 degree C accuracy 0-100C with 300C max rating $US1.19/1 Digikey. Or these$1.54/1 +/- 0.5C 0-100C and 300C max rated. – Russell McMahon Nov 20 '19 at 10:14
• Yes, when I was reading that thermocouples need mathematical linearization I was wondering if they could be possibly the easiest. I am quite new to electronics and still need to learn a lot. How about semiconductor sensors like AD590 and LM35? Would they make sense in this application? – Anna Sarah Nov 20 '19 at 10:20
• Your upper temperature limit of 200C makes most electronic sensors unsuitable. Remote IR sesnors (thermopile) work but probably don't suit. Then you are back to RTD / thermistor / thermocouple ... || IF you have a processor available (an Arduino for a few \$ is fine) then linearisation is no real problem. – Russell McMahon Nov 20 '19 at 10:39