Research Paper
Design, fabrication, and testing of a digitally controlled charcoal smoker – A capstone project
There are many smokers available in the market nowadays. The two popular options are either electric or charcoal heated, each with their own downfalls. This capstone project built and tested a self-monitoring smoker that uses the smoke from burnt charcoal box to smoke chicken or meat in a separate smoker chamber. The objective of this capstone project was to design, build and test a charcoal smoker that is capable of maintaining its smoker chamber at a constant temperature that would be set by the user. The temperature of the smoker was controlled by the air flow rate into and out of the chamber using dampers at the inlet and exhaust ports. The project tested three set temperatures: 200˚C, 215˚C, and 250˚C. The temperature was maintained as needed within some margin ±5˚C. This fluctuation was due to airflow dampers opening and closing. To demonstrate the performance of the smoker, a raw chicken was smoked for 3.5 hours and it was smoked as intended. The smoker took approximately eight minutes to reach 200˚C. The project was led by a team of three senior MET (mechanical engineering technology) students. The project revealed the high impact on the level of understanding of students. Students performance and project outcomes were assessed against ABET learning outcomes, such as (1) applying knowledge, techniques, and skills to engineering technology activities, (2) applying knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to engineering technology programs, (3) conducting tests, measurements, calibration and improving processes, (4) problem solving: ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, (5) teamwork and (6) effective communication: ability to communicate effectively.
Published by: Maher Shehadi
Author: Maher Shehadi
Paper ID: V4I3-1871
Paper Status: published
Published: June 18, 2018
Full Details