WVO Controller

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OK, So lets kick off the WVO Controller Project. Jump in if you have something to add...

The Skinny

  • Microprocessor controller that will control all aspects of the veggie fuel system; switchover, purge, heaters, ect.
  • Modular - Should be able to work in a variety of systems with a variety of components. ie, check valve control, three way solenoid valves.
  • Adjustable - Should be able to be programmed to meet a variety of purge times, idle after shutdown, etc.
  • Packaging - Under dash module similar to a trailer brake module.

System 1: Ford PSD Raw Power

Starting with what I know; the program should do what I managed to do with timer relays.
FORD PSD CONTROLER SCHEMATIC.jpg FORD PSD FUEL SCHEMATIC.jpg
This is what the controller relays look like; its not quite as bad as it looks...
WVO Controller Proto 1 Wires.JPG

The operation modes are:

  1. With the master turned on:
    • Engages the filter heater
    • Engages the veggie pump WHEN the engine is to temp
  2. When the veggie pump is running:
    • Turns off the diesel pump
    • Turns on the diesel pump if fuel pressure drops
  3. When ignition is turned off: (key out, walk away)
    • Purge valve will open for a preset time (7s)
    • Engine will stay running for preset time (70s)
  4. If the master switch is off the truck will run normally and none of the vo stuff will switch on. If the master switch is turned off while purging with the ignition off, the engine will stop.

Prototype 1

I did a bit of horse trading and got a gentleman in Canada to design a Microprocessor controller to replicate this system.
He did a great job and here it is.
Hey... I recognize that piece! And that may be the first time I've ever been called a gentleman on the Internet!

LEON - get this in your truck already!

OK!!! Great... but that doesn't help all of you out there that are looking for a cost effective WVO controller to add to your manual system.

Prototype 2

Enter the Arduino platform. Open source Microprocessor platform - I love it! This will allow us to leverage a proven and feature rich platform to get or WVO Controller to the next level. The geeks out there will be able to do it themselves with the information/design that we produce and we will be able to offer a complete product for those that want to buy a cost effective solution.

That said gentleman strikes again - I've actually become quite proficient at Arduino and my latest project (an industrial welder remote controller) spawned from an Arduino base. The thing I like most is rapid prototyping. If I had to re-do a veggy controller from scratch, I would definitely choose an Arduino platform to start. I like the Solarbotics Freeduino ones. They are based on the 328P chip which has lots of space for getting creative.