Publication Date

Spring 5-3-2026

Document Type

Student Project

First Advisor

YJ, Lin

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Department

Other

Abstract

This engineering project, sponsored by Crandall Stats and Sensors, focuses on improving the ability to test product performance under controlled environmental conditions by designing a portable humidity chamber capable of maintaining a stable relative humidity between 20 and 80 percent with a tolerance of ±0.5 percent. Consistent humidity is crucial for evaluating how moisture influences material properties, product reliability, and long-term durability in real production environments. Because Crandall conducts testing across multiple facility locations, the chamber must also be lightweight, transportable, and easy for operators to use without specialized training. Developing such a system provides the company with a valuable tool for quality assurance, performance validation, and production optimization.

The design challenge lies in creating a compact and ergonomic chamber that achieves high-precision humidity control while integrating electrical and pneumatic connections, real-time sensing, and automated data logging. Existing commercial solutions lack the portability, built-in hookups, and ergonomic access required by Crandall’s workflow, while retrofitting the prior chamber would require fully rebuilding its internal systems. The engineering difficulty is heightened by the need to balance insulation, airflow, sensor accuracy, control responsiveness, and power limitations within a $20,000 budget. Achieving ±0.5 percent humidity tolerance in a 2×2×4 ft environment requires careful coordination between humidification hardware, dehumidification methods, feedback sensors, and control algorithms.

To meet these requirements, the envisioned optimal design is divided into functional domains: Frame/Structure, Humidity Control System, Sensors and Feedback, Control/Interface, Data Collection, and Power/Integration. Each domain plays a critical role in achieving reliable, stable humidity control. The insulated metal frame provides durability, mobility, and ergonomic access for operators. The humidity control system uses an ultrasonic humidifier and active dehumidifier to rapidly adjust moisture levels. High-accuracy sensors provide continuous RH and temperature data, feeding a control interface through which users can set and monitor system conditions. A data collection system automatically logs performance metrics for later review, while integrated power and pneumatic hookups ensure compatibility with Crandall’s testing equipment. Together, these functional domains form a cohesive and adaptable chamber design capable of delivering the precision, reliability, and mobility required for Crandall’s research and production needs.

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