Energy Leak Detector

High sensitivity, portable temperature comparator detects draughts around doors, windows, etc.
Circuit diagram:

Parts:

	22K Linear Potentiometer (See Notes)
R2	15K @ 20°C n.t.c. Thermistor (See Notes)
R3	10K ¼W Resistor
R4, R5, R7, R9	22K ¼W Resistors
R6	220K ¼W Resistor
R8	5K ½W Trimmer Cermet
R10	680R ¼W Resistor
C1	47µF 63V Electrolytic Capacitor
D1	5mm. Red LED
D2	5mm. Green LED
IC1	TL061 Low current BIFET Op-Amp
IC2	LM393 Dual Voltage Comparator IC
P1	SPST Pushbutton
B1	9V PP3 Battery
	Clip for PP3 Battery

Comments:
This sensitive circuit is basically a comparator, detecting very slight temperature changes in respect to the ambient temperature. It was primarily intended to detect draughts around doors and windows that cause energy leaks but can be used in many other ways, when a sensitive temperature change detector is needed.
Two LEDs are used to signal if the temperature change is pointing above (Red LED) or below (Green LED) the ambient temperature.
Circuit operation:
IC1 acts as a bridge detector and amplifier: its output voltage raises when temperature increases and vice-versa. This happens because the n.t.c. resistor R2 reduces its resistance value as temperature increases and vice-versa, therefore unbalancing the bridge formed by R1, R2, R4, R5.
IC2A and IC2B form a window comparator and R8 is the sensitivity control.
Before starting a measurement the circuit must be balanced by means of R1 in order to obtain that both LEDs are off. If R8 is set to zero resistance the circuit sensitivity will be at maximum and one of the LEDs will illuminate when a very slight difference in temperature will be detected. As R8 value is increased the circuit sensitivity will decrease.
Notes:

• The Thermistor value can be chosen in the 10K - 22K @ 20°C range.
• R1 value should be about twice the Thermistor value @ 20°C, so using a 22K Thermistor a 47K potentiometer should be used.
• To ensure fast detection of temperature changes, the use of a Thermistor having the case as small as possible is recommended.
• If only one LED is needed to show a change in temperature, no matter if raising or decreasing, D2 can be omitted and pin #1 of IC2B must be connected to pin #7 of IC2A.