power calculation for diy incubator

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yamato96

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I have seen lots of tutorials on the web about coolers with incandescent lamps in as a thermal heater.... how can i calculate the minimum power requirement in watts for x volume incubator to reach/maintaing a y temperature...is there a formula ? solution ? a rule ?
 

You have to figure out the heat loss from your incubator. This involves, the minimum temperature you want inside it, the minimum temperature outside it, the heat loss in K (watts per degrees C). Or you can just get a $5 thermostat and a light bulb and try it, if the thermostat does not cycle (light stays on all the time), put another or a larger bulb, in.
Frank
 

Steady state temperature difference between inside air and ambient air is proportional to heater power. So experimentally find the temperature difference for a known power of heater and then you can easily calculate required power for a given temperature difference (y-Tamb).
 

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