A dynamic temperature difference control recording system in shallow lake mesocosm

The effects of climate change on shallow lakes were studied via control experiments, such as a mesocosm study. Accurate control, monitoring and recording of temperature difference are crucial for the ongoing simulation of warming mesocosm. In this article, we provide a method that can adjust automatically and allow real-time monitoring and recording of water temperature. This system is composed of three main parts: the temperature sensor DS18B20, which measures and outputs the digital temperature value; a C8051F320 microcontroller, which acquires, analyses and stores the temperature data and performs control upon start and shutdown of external heating elements; and external heating devices perform heating until the target temperature difference is achieved. • This system can maintain a certain temperature difference under gradually changing external environmental conditions. • This system can achieve real-time online monitoring of water temperature. • This system has an excellent ability to resist disturbance.