Triac Based AC Mains Start Ramp Control (Soft-Start)

A simple project to develop hardware & firmware for a triac based starting ramp controller. This project will provide basic hardware elements as a starting point. The Developer will have input into final hardware layout including the selection of Microcontroller to aid swift project completion. Project Condition 1. LOW COST/SIMPLE hardware requirement 2. Microchip microcontroller preferred but will consider Arduino 3. A mixture of resistive/Inductive loads to start 4. Swift completion of the project a must Basic Operation outline, 1. Energise PCB --> zero output LOAD voltage 2. Add Start delay 3. Check supply voltage to ensure the minimum level is met 4. Start Ramp at 50% supply voltage 5. Ramp up the voltage to 100% over time XXXms 6. Once at 100% voltage, engage bypass relay & turn off triac. 7. If supply voltage below min level, turn off the relay and restart. Triac control I have not put too much detail into this element and as this project would be suited for individuals who have worked with triac’s in the past. Either an interrupt driven firing pulse train or ZC --> delay method would be suitable. In any case, a pulse train is required to conserve power from psu. Timescales Shorter the better as this is not a very complicated project for the right individual.