In my second-to-last semester of engineering, I chose to complete a directed studies course in a topic of personal interest. After some research, I proposed and received approval for an Electric Kiln Design project. I chose this project to combine pottery and DIY hobbies with engineering, and to acquire some electrical and mechanical systems skills under faculty supervision.
My basic design requirements were to be able to do 1220 °C (cone 6) pottery firings from a regular household outlet, and to eventually end up with a compact hobby kiln for a lower cost than available commercially (ranging from $2,000–7,000 CAD). Once the design was completed, I was able to begin purchasing and construction. Materials came out to about $1,200, many of which were reclaimed.
Construction and testing is still in progress, but thankfully I was able to complete the directed studies course with the submission of my design report (download linked above). That said, I am hoping to have this project done before winter, and ideally will get an update posted on this page when it’s all working.