Puffer Monitor

WiFi monitoring device for buffer tanks and thermal storage systems

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The Nautilis Puffer Monitor is a smart WiFi monitoring device designed for buffer tanks, thermal storage tanks, and heat storage systems. Equipped with up to three DS18B20 temperature sensors, it continuously monitors temperatures at the top, middle, and bottom of the tank, providing an accurate overview of the stored thermal energy.

Main features

  • WiFi connectivity
  • Supports up to three DS18B20 temperature sensors
  • Monitors the top, middle, and bottom of the buffer tank
  • Individual temperature alarms for each sensor
  • Support for the Nautilis Monitoring Platform
  • Push notifications via the Pushover app
  • Built-in local web interface for easy configuration
  • TFT display with real-time data
  • Historical data logging and interactive charts
  • CSV data export
  • Built-in audible alarm

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Nautilis Puffer Monitor

The Nautilis Puffer Monitor is a smart WiFi device designed for monitoring buffer tanks and other thermal energy storage systems.

It supports up to three DS18B20 digital temperature sensors, typically installed at the top, middle, and bottom of the tank.

This configuration provides a clear overview of the stored thermal energy and the temperature stratification inside the tank.

Applications

  • Buffer tanks
  • Thermal storage tanks
  • Solar thermal storage systems
  • Heat storage tanks for wood-fired boilers
  • Heating systems with multiple heat sources

Three Temperature Sensors

Each temperature sensor can be configured individually with:

  • Custom sensor name
  • Measurement calibration
  • High temperature alarm limit
  • Low temperature alarm limit

A typical installation uses:

  • T1 – Top of the tank
  • T2 – Middle of the tank
  • T3 – Bottom of the tank

Alarm System

If the temperature measured by any sensor exceeds the configured alarm limits, the device can:

  • Activate the built-in audible alarm
  • Send an alarm notification via the Nautilis Monitoring Platform

This ensures you are immediately informed whenever abnormal temperature conditions occur within your thermal storage system.

First-Time Setup

  1. Power on the device.
  2. Connect to its WiFi access point.
  3. Open a web browser and navigate to 192.168.4.1.
  4. Open the Network & Cloud menu.
  5. Enter your WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
  6. Set Service Type to NAUTILIS (recommended) or choose another supported service.
  7. For the NAUTILIS service, set the Custom Stream URI or Token to match the device's AP SSID.
  8. Save the settings.
  9. Turn the device off for approximately 10 seconds, then power it on again.

The device will then connect to your local WiFi network and begin monitoring the connected sensors.

Local Web Interface

The Heating Monitor features a built-in web interface accessible from your local network.

Using any web browser, you can configure:

  • WiFi settings
  • Device name
  • Data transmission service
  • Temperature units
  • Alarm limits
  • Sensor calibration
  • Audible alarm
  • Data transmission interval
  • Display settings

All settings are stored in the device's non-volatile memory and remain saved even after a power loss.

Nautilis Monitoring Platform

When NAUTILIS is selected as the service, the device automatically uploads data to the Nautilis Monitoring Platform.

The platform provides:

  • Live sensor readings
  • Historical data storage
  • Alarm monitoring
  • Push notifications
  • Remote monitoring of multiple devices

The current minimum data transmission interval is 60 seconds.

After logging in, users can:

  • View all assigned devices
  • Rename devices
  • Set device locations
  • Add personal notes
  • View charts and historical data
  • Export data in CSV format

Note: The Device ID is assigned by the administrator and is used to uniquely identify the device when sending data.

Push Notifications via Pushover

The Nautilis Monitoring Platform supports push notifications through the Pushover app, allowing you to receive instant alerts on your mobile device whenever an alarm condition occurs.

Setting Up Pushover Notifications

  1. Install the Pushover app on your Android or iOS device.
  2. Create a Pushover account and sign in.
  3. Locate your User Key in the Pushover Dashboard.
  4. Log in to the Nautilis Monitoring Platform.
  5. Open your Profile page.
  6. Paste your Pushover User Key into the appropriate field.
  7. Enable Receive Pushover Notifications.
  8. Save your changes.
  9. Optionally click Test Push to verify the configuration.

If everything is configured correctly, a test notification will be delivered to your mobile device.

Push Notifications via Telegram

The Nautilis Monitoring Platform also supports alarm notifications through Telegram.

Telegram notifications are completely free and can be used either on their own or together with Pushover notifications.

Setting Up Telegram Notifications

  1. Install the Telegram app on your Android or iOS device.
  2. Sign in to your Telegram account.
  3. Log in to the Nautilis Monitoring Platform.
  4. Open your Profile page.
  5. In the Telegram section, click Connect Telegram.
  6. The platform will display a message similar to:
    /start YOUR_CODE
  1. Open the Nautilis Monitoring Bot in Telegram.
  2. Send the displayed command (for example: /start A1B2C3D4).
  3. If the connection is successful, the bot will confirm the registration.
  4. Return to your Profile page and refresh it.
  5. Enable Receive Telegram Notifications.
  6. Save your changes.
  7. Optionally click Test Telegram to verify the configuration.

If configured correctly, a test message will be delivered through Telegram.

From that point onward, you will receive alarm notifications for all devices assigned to your account.

All Telegram communication is private between you and the Nautilis Monitoring Bot. Other users cannot access your messages, alarms, or device information.

Alarm Notification Examples

  • Alarm T1 LOW – Temperature Sensor 1 below the configured minimum
  • Alarm T1 HIGH – Temperature Sensor 1 above the configured maximum
  • Alarm T2 LOW / HIGH – Temperature Sensor 2 alarm
  • Alarm T3 LOW / HIGH – Temperature Sensor 3 alarm
  • Alarm P LOW / HIGH – System pressure alarm

Users can enable both Pushover and Telegram notifications simultaneously. When both services are enabled, alarm notifications are sent through both channels.

Technical Specifications

  • Power supply: 5 V via USB-C
  • USB-C power adapter not included
  • WiFi: 2.4 GHz
  • 5 GHz WiFi networks are not supported
  • Built-in TFT display with real-time data
  • Adjustable LED backlight
  • Supports both °C and °F temperature units

About

Nautilis Development Hub is a personal engineering workspace dedicated to creating reliable monitoring solutions, embedded electronics and cloud-connected applications.

Current focus includes Nautilis Monitoring, iRelay devices, fermentation tracking systems and ESP-based hardware platforms.

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Contact

For project inquiries, collaboration or technical questions:

info@nautilis.eu

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