Microcontroller Controlled Fruit Drying System Using Alternative Energy Sources

Abstract

In this study, solar, one of the renewable energy sources, was used to obtain electricity and heat energy. In the system we created, using the heat insulated material, solar beam collecting cage (GITK) and drying oven were made with air inlet-outlet. These were then properly combined and feet added. Two fans were placed at the GITK air inlet end and forced air flow was provided when necessary. This process is done with microcontroller controlled circuit (MKD) which we designed to stop and stop the fans. Respectively; one temperature and humidity sensor was placed in the GITK entrance, in the middle of the GITK and drying oven, and its connection to MKD was made. With the control software, the temperature and humidity values of all three sensors are compared and the fans are checked to see if they are working. Thus, the heated air inside the GITK passes to the drying section and dehumidifies the products and exits from the above chimney. The electrical energy required for the operation of fans and MKD is provided from a 10 W solar panel. The microcontroller records the temperature and humidity values in text format at two hour intervals. The system can be monitored and controlled through the web page with wifi-connected communication devices. Plum and pear drying attempts were made to test the system's operability.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Fruit Drying, Nodemcu, ESP8266

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-07-11