Cloud Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector

Cloud Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector

Gowtham Ma, Kiran Kashyap M, Ganesh Vn, Lakshan, Lekhan T

Department Of Electronics and Communication Engineering Alvas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Karnataka.

ABSTRACT

The cloud-based food dehydrator with an intelligent profile selector uses Internet of Things technologies to optimize the food dehydration process. Fixed settings are common in traditional dehydrators, which reduces flexibility and produces inconsistent outcomes. This system uses an ESP32 microcontroller at its heart to integrate real-time temperature and humidity monitoring via sensors, thereby addressing these restrictions. Remote control and monitoring are made possible by the microcontroller's ability to communicate with a cloud server via the MQTT protocol. Users can input custom fruit profiles into the system, and it will automatically change the dehydration parameters to get the best possible drying. Users have complete control over the process thanks to a web-based interface that shows real- time temperature and humidity data.

This IoT-driven system is scalable, appropriate for both household and industrial usage, and offers enhanced energy efficiency and product quality through intelligent automation. The use of cloud-based storage in MongoDB enables historical data analysis, enhancing efficiency and accuracy over time.

KEYWORDS: IoT-based Dehydrator, MQTT Protocol, Real time Monitoring, ESP32 Microcontroller, Temperature an Humidity Sensors, Fan Control System, App, Gauge Meters MongoDB Database, Custom Dehydration Profiles, Remot Control and Monitoring, Energy Efficiency, Food Preservation Smart Dehydration System.

INTRODUCTION:

Food processing technology have advanced significantly as a result of the growing demand for premium, shelf-able food products. The most popular technique for preserving fruits, vegetables, and other food items by eliminating moisture content is food dehydration. But conventional food dehydrators frequently lack accuracy and flexibility, which leads to less-than-ideal drying results and inefficient use of energy. A potential answer to these problems is the emergence of the Internet of Things

(IoT), which makes it possible to create smarter, more effective dehydration systems that are remotely controlled and monitored.

The development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based food dehydrators more especially, the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector is the main topic of this review paper. This device uses a microcontroller and cloud-based architecture to give real-time control while integrating sensors to monitor important dehydration parameters including temperature and humidity. The technology optimizes the dehydration process by allowing customers to pick certain food profiles and automatically adjust drying parameters. Furthermore, it offers web-based remote monitoring, guaranteeing accurate and reliable drying outcomes.

This review aims to look at recent developments in the Internet of Things-based food dehydrators, their technological underpinnings, and their uses. The advantages of intelligent control systems and cloud integration which provide scalable, energy-efficient solutions for both home and commercial use are also discussed in this study. This review emphasizes the revolutionary potential of IoT in altering conventional food dehydration processes through an analysis of current systems and technology.

Fig 1: Block Diagram of cloud-based food dehydrator with an intelligent profile selector.

ESP32 Microcontroller

Fig 2: ESP32 Microcontroller

As the main control module for the whole system, the ESP32 microcontroller is essential to the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector. It has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for easy MQTT protocol connection with the cloud server. This makes it possible to monitor and regulate dehydration parameters like humidity and temperature in real-time. The ESP32 gathers sensor data, processes it, and transmits it to the cloud, where users can view and control the system remotely via a web interface. It is the perfect option for this Internet of Things project because of its low power consumption, adaptability, and capacity to handle numerous sensor inputs. Furthermore, its programmability provides for easy integration of intelligent profile selection and control automation improving the food dehydration process' accuracy and efficiency.

Dehydrator

Fig 3: Dehydrator

By combining automation, remote control, and real-time monitoring, IoT-based dehydrators greatly improve the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector's functionality and efficiency. The IoT system in this project links the dehydrator to a network of sensors, such as humidity and temperature sensors, which collect and send vital data to the ESP32 microcontroller constantly. The MQTT protocol is used to transfer this data to a cloud server, allowing the dehydrator, server, and user interface to communicate with each other without any problems. By choosing distinct dehydration profiles for various fruits and food products, users may customize the IoT system to automatically alter the temperature, humidity, and drying time based on the preloaded profile. Furthermore, real-time data is shown on a web interface, enabling users to oversee and manage the procedure remotely from any place. All data is recorded and analyzed, providing insights into performance patterns and enabling process optimization over time, thanks to cloud integration.

IoT-based dehydrators increase energy efficiency, decrease manual involvement, and guarantee constant product quality by automating changes and providing remote access. The system is scalable, making it appropriate for both commercial and residential usage. In the end, smart technology will revolutionize conventional techniques of food dehydration.

Temperature Sensor

Fig 4: Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor plays a crucial role in providing accurate control over the interior temperature throughout the dehydration process in the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with an Intelligent Profile Selector. Certain foodslike fruits, vegetables, and herbsneed to be cooked within particular temperature ranges to effectively remove moisture without sacrificing their texture or nutritional content. The temperature sensor provides real-time data to the ESP32 microcontroller by continually monitoring the dehydrator's heat levels. The device may dynamically modify the heating components to maintain the ideal drying temperature based on this data. This ongoing feedback loop guards against underheating, which might result in inadequate moisture removal and food spoiling, and overheating, which could

burn or overdry the food. Moreover, the MQTT protocol is used to transfer the real-time temperature data to a cloud server, where users may utilize a web application to remotely monitor and manage the dehydration process. On a dashboard, users may see temperature trends, which makes it simple to check if everything is running according to plan.

By preventing pointless heating cycles, the temperature sensor enhances energy savings in addition to product quality. It lessens the need for user intervention and mistakes by ensuring that the dehydrator runs within predetermined limitations. Overall, the temperature sensor improves the overall performance of the Internet of Things-based food dehydrator by providing precise control and appropriate drying conditions for a variety of ood products.

Humidity Sensor

Fig 5: Humidity Sensor

The humidity sensor is an essential part of the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with an Intelligent Profile Selector because it guarantees exact control over the moisture levels during the dehydration process. Food must be dehydrated to be dried properly, and keeping the dehydrator's humidity level at the right amount is crucial to preventing either over- or under- drying. The sensor offers real-time data by continually detecting the humidity, which enables the system to adjust the atmosphere for the best possible food preservation. The ESP32 microcontroller receives humidity data from the sensor, analyzes it, and modifies the fan and heating element in the dehydrator to provide the appropriate results. A food's ability to effectively eliminate water while maintaining its texture, taste, and nutritional value depends on the humidity level. The MQTT protocol is also used to send this data to the cloud, giving customers the ability to remotely monitor and manage the dehydration process.

Users may see the humidity levels in real-time using the web- based application and modify them as needed based on the food profile that is dehydrating. Together with the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor makes sure that both are maintained within the ideal range for various food kinds. This sensor helps increase the overall efficiency of the dehydration process, save energy usage, and improve product uniformity by offering precise humidity control.

Relay Module

Fig 6: Relay Module

Relay modules serve as a bridge between the microcontroller (ESP32) and the high-power electrical parts of the dehydrator, such as the fan and heating element, making them a crucial part of the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector. The relay module acts as a switch that enables the microcontroller to securely turn on or off high-power devices based on real-time sensor data, as the ESP32 runs at low voltage and is unable to handle them directly. The temperature and humidity sensors' inputs are processed by the ESP32, which sends control signals to the relay module in this setup. For example, the ESP32 activates or deactivates the heating element or fan to provide ideal dehydration conditions when the temperature or humidity rises or falls below the appropriate values. This makes it possible to precisely regulate the dehydrator's interior climate, which aids in preserving the ideal ratio of heat to airflow for a variety of food products.

The system may automate the dehydration process and lessen the requirement for manual intervention by incorporating the relay module. By just powering components when necessary and avoiding overheating or excessive drying, this automation also improves energy efficiency. Furthermore, by separating the high-power equipment from the low-power control circuits, the relay module improves safety by reducing the possibility of electrical risks. To sum up, the relay module facilitates automated, real-time control for optimal food dehydration by enabling the safe and effective operation of the dehydrator's essential parts.

METHODOLOGY:

Using Internet of Things technology, the Cloud-

Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector aim s to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the food dehydr ation process. System architecture design, sensor integration, data processing, and control mechanisms are some of the methodology's primary aspects.

System Design and Component Selection

The ESP32 microcontroller, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, relay module, and fan are among the vital parts of the system's architecture. Because of its integrated Wi-Fi, the ESP32 is chosen since it is perfect for Internet of Things applications and cloud connectivity. The dehydrator's internal environment is continuously monitored by the temperature and humidity sensors. High-power parts, such as the fan and heating element, are managed by the relay module, enabling automated switching based on sensor data.

By ensuring adequate circulation, the fan helps remove moisture from food. The exact control over the dehydration process is made possible by this combination of components. The ability to handle various food profiles while preserving the system's effectiveness and safety is the main focus of the design.

Sensor Integration and Data Collection

The dehydrator is equipped with temperature and humidity sensors to track current environmental conditions as the drying process progresses. The chamber is kept within the ideal temperature range for various food products thanks to the temperature sensor. The humidity sensor monitors moisture content at the same time, which is important for effective dehydration without sacrificing food quality.

The ESP32 microcontroller receives continuous data from both sensors for processing. The system can dynamically change the fan speed and heating element thanks to this data. To preserve food texture and flavor while maximizing drying efficiency, real-time data collecting is crucial. Actionable insights are generated and saved in the cloud using precise sensor data.

Microcontroller Programming

Based on preset food dehydration patterns, the ESP32 microcontroller is configured to process sensor inputs and regulate the heating element and fan. The appropriate temperature and humidity levels for various food categories, such as fruits and vegetables, are specified in the profiles. After reading the sensor data, the ESP32 compares it to the specifications specified in the profile.

The ESP32 senses variances and sends a relay module command to switch on or off the heater or fan, modifying the environment as necessary. Additionally, MQTT communication protocols are used by the application to transmit data to the cloud for remote monitoring. By providing automated control, this programming minimizes the need for ongoing user intervention and preserves product consistency.

Cloud Integration via MQTT Protocol

Real-time data transfer and remote control are made possible using the MQTT protocol, which connects the system to the cloud. Data on temperature and humidity is sent via the ESP32 to a cloud server, where a MongoDB database stores the information. Users with an internet connection can watch the dehydration process from any location thanks to this real- time data transmission. Additionally, the MQTT protocol allows users to send remote commands to the ESP32, enabling them to change fan speed or temperature via a mobile or online interface.

Users can track previous data through cloud integration, which enables them to optimize dehydration procedures going forward. This configuration guarantees secure, scalable, and adaptable data transfer between the cloud and the dehydrator.

User Interface Development

The dehydrator can be easily monitored and controlled by users with the help of an intuitive web-based application. Through interactive gauge meters, the interface presents temperature, humidity, and system condition in real-time. Depending on the kind of food being dehydrated, users have the option to load pre-made food profiles or build new ones. Additionally, users can remotely change the fan and heater settings via the interface using preset profiles or real-time data.

Users can access performance logs and historical data using this platform, which will help them improve their dehydration procedures going forward. The user interface is made to be responsive and simple to use on a variety of devices.

Testing and Optimization:

After the system is configured, it is put through a thorough testing process using different foods, like fruits and vegetables. Setting dehydration profiles tailored to the particular food type is the first step in each test, after which the system's ability to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature is monitored. To improve the dehydration profiles and guarantee that the food is preserved while the procedure is energy-efficient, data from these experiments is examined.

To maximize the efficiency of the system, variables such as moisture retention, temperature stability, and drying time are assessed. To ensure consistent and dependable dehydration results across a variety of food items, the ESP32's programming and sensor thresholds are adjusted based on feedback from these tests.

Performance Evaluation

To make sure the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with an Intelligent Profile Selector operates precisely and effectively, performance evaluation is crucial. It verifies the accuracy of humidity and temperature sensors, which are essential for preserving ideal drying conditions. You may increase the quality and consistency of the dehydration profiles by experimenting with different foods and testing the system with them. Additionally, it aids in evaluating energy efficiency by guaranteeing that the heater, fan, and sensors run without using excessive amounts of electricity.

By assessing the system's performance, any malfunctions like relay or sensor problems are found and fixed, increasing reliability. Additionally, it guarantees the responsiveness of the cloud interface, giving users real-time management and monitoring. In the end, performance evaluation raises user satisfaction and optimizes system performance.

LITERATURE SURVEY:

1. Ajay et al. Design of Solar Dryer with Hybrid system and Fireplace This paper discusses a machine that can quickly add or remove moisture from rice grains. It runs on solar power and has two batteries that take turns supplying energy to the system. A small computer controls the machine and adjusts the humidity and temperature based on how much rice is being processed.

2. Esper et al. Solar drying effective means of food preservation. Renewable Energy This paper describes a way to dry fruits using a machine controlled by a small computer and infrared (IR) rays. The machine is powered by solar energy. The IR rays remove moisture from the fruit, and a blower is used to finish the drying process.

3. Woods et al. Simulation of the indirect natural convection solar drying of rough rice. Solar Energy This paper introduces a new way of drying things by using both solar as well as electrical energy which can be said as a hybrid solar energy The dryer has a fan powered by electricity that circulates air, and the substance being dried is heated by sunlight. The system also includes a temperature controller to make sure the temperature is just right. This new system could be a great model for future drying systems.

4. Goswami et al, Analysis of age geodesic dome solar fruit dryer. Drying Technology This paper describes a system that can keep track of how much electricity is being used and control it automatically. The system uses radio waves to figure out if someone is in a room or not. If nobody is in the room, the system turns off the electricity. A small computer called a microcontroller makes sure the system is safe.

5. Karapantsios T.D et al Design and testing of a new solar dryer. Drying Technology This paper introduces a new way to dry agricultural products using a solar dryer that has a heating element. This method is inexpensive and can be used by people in local communities on a large scale. The system works by trapping energy from the sun, which is absorbed by the dryer.

6. C.D. Naiju et al. Conceptualization Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) of Juicer Mixer Grinder Proceedings The idea of lowering product costs and raising product quality is put into practice in this paper. It has mentioned a design for manufacturing for the development of grinders or other home appliances that are used in day-to-day life. They talked to customers to learn about any issues with

the current product, and then they tried to fix the issues by improving the product's cost and design so that buyers would find it more appealing.

CONCLUSION:

Offering flexibility, precision, and control over the traditional dehydration process, the Cloud-Based Food Dehydrator with Intelligent Profile Selector offers a cutting-edge, effective replacement. The technology makes it possible to monitor important environmental parameters in real-time and optimizes the dehydration process for various food types by integrating IoT with sensors such as temperature and humidity. By utilizing an ESP32 microcontroller in conjunction with the MQTT protocol for cloud communication, users may monitor and modify parameters remotely via an easy-to-use web interface, which adds convenience and usefulness. By automatically determining the ideal parameters for every kind of food, the system's intelligent profile picker removes the need for guessing when modifying dehydration conditions. By doing this, higher- quality dried goods are guaranteed, to retain their flavor, texture, and nutritional content.

The process is transparent and user-friendly due to the integration of real-time data collecting, storage in a MongoDB database, and graphical visualization of system performance through gauge meters. Energy is used efficiently and waste is reduced thanks to the relay module's data-driven control of the heating and fan systems. Because of its scalability, the system can be integrated in the future with additional sensors or sophisticated machine-learning algorithms to further optimize dehydration based on past data. This project combines automation, cloud computing, and Internet of Things technology to deliver a novel method for food dehydration. It provides a very effective, user-friendly, and versatile system that can be tailored to a variety of food products, making it appropriate for both large-scale commercial operations and small-scale domestic use. In addition to being more convenient, the system's remote monitoring and control capabilities guarantee reliable and superior dehydration outcomes. This project's clever design solves the drawbacks of current dehydrators and opens the door for future iterations of data-driven, intelligent food processing systems.

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