PH12015000082A1

PH12015000082A1 - Solar powered paddy grain humidifier-dryer with with production monitoring via sms

Info

Publication number: PH12015000082A1
Application number: PH12015000082A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Ernest Joni T Tabada; Sheila Kathryn R Pena; John Daniel P Matanguihan; Gerard Martie V Principe
Original assignee: Sheila Kathryn R Pena; Ernest Joni T Tabada
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2015-03-20
Publication date: 2016-09-26

Abstract

The invention discloses a apparatus, method and product for automated and simultaneous humidifying and drying intended but not limited to paddy grain The claimed features comprises a power supply with two alternating batteries charged with solar panels, a control system to automatically control moisture content, temperature and humidity depending on the desired moisture content of the user, a humidifier and dryer that provides heat and humidity output and a GSM module for updated inventory. Furthermore, the apparatus employs a mechanical means in the execution of the said humidifying and drying process.

Description

. Title: Method and apparatus for solar-powered paddy grain humidifier and = drier .

Field of the Invention oo

The present invention generally relates to the field of agriculture, more particularly to Ll paddy grain post harvest process of automated humidification and drying with solar power o as an alternative source of energy. -

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Background = -

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS, 2010) presented evidences for a high ww demand for rice. At present, the farmers are responsible for performing paddy grain drying which prove to be wanting in relation to the demands of an increasing population.

Moreover, several existing paddy grain dryers and humidifiers are currently already utilized for agricultural use. In order to answer the separate existence of humidifiers and driers, the present invention combines the said process of automated and simultaneous humidification and drying of paddy grain. In effect, the yield of grains as compared to the traditional processes is higher, thus, increasing rice production in a broader sense. The traditional method of sun drying, viewed as an effective and common method also gave rise to exposure of the paddy grain to the elements, insect infestation and mold growth, theft and damage to animals. Such methods have also given rise to problems of moisture control. To overcome these problems, various methods have been employed to dry out the paddy grain which include the use of mechanical dryers.

Prior art of mechanical dryers would produce uneven or overly dried out grain ] resulting in less than optimal recovery of grain. More so, mechanical dryers also pose an environmental risk due to its fuel consumption.

One prior art discloses an apparatus involving a drying and harvesting method that enhances the capacity of harvesting wheat on a higher moisture content and lower threshing cylinder power consumption. Such method improved the quality of threshing by reducing 1 E 44 9

Lo the moisture content of the grain in preparation for storage to avoid drying the grain or = prevention of occurrence of mildew growth on grain. ol :

Another prior art relates to a drying device utilizing green energy. Beneficial effects - of said technology include the use of green energy, retention of moisture and nutrient o i freshness. Said device proved to be convenient, flexible, practical and economical. =

Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from - the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the - accompanying drawings and this background of disclosure. = 5

Summary i

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automated and simultaneous humidification and drying of paddy grain through the use of data from a plurality of sensors.

One object of the invention is to provide solution to the drawbacks mentioned above brought about by traditional and conventional drying of paddy grain.

Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is to develop an improved method and apparatus in executing both humidifying and drying of paddy grain while maintaining the quality of rice with more yields during the post-harvest process.

Another aspect of the invention is to gather necessary parameters such as temperature and moisture content of paddy grain through the plurality of sensors in the machine in comparison to the standards that will be provided hereafter.

Another aspect of the invention is the reliance of equilibrium moisture content : (EMC) to the storage period of grains to identify the moisture content before and after drying including calculations to quantify the difference in moisture content. Such difference in moisture content is specifically quantified through wet weight basis such that the lower the required moisture content of the grain the longer the grain can be stored.

Co According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for humidifying = and drying rice comprising the steps of initializing the apparatus by setting the desired - parameters for the process, verifying if provided parameters are correct, measuring the - parameters automatically through moisture and thermal sensors to provide feedback and © control, adding moisture using a humidifier, launching fan rotation to provide both heating - and cooling operation, establishing the balance of both humidification and drying process > using the automation control system, operating a screw conveyor to aid in humidifying- drying process by shaft rotation and to transfer processed paddy grain from the input side to = the output side. =

Another aspect of the invention is the development of a humidifier-drier apparatus in carrying out the method on the above aspect which includes plurality of temperature and moisture content sensors to measure the necessary parameters. In order to determine both the temperature and humidity inside the system the sensors acts as monitoring means and is utilized for automation.

In addition, embodiments comprising a microcontroller that act as a command unit for the processes involved, solar panel to harness and be a source of alternative energy, : batteries to store energy from the source and GSM modules for short message service notifications were provided and integrated to maximize the functionality of the whole system. The said elements were combined and assembled while the controlling and automating aspect of the apparatus is run by a predetermined program embedded in the microprocessor unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

Figure 1 shows the perspective schematic view of the embodiment depicting the humidifier- drier as claimed.

Figure 2 shows the bottom view of the embodiment.

Figure 3 shows the front view of the embodiment.

oo Figure 4 shows the right side view of the embodiment. = wo :

Figure 5 shows the top view of the embodiment. Co

Figure 6 shows the flowchart depicting the humidifying-drying process. wo

Detailed Description of the Invention B

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended ~ . 1 to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention o fut : or the following detailed description. It is the intention of this invention to develop an tt i improved method and apparatus for simultaneous humidification and drying of paddy grain resulting in an increase in harvest yield.

In reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate the components or elements throughout the description,

Hereinafter, a method and apparatus for automated and simultaneous humidification and drying of paddy grain using data from a plurality of sensors will be described in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to Figure 1, the apparatus of the present invention includes a rectangular body 111 having interconnected walls 112 a left top opening 113 measuring 40 cm : x 34 cm and bottom part 114 with dispenser 108 measuring 7 cm x 5.5 cm x 1 cm, a control ; box 105 and a screw conveyor assembly 110. The top has a partial opening to allow the entry of unprocessed paddy grain. The right covered half is placed to avoid spillage during humidifying and drying process. The dispenser 108 allows for the dispensing of processed ] paddy grain. The apparatus comprises major parts such as control box 105, a screw conveyor assembly and a body. The body measures 151 em x 34 cm x 34 cm. The body serves as a compartment and chamber in the processing of the paddy grain. It is a U-shaped trough 109 made of metal but not limited to steel and aluminum. The width and depth of the trough 4 f oo 109 both measured 34 cm and placed on a scale of 1:1 with the length extending to 151 cm. =

The chamber, not inclusive of the screw conveyor assembly 110. has an approximate capacity of 175,000 cubic centimeters ~

One aspect of the invention is a control box 105 located on the outer surface of one of ~ the longitudinal walls of the body 111 of the apparatus. The control box 105, which utilizes pi i power supplied by two batteries 401 measures 23 cm x 19 cm x 7 cm. The stored energy in Bi p- the batteries 401 are harvested energy from the solar panel 402. In addition, the control box MT : 105 further comprises a microcontroller unit, GSM module, relay board. The control box 105 = : is responsible for the control of the mechanical parts inclusive of the screw conveyor - assembly 110, dispenser 108 as well as electronic components inclusive of blower 101, heater 102, humidifier 203 and GSM module. The control box 105 further comprises a microcontroller unit, the GSM module, relay board and transformer. The integration of the said devices in the control box 105 is responsible for the control of the mechanical parts, particularly the screw conveyor assembly 110, dispenser 108 an electronic components such as blower, heater 102, humidifiers 203 and GSM module. An LCD display measuring 10 cm

X 4 cm x 1 em with a 7.5 ecm x 2.5 cm display screen is also incorporated externally on the control box 105 to display sensor readings and apparatus status. In addition, a numeric keypad with 5.5 cm x 4.5 cm dimension is used for user input such as manual controls and parameter input. On the contra lateral wall of the control box 105 are the heater 102 and sensor 101. On the lateral side near to the control box 105 are the gear 107. In the middle of the trough 109 is the screw conveyor assembly 110 bisected by the shaft 106. Located on the opposite side of the gear 107 and blower 101 is found, on the bottom surface a dispenser 108.

The said screw conveyor assembly 110, is further comprised of a fan blade with a diameter of 11/8 inches, a 9 cm-diameter motor, a 17 cm-diameter gear 107, and a bicycle chain 204 which connects the wiper motor 202 to the gear 107 with 27cm separation, and screw 203. The conveyor mixes the paddy grain in a clockwise or counter clockwise manner supported by the action of the blower 101, heater 102 and humidifier 203. The screw oo conveyor assembly 110 further comprises a fan blade 103 connected radially to the shaft 106 = which functions for paddy grain mixing and transport within the compartment. This conveyor will mix the paddy grain, with the help from the blower 101, heater 102, and ~ humidifier 203. The screw conveyor further comprises a fan blade 103 radially connected to = the shaft 106 which is responsible in both paddy grain mixing and transport within the - compartment. o

The humidifier 203, measuring 9 cm in diameter regulates the heat inside the system 1 and humidifies the paddy grains. The humidifier 203 is directly attached to the right blower 2 101b with an 17 cm x 14 cm x 4 cm acrylic enclosure. The blower 101 distributes the moist on produced by the humidifier 203 to the paddy grain within the chamber.

The heater 102 situated inside the chamber adjacent to the left blower 101a is ; responsible temperature adjustment within the chamber through its heat plates. The blower 101 further distributes and maintains the temperature within the chamber.

A sensor 104 measuring 1.5cm x 1 cm and located within the chamber detects both temperature and humidity It uses a capacitive humidity sensor and a temperature sensor to measure the surrounding air, and converts such measurement in digital form.

Another aspect of the invention is that the control box 105 receives and analyzes measured data. The microprocessor unit in turn, process the information to send : appropriate command to the humidifier 203, heater 102 and blowers 101.

Furthermore, the disclosed processes such as humidification and drying are performed by the apparatus simultaneously where the acquisition of data is done real-time.

Accordingly, the elements related to the processes involved such as the humidifier 203, heater 102 and blowers 101 run simultaneously.

The above mentioned screw conveyor assembly 110 performs two main tasks dependent on the direction of motor rotation which moves in either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner. i :

oo Said process is initiated by activating the machine and confirming that the system is = functioning correctly. Initial desired parameters and logged in and consequently confirmed. - ;

Upon confirmation, paddy grain is cascaded through the left top opening 113 with the screw < conveyor assembly 110 moving in a clockwise and counterclockwise manner to evenly © distribute the paddy grain throughout the trough 109 while simultaneously initiating the - humidification and drying process. The movement of the screw conveyor assembly 110 is > controlled by the wiper motor 202. The clockwise direction of the wiper motor 202 ~ facilitates the movement of the grains from the inlet or left top opening 113 to the dispenser = 108. The constant motion of the paddy grain throughout the trough 109 ensures the even = distribution of heat and humidity in the trough 109 and the grains. ”

Ideal and desirable environmental conditions for storage of paddy for food purposes : in the tropics was established by the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines and presented in the Training Manual: Paddy Grain Drying Brochure of the Philippines which provides the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of paddy grain under various storage conditions. In one embodiment, relative humidity is set between 70 - 81% with storage temperature set at 22°C - 44°C with EMC set between 13.5% - 14.1%. Preferably EMC is set : at 14%. Since the storage period of the grain is dependent on its required moisture content identification of moisture content before and after drying is quantified through wet weight basis. Wet weight basis calculations is based the ratio of the initial and final weight : difference with respect to the initial weight and is expressed in percent.

After continuous processing and data acquisition and the eventual achievement of desired parameters, the humidifying and drying process will automatically stop. A notification to the user will be transmitted through GSM specifying that the paddy grain is dry and ready for disbursement. The SMS notification sent to the user is beneficial for inventory monitoring. The collecting of disbursed paddy grain is manually done and is i excluded from automation. 1 oo Furthermore, the described process utilize an alternative source of energy through = solar panels 402. The solar panels 402 are connected directly to an energy reservoir 401 o such as a battery. Consequently, the entire apparatus draw power from either an ac power < source or the battery. Such power utilization is also controlled by the control box 105 where © the method for the power utilization system is programmed. The batteries 401 are Wt interchangeable to enable switching between the two batteries for a discharge state and - charging through solar panel 402 stage. An energy level indicator on the display is also o included to keep track on the amount of energy for both batteries 401. =

Thus, it can be seen that to an efficient method and apparatus for automated humidifying and drying paddy grain has been provided through an automation control system making use of data from a plurality of sensors 104 which are translated to commands.

Such system incorporates various inventive elements such as production inventory system, alternative power supply, mechanical means and energy level monitoring to ensure an efficient post harvest process while saving processing time and improving yield.

While several exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist, including variations as to the materials and shapes used to form the various structures 102, 103, 106, 108, 109, 201, and 402.

It should be further be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, dimensions, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those ! skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and ; arrangement of elements and method of fabrication described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. g

Claims

oo Claims: oO So

1. An apparatus for humidification and drying of paddy grain comprising of Lo a. abody having an inlet and dispenser -

b. mechanical means consisting of screw conveyor assembly 110 within the ~ : trough pi c. asolar panel with energy level monitoring for energy harvesting and - : monitoring M1 d. sensors for monitoring = :

e. automation control system for the humidification and drying of paddy grain = :

f. SMS notification for notification to user for production inventory characterized in that the apparatus simultaneously performs automated humidification and drying of paddy grain.

2. An apparatus for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 1 wherein the solar panel is an alternative source of power.

3. An apparatus for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 1 wherein the sensors monitor temperature, moisture and humidity.

4. A process for humidification and drying of paddy grain comprising of a. abody having an inlet and dispenser b. mechanical means consisting of screw conveyor assembly within the trough c. asolar panel with energy level monitoring for energy harvesting and monitoring d. sensors for monitoring e. automation control system for the humidification and drying of paddy grain f. SMS notification for notification to user for production inventory characterized in that the apparatus simultaneously performs automated humidification and drying of paddy grain.

i BEE oo 5. A process for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in claim 4 = characterized in that said process is initiated, activated and confirmed to be wo functioning correctly prior to input of desired parameters. -

6. A process for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 characterized © inthat cascaded paddy grain is evenly distributed within the trough in via a - : clockwise and counterclockwise movement of the screw conveyor assembly. >

7. A process for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 characterized o in that the sensors monitor the temperature, moisture content and humidity of the - paddy grain. o

8. A process for humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 6 characterized - in that the clockwise and counterclockwise movement directs the flow of the paddy grain away from or towards the dispenser.

9. A process of humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 and 7 characterized in that the mixing of the paddy grain terminates upon reaching programmed parameters for temperature, moisture content and humidity. :

10. A process of humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 and 7 characterized in that solar panel provide alternative source of energy.

11. A process of humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 and 7 characterized in that an SMS notification is sent to user upon completion of process.

12. A process of humidification and drying of paddy grain as claimed in 4 and 7 characterized in that sent SMS notification is for inventory monitoring. 3

13. A paddy grain humidified and dried at 14% equilibrium moisture content, characterized in that the paddy grain has an average moisture content of 17% ona10 i kg wet weight basis. 1