Development of an Automated Coffee Bean Dryer Using Arduino Uno for Efficient Moisture Control

Abstract

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of an automated coffee bean dryer utilizing the Arduino Uno microcontroller. The primary objective of the research is to reduce the moisture content of Robusta coffee beans to below 12%, a critical threshold for preventing mold growth, within a significantly reduced timeframe compared to traditional sun-drying methods. The materials used in this study include an Arduino Uno microcontroller, a DHT11 sensor for monitoring temperature and humidity, and incandescent lamps as the heat source. The method involved designing, building, and testing the dryer, followed by data collection through multiple trials. The temperature and humidity inside the drying chamber were continuously monitored, and the weight of the coffee beans was measured at regular intervals to calculate moisture loss. The results showed that the system successfully reduced the moisture content to 12.4% within 8 hours and 40 minutes, a significant improvement over the conventional drying time of 5-7 days. The automated system provides greater control over environmental conditions, ensuring consistent drying performance. This research highlights the potential of automation to enhance efficiency and productivity in coffee processing, particularly in regions with inconsistent weather conditions. Future research could focus on improving energy efficiency and scaling the system for larger production capacities.