Design and Construction of a 2-Ton Capacity Flatbed Dryer System for Heating and Drying Paddy Rice Based on the Internet of Things (IoT)

Abstract

Grain drying is a crucial post-harvest process that significantly affects rice quality, storage stability, and market value. Conventional sun-drying methods are still widely practiced; however, they are highly dependent on weather conditions, require long drying periods, and often result in uneven moisture distribution. This study aims to design and develop a 2-ton capacity bed dryer integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to improve drying efficiency through real-time monitoring and automatic control. The research methodology includes mechanical and electronic system design, integration of an ESP32 microcontroller with temperature and humidity sensors, development of a cloud-based monitoring platform, and performance evaluation based on drying chamber temperature, relative humidity, drying time, energy consumption, and final grain moisture content. The proposed system automatically regulates the burner and blower to maintain the drying temperature within the optimal range of 40–60°C, ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the drying chamber. Based on the system design and preliminary performance evaluation, the proposed dryer is expected to achieve a more uniform drying process, reduce grain moisture content to the recommended storage level of approximately 14% wet basis, improve energy efficiency, and enable remote monitoring through mobile devices. The implementation of IoT technology in a 2-ton bed dryer is expected to provide an effective, efficient, and intelligent post-harvest solution that supports the modernization of grain drying systems while improving grain quality, operational efficiency, and productivity in the agricultural sector.