The process of drying Andean grains is vital to the post-harvest processing of grains. It has a significant impact on the quality and value of grains produced, which impacts the farmers as well as those who are consuming the grains. Without adequate infrastructure and access to certain technologies, it can be hard for farmers to ensure that the grain is being dried properly.
A team of students at the Technical Chapter of Power and Energy (PES) of the IEEE-UTC Student Branch has collaborated with The Fondo Ecuatoriano Populorum Progressio to create a grain dryer for the community of Cotopaxi Ecuador. The team aims to make their dryer equipped with smart technology with software, separating it with other conventional grain dryers, to sense when grains are dry, or need more time. This will increase efficiency, allow farmers to save time, and ensure that vital crop yield is successful in the post-harvest process.
The team has a detailed maintenance plan that operates on a regular and more detailed level to ensure the device stays running at its most efficient.
This project was made possible by a $8,660.00 grant from EPICS in IEEE.
Project Article found here: https://epics.ieee.org/blogs/a-grain-of-truth/