Remote Monitoring and Control System for Solar Drying Based on ATMega 2560 and LoRa Technology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v3i2.1901

Keywords:

Control and monitoring, Process optimization, Solar drying, LoRa, ATMega 2560, renewable energy

Abstract

Sun drying is an effective technique for food preservation, although it presents significant challenges in optimizing and controlling its variables. This paper describes the development of a remote control, data acquisition and monitoring module designed to optimize solar drying processes. The system uses a customized electronic board based on the ATMega 2560 microcontroller, which integrates LoRa technology for remote data storage and monitoring. The development of the module was structured in three main phases. The first step was a proof-of-concept operation with an Arduino Mega development board, which tested the control and central control concepts. Secondly, after identifying the need for increased durability and stability, a custom table was designed using CAD software and Bakelite copper to improve the durability and reliability of the system. Finally, in the third step, the final version of the tabletop, adapted to the drying conditions of the sun, was printed and assembled. The developed module can be adapted to operate on different types and scales of solar dryers, and, being built with low-cost devices, it is an affordable solution for the control and monitoring of this type of process. This solution has potential to improve the efficiency of drying processes for various contexts.

Author Biographies

Néstor Ortiz-Rodríguez, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, México.

Industrial chemical engineer from the Autonomous University of Yucatan, with a specialization in statistics and a diploma in strategic management of innovation projects. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Energy Engineering at the Institute of Renewable Energies of the UNAM, where he works in renewable energies, particularly solar-thermal and biomass, using computational fluid dynamics. He has led research and development projects in collaboration with institutions such as CONAHCYT and has received awards such as first place in the "Javier Barros Sierra" competition. He is a promoter of entrepreneurial projects oriented to ICT and sustainability, with an innovative vision in technological applications.

Jesús Águila-León, Departamento de Estudios del Agua y de la Energía, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México.

He is a level 1 researcher of the National System of Researchers of Mexico and a research professor at the Department of Water and Energy Studies at the University Center of Tonalá, University of Guadalajara. He holds a PhD in Design, Manufacturing and Management of Industrial Projects from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and in Water and Energy from the University of Guadalajara. His research focuses on renewable energies, optimization of energy systems, electrical microgrids and bio-inspired algorithms. He has coordinated postgraduate programs and participated in international projects on energy sustainability, technological innovation and regional development.

Miriam Lucero-Tenorio, Departamento de Estudios del Agua y de la Energía, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México.

Electrical engineer with specialization in power systems and PhD candidate in Electronic Engineering with emphasis on Energy Conversion at the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. Her experience includes design, maintenance and supervision of electrical installations, as well as research and development in renewable energy generation systems and digital power control. She has worked as a university lecturer in areas such as electrical protections and integral calculation, and has collaborated in international projects on technological innovation and energy sustainability. Her professional approach combines technical experience with academic training, promoting innovative solutions in the energy sector.

Jesús F. Villaseñor-Correa , 3D Robotics Corporation Tus Ideas Hechas Realidad S.A. de C.V., Zacatecas, México.

Robotics and mechatronics engineer from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Mexico. Founder of the company 3D Robotics Corporation with operations in the city of Zacatecas, Mexico. Currently works as a project development engineer.

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Published

2025-01-09

How to Cite

Ortiz-Rodríguez, N., Águila León, J., Lucero-Tenorio, M., & Villaseñor Correa , J. F. (2025). Remote Monitoring and Control System for Solar Drying Based on ATMega 2560 and LoRa Technology. EASI: Engineering and Applied Sciences in Industry, 3(2), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v3i2.1901

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Technological solutions for sustainability (Issue August-December)

Section

Research articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Néstor Ortiz-Rodríguez, Jesús Águila-León, Miriam Lucero-Tenorio, Jesús F. Villaseñor-Correa

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