Design of an Arduino Uno Based Control System For Ants Sugar Drying Device

Abstract

Palm sugar is a derivative of palm sugar products in the form of granules or crystals whose raw materials can come from palm sap. Drying is one of the important stages in the process of making palm sugar which aims to reduce the water content of palm sugar. In order for the drying process in the machine to take place optimally, an automatic control system based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller is needed which aims to control the temperature and humidity in the drying room located at UMKM Sugaren Lombok, Kekait Village, Gunungsari District, West Lombok Regency. The results of the temperature study throughout the drying process showed that the temperature distribution in the drying room was relatively stable and even between racks, with an average of 50–55 °C, and relative humidity (RH) between 20–35%, which are ideal conditions for drying palm sugar without causing changes in color, aroma, and taste. The application of an Arduino Uno-based control system to this palm sugar dryer has proven to be optimal in increasing energy efficiency, temperature stability, and the quality of the drying results of palm sugar which has a water content of ≤ 3% according to SNI 3743-2021 and is able to reduce energy waste by normalizing the thermal conditions of the drying room in real-time, so that fuel consumption is more efficient.