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CASE STUDY

Embedded Systems 2026

Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype

A stand-alone Arduino Uno-based embedded prototype for controlling a paddy drying process using a DHT22 sensor, AC ceramic heater, DC fan, rotating cylinder motor, I2C LCD, and push button. The firmware implements temperature and relative-humidity monitoring, hysteresis-based temperature control, an Emergency Stop function, sensor-failure handling, and an over-temperature safety response.

TECHNOLOGY

Arduino Uno / C/C++ / DHT22 / I2C / Relay Control / Embedded Systems

Preview of Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype

THE CHALLENGE

Conventional paddy drying depends heavily on weather conditions, requires considerable open space and supervision, and involves repeated manual turning of the paddy. The project required a prototype capable of automatically controlling the drying-chamber conditions while keeping the paddy in motion to support more even heat distribution.

WHAT I BUILT

  1. 01

    Automatic temperature control using approximately 45–50°C hysteresis.

  2. 02

    Drying-chamber temperature and relative-humidity monitoring using a DHT22 sensor.

  3. 03

    Continuous DC motor operation during normal drying to rotate the drying cylinder.

  4. 04

    Emergency Stop, sensor-failure handling, and a safe operating state above 60°C.

  5. 05

    Process status through an I2C LCD with diagnostic logging over Serial.

APPROACH

Arduino Uno firmware was developed to periodically read temperature and relative humidity from a DHT22 sensor and control the heater, fan, and DC motor through relays. The heater uses hysteresis around the 45–50°C operating range, while the fan and motor remain active during normal operation. The system also handles Emergency Stop events, sensor-reading failures, and temperatures above 60°C by switching the actuators into safer states. Operational status is displayed through an I2C LCD, with diagnostic information available over Serial.

SELECTED SCREENS

Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype Open screen 01 at full size
Screen 01 The firmware updates temperature, relative humidity, and operational status on the LCD while the process is running.
Interior of the paddy dryer prototype showing the cylindrical container and drying chamber. Open screen 02 at full size
Screen 02 The drying chamber uses a rotating cylindrical container to keep the paddy moving while exposed to the heated airflow.
Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype Open screen 03 at full size
Screen 03 The DC motor drives the cylinder rotation mechanism continuously during normal drying operation.
Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype Open screen 04 at full size
Screen 04 Arduino Uno acts as the control center, reading the DHT22 sensor and push button while controlling the heater, fan, motor, buzzer, and LCD.
Arduino Uno-Based Automated Paddy Dryer Prototype Open screen 05 at full size
Screen 05 In the documented test scenario, drying-chamber relative humidity changed from 78% RH to 14% RH over 90 minutes. Paddy moisture content was measured separately using a moisture meter.

OUTCOME

The prototype integrates sensor monitoring, heater control, air circulation, cylinder rotation, LCD feedback, and manual stopping into a stand-alone embedded system. In one documented test scenario using 500 grams of paddy, external moisture-meter measurements changed from 24.2% to 13.8% over 90 minutes. The result represents the reported test conditions and is not generalized to other capacities, varieties, or environmental conditions.

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