Proposta de automação de secagem de café em terreiros

Abstract

This work addresses the development of an automation technology capable of carrying out a coffee drying process on patios. It is the complete elaboration of autonomous robot prototypes guided by a local navigation process, through a wire buried in the yard in order to generate an electromagnetic field captured by a receiver coupled to the robot. By means of an analog signal, the receiver passes it on to a microcontroller that commands a determined path. An electronic circuit was also developed together with the Arduino platform for controlling the motors and processing the signals received by the sensors. The mechanical structure was made of steel to ensure greater strength to the prototypes. From extensive bibliographical research considering both the types of drying already used and the various technologies used, it was possible to propose innovative and inexpensive solutions for the processing of automated drying of coffee in a patio. A utility patent, number BR 20 2019 005757 8, was filed, which can be found in Appendix A of this dissertation. The steps of technology transfer carried out for patent protection are presented. It is concluded that with the implementation of this project, a significant reduction in labor during drying was achieved so that workers do not suffer from bad weather. It was also noticed a qualitative improvement of dry grains by avoiding the usual contamination by fuel-powered equipment. The prototypes were developed for the use of electrical energy, which, in addition to being ecologically correct, have low manufacturing, maintenance, and operation costs compared to combustion engines. Due to the relatively low weight and promotion of more uniform drying, the quality of the beverage can be considered superior