Design and development of a sensor network for moisture measurement in grain silos, with IoT-capable concentrators

• Grant number: 19/18958-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2020
• End date: January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Flávio José de Oliveira Morais
• Grantee: Guilherme Pulizzi Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Tupã. Tupã , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Capacitive fringing field sensors based on conventional Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology have been increasingly employed to measure humidity. Among recent publications, the application of this type of sensor to measure moisture in maize grains has yielded excellent results, making it a promising and low-cost technology for use in silos where a large number of sensors may be required. To make it possible to use a large number of sensors in a silo, it is necessary to develop a sensor network. This work proposes to develop a sensor network, to develop a communication protocol for networks of up to 32 sensors/devices. In addition, a concentrator will be developed for each set of 32 sensors, allowing the development of a data collection system using IoT technology (Internet of Things), which will communicate with the computer and should control all silos. (AU)