Thesis Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering University of Rizal System-Morong 2024

The general objective of the study was to develop a Butterfly Pea Dehydrator for an Enhanced Nutrient Preservation. Butterfly pea flowers are known for their health benefits, but traditional drying methods can lead to significant nutrient loss. This study explores the optimal drying conditions for butterfly pea flowers within a dehydrator setting. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and drying time have been analyzed to determine the combination that yields the highest retention of essential nutrients like crude protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy. A microcontroller acts as the brain of the developed system, receiving data from sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and even whether the dehydrator door is open or closed. This data is then used to regulate the dehydrator's functions and ensure optimal drying conditions for the flowers. The web application gives users remote access to monitor the drying process in real-time. Through this interface, users can view current temperature, humidity, and elapsed time, allowing them to ensure the butterfly pea flowers are drying properly without needing to be physically present. The study specifically aimed to design and develop a dehydrator designed for butterfly pea flowers to maximize nutrient preservation during the drying process. It incorporates key features to ensure optimal drying conditions and user convenience such as: a hybrid heating process utilizing both ceramic and UV light, an automated sensors with adjustable temperature and humidity controls, a countdown timer for precise dehydration periods, an LCD screen for real-time process monitoring, internet-based remote monitoring capabilities, overload protection for safety, and a solar-powered backup power source for uninterrupted operation. To determine the percentage effectiveness of the developed system in terms of temperature and humidity, a log sheet was created to compare the temperature inside the dehydrator being tested with a commercial thermostat. The dehydrator consistently ran at a slightly lower temperature than the commercial thermostat with a difference of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius at each measured time with a consistent humidity level ranging from 22-26. To determine the nutritional content of butterfly pea in terms of crude protein, total fat, carbohydrates, and energy, a laboratory test has been done. The result showed that the dehydrated flowers have lower moisture but concentrated protein, fats and carbs, leading to higher caloric value compared to fresh. To determine the level of acceptability in terms of functional suitability, performance efficiency, reliability, usability, safety, and maintainability, a weighted mean was used. This study was taken during the academic year 2023-2024. The researchers applied the descriptive and developmental methodology of research. It emphasizes using a logical approach in planning, designing, and developing the system to get better and more suitable tools, materials, and resources. To gather information and assess the developed system's acceptability, the researchers used research-made questionnaire checklist. The first section displays the respondent's profile. The criteria to be assessed, such as those outlined in the objective of the study, are included in the following section. To evaluate the acceptability of the system, participants were asked to use a 5-point Likert scale to determine how much they agreed with a statement. Based on findings, the results from the data logging experiment demonstrate that the dehydrator effectively controlled the drying environment. It effectively maintained target temperatures within a 1–2-degree range compared to a commercial thermostat, exceeding 94% effectiveness with a consistency in the humidity throughout the testing period. Then the laboratory test showed significant improvements in nutrient content after dehydration. The dehydrated flowers had lower moisture (71.2 g/100g) but concentrated levels of ash, fat (0.183g/100g), protein (5.66 g/100g),carbohydrates (20.7 g/100g), and calories (107 kcal/100g). Established methods confirmed these findings. In contrast, fresh flowers had higher moisture (89.1 g/100g) but lower levels of all other nutrients and calories. The researchers conclude that the dehydrator for an enhanced nutrient preservation in butterfly pea was successfully built with the following features: a ceramic and UV light heating process, an automated sensors and adjustable temperature and humidity controls, a countdown timer for dehydration period, an on-board process status monitoring through LCD, an internet based remote process monitoring, an overload protection, and a solar powered back-up source. After evaluating the design and performance of a dehydrator specifically built for butterfly pea flowers, it has been determined that the dehydrator performs well and is appropriate for its intended use. This butterfly pea dehydrator appears to excel at efficiently removing moisture without compromising the flowers' nutrient content.