Performance Tests of Loadcell as Real-Time Moisture Content Sensor: Case Study Moringa Oleifera Leaves Drying

Abstract

Abstract Drying agricultural products with solar power to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of agricultural products has been done by many farmers because it is easy and cheap to do. However, the availability of solar heat may be different every day and is greatly influenced by weather conditions causing different drying times for the product to reach the desired moisture content. This research aimed to develop a real-time water content measurement system during drying process. Measurement of water content was carried out using a weight measurement approach by a loadcell sensor. Data processing was carried out using the internet of things (IoT) -based digital data processor so that the measurement results could be seen remotely. Tests were carried out by drying the moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves for 6 hours. A comparison measurement of water content was also done every hour by a gravimetric method using Halogen moisture meter Toledo Metler HB43-S. The results showed a good match between these two measurements in which the experiment resulted in R2 and MAE of 0.9815 and 3.78%, respectively. The results indicate this design can be used as a real-time water content measurement instrument with considerable results.