e-ISSN: 2582-5208

International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science

( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
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Controlled Atmosphere Cabinet for Fruits

Aditi Kumbhar *1, Tanuja Kamble *2, Chaitrali Kumbhar *3, Shravani More *4,
Prof. Vivek Desai*5
*1234B.Tech ,Dept .of Electronics and Telecommunication, KITCOEK Kolhapur ,Maharashtra ,India
*5Associate Prof .Dept .of Electronics and Telecommunication ,KITCOEK Kolhapur ,Maharashtra ,India
ABSTRACT
As the global demand for fresh, high-quality fruits continues to rise, so does the need for advanced technologies
that can extend their shelf life while maintaining their nutritional integrity. By meticulously regulating oxygen,
carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature levels, we seek to create an optimal storage environment that
significantly slows down the ripening process and reduces post-harvest losses. .Fresh vegetables and fruits
need oxygen (O2) to carry out their metabolic activities, particularly respiration. The procedure where the
actively respiring commodity is sealed in film packages made of polymer to change the CO2 and O2 levels of
concentration inside the package environment required to increase shelf-life and preserve freshness is referred
to as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)[1][2]’. In India, the total fruits and vegetable production is about
137 million tonnes per year i.e. 46 MT fruits and 92 MT vegetables. The fruits and vegetables are highly
perishable commodities and the ambient high temperature obtained in the tropical country like ours makes
them more susceptible for rapid development of senescence, decay and rotting[1][2].
Keywords: CA storage cabinet, Low-cost, modular design, Open-source sensor technology
I. INTRODUCTION
Fruits and vegetables are an important supplement to the human diet as they provide the essential minerals,
vitamins and fibre required for maintaining health[2].As the global demand for fresh, high-quality fruits
continues to rise, so does the need for advanced technologies that can extend their shelf life while maintaining
their nutritional integrity. By meticulously regulating oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature levels,
we seek to create an optimal storage environment that significantly slows down the ripening process and
reduces post-harvest losses. The fruits and vegetables are highly perishable commodities and the ambient high
temperature obtained in the tropical country like ours makes them more susceptible for rapid development of
senescence, decay and rotting [2][3][4].

Importance of fruit preservation:

Food processing and fruit preservation play a vital role in ensuring safe, nutritious and convenient food options
are available. These methods entail a variety of approaches and procedures to transform raw ingredients into
long-lasting culinary items. Beyond the useful advantages, food processing and fruit preservation also make a
significant contribution to our daily lives by improving food safety, reducing waste and providing a variety of
food choices throughout the year.

Food safety: Food processing and preservation techniques aim to eliminate or reduce the presence of harmful
microorganisms, pathogens and spoilage agents in raw materials. These methods, such as pasteurization,
canning

and freezing, help extend the shelf life of foods while maintaining their nutritional value. Ensuring the safety of
the food supply after processing through the fruit and vegetable processing line, food processing and
preservation can protect us from food borne illness and help improve public health.

Extended Shelf Life: Extending the shelf life of perishable foods is one of the primary advantages of food
processing and preservation. For instance, fresh fruit may only be available during a certain season and has a
short shelf life. By using preservation methods such as canning, drying or freezing, the fruit can be enjoyed
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 e-ISSN: 2582-5208
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868www.irjmets.com
year-round. The extended shelf life reduces food waste and allows consumers to enjoy a wider variety of fruit
at any time, no matter what the season.

Nutritional value: Contrary to popular belief, food processing and preservation can actually help preserve or
enhance a food’s nutritional value. Techniques such as blanching, freezing and canning preserve essential
vitamins and minerals in fruit, making them accessible even when fresh produce is not readily available. In
addition, food processing often involves fortification, adding important nutrients to enhance the nutritional
content of certain foods. For example, iodine can be added to salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.
Convenience and Accessibility: Food processing and preservation can create convenient ready-to-eat products
that fit our modern lifestyles. Pre-cut fruit, canned soups, and frozen meals are just a few examples of how
processing has made food more accessible and convenient. These products save time and energy in meal prep
and make it easier for busy individuals or families to maintain a balanced diet. In addition, processed and
preserved foods can be transported over long distances, ensuring food supplies in areas where fresh produce is
scarce or expensive.
II. METHODOLOGY
Hardware Design
Creating Schematics and Prototyping
1. Component Selection and Circuit Design
● Identify and select suitable electronic components required for the controlled atmosphere storage
system, including microcontrollers, sensors, relays, cooling units, and gas valves.
● Design the circuit schematics using standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools.
2. Simulation Using Proteus
● Simulate the designed circuit in Proteus to verify its functionality and performance.
● Adjust the design as necessary based on simulation results to ensure optimal operation.

Hardware Mounting
1. Component Mounting
● Mount the selected components onto a printed circuit board (PCB) or breadboard for prototyping.
● Ensure proper soldering and secure connections to prevent faults.

Miscellaneous Design
1. Cabinet Design
● Design a cabinet using materials such as acrylic or plywood to house the hardware components.
● Ensure the design includes appropriate dimensions and compartments for each component.
2. Placement of Components
● Place the microcontroller circuit securely within the cabinet.
● Install the cooling circuit in a designated area within the cabinet to maintain optimal temperature.
● Insert gas valves and attach the necessary gas cylinders for controlled atmosphere regulation.
● Attach an exhaust fan to the cabinet for effective cooling and ventilation.

Testing Strategy:

Overall Circuit Testing

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 e-ISSN: 2582-5208
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868www.irjmets.com
1. Initial Circuit Testing
● Test the entire circuit to ensure all components are functioning correctly.
● Verify power supply, connections, and signal integrity throughout the circuit.
2. Cooling Effect and Parameter Controls
● Test the cooling system's effectiveness in maintaining the desired temperature within the cabinet.
● Ensure that the parameter controls for temperature, humidity, and gas composition are responsive
and accurate.

Cabinet Circuit Testing

1. Component Integration Testing
● Test the integration of all components within the cabinet, including the microcontroller, cooling
system, gas valves, and exhaust fan.
● Ensure that all components operate in harmony and that there are no interferences or
malfunctions.

Microcontroller Circuit Testing

1. Functionality Testing
● Test the microcontroller circuit for proper execution of programmed instructions.
● Verify that sensors, relays, and actuators respond correctly to the microcontroller's commands.

Long-Duration Testing
1. Fruit Preservation Test
● Place fruits such as apples and pears inside the cabinet.
● Monitor and record the environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, gas levels) over an
extended period.
● Evaluate the preservation quality of the fruits after the testing period to assess the system's
effectiveness.

Additional Information
● Data Logging and Analysis
● Implement data logging to continuously record the environmental parameters and system
performance.
● Analyze the data to identify any trends, anomalies, or areas for improvement.
● Iterative Improvements
● Based on testing results, make necessary adjustments to the hardware design, circuit
configuration, and system parameters.
● Re-test the system after each iteration to ensure continuous improvement and optimization.
● Safety and Compliance
● Ensure that all components and materials used comply with safety standards and regulations.
● Implement necessary safety features to prevent hazards such as gas leaks, electrical faults, and
Overheating.Method and analysis which is performed in your research work should be written in this section. A
simple strategy to follow is to use keywords from your title in first few sentences.

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 e-ISSN: 2582-5208
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868www.irjmets.com
III. BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure1: BLOCK DIAGRAM

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The successful application of a controlled atmosphere (CA) cabinet in fruit preservation has shown encouraging
outcomes, demonstrating the fruit's ability to be preserved and its shelf life increased[5]. By precisely
regulating environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and gas composition, the CA cabinet
effectively slows down the ripening process and inhibits microbial growth, thus reducing post-harvest losses.
Through the integration of advanced sensors, peltier modules, and intelligent control algorithms, the cabinet
automates the preservation process with a high level of precision and consistency, ensuring fruits are stored
under optimal conditions. Its scalability and adaptability allow for the preservation of a wide range of fruits
without the need for manual calibration, making it suitable for diverse agricultural settings. Overall, the
successful implementation of the CA cabinet highlights its potential for automation and efficiency gains in fruit
preservation, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security
Table 1. Results
SN. Fruit / Vegetable T(0C) RH (%) 02(%) CO2(%)
1 Apple 0-1 90-95 1-3 1-4
2 Mango 12-14 90-95 5-10 0-10
3 Cucumber 10-13 95 3-5 10
4 Tomatoes 13-15 90-95 4 5

V. CONCLUSION
Concluding the implementation of the controlled atmosphere (CA) cabinet for fruit preservation, it is evident
that this project seamlessly integrates innovation, technology, and practical application. We have effectively

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 e-ISSN: 2582-5208
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868www.irjmets.com
created a scalable and effective solution through this project to increase fruit shelf life and preserve fruit
quality in the farming industry. By precisely regulating environmental parameters such as temperature,
humidity, and gas composition, the CA cabinet offers a robust platform for fruit preservation.
In conclusion, the implementation of the CA cabinet represents a significant advancement in fruit preservation
practices, offering a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable solution for agricultural storage operations. As we
continue to refine and optimize our system, its potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry by improving
efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring consistent quality standards becomes increasingly
apparent. Through continued research and innovation, the CA cabinet holds promise for sustainable
agricultural practices and Controlled Atmosphere Cabinet for Fruits 69 enhanced food security in the future.
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 e-ISSN: 2582-5208
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science
( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal )
Volume:06/Issue:05/May-2024 Impact Factor- 7.868www.irjmets.com
https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.29221

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