KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA AFS, Bamrauli, Prayagraj

THEME: FOOD HEALTH AND HYGIENE

SUB-THEME: FOOD PREVENTION AND SAFETY
NAME OF THE EXHIBIT: INTEGRATED COLD STORAGE TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM
NAME OF THE PARTICIPANT: ISHAN (CLASS X)
NAME OF THE GUIDE/TEACHER: MRS. REETA RANI

Integrated Cold Storage Temperature Monitoring System

AIM OF THE PROJECT:
1. To monitor and maintain the optimal temperature of cold storage units.
2. To alert users when the temperature exceeds or falls below the set
threshold (limit) values.
3. To provide real-time temperature and humidity data via a graphical user
interface (GUI).
4. To send notifications to users' mobile devices when temperature
conditions become abnormal.
5. To incorporate multiple sensors for monitoring temperature across
different rooms or sections.
6. To ensure that the system provides both audible and visual alerts for
temperature discrepancies.
7. To implement a low-cost, easy-to-assemble system for food safety.

I) INTRODUCTION
Temperature-sensitive storage environments, like food storage units, require
regular monitoring to maintain the conditions required for accurate
preservation of food or perishable items. Variations in temperature can lead to
food spoilage, economic losses, and safety concerns.
This project, the Integrated Cold Storage Temperature Monitoring System, is
designed to conquer these challenges by monitoring temperature levels,
sending alerts in both visual and audio forms when the conditions of the
storages are not good for food or perishable items.
 II) The Scientific Principle Involved:
1) Temperature Measurement:
The project uses DHT11 temperature and
humidity sensors, which work on the
principle of measuring the physical changes
in the resistance of a semiconductor as it
absorbs moisture from the air.

2) Digital Signal Processing:

The data from the DHT11 sensors is
transmitted to the Arduino, which processes
the digital signals. This data is then used to
monitor the temperature and humidity levels
in real-time. The microcontroller processes
these signals based on predefined threshold
values for both temperature and humidity.

3) Threshold Control:
The project relies on pre-defined high and low
temperature thresholds. When the
temperature reading exceeds or falls below
these set values, the system triggers an alert.

3) Alert Mechanisms:
The alert system involves both visual and
audible signals. If the temperature readings
are out of the specified range, the background
of the respective sensor's display turns red,
and a sound is played in the system.

Additionally, Pushover API is used to send a

notification to the user's mobile phone via the
internet, based on the condition of the
temperature sensors.
4) Real-Time Data Display:
The real-time data display using Python with
Tkinter is built on the principle of graphical
user interface (GUI) development. Tkinter
allows the creation of interactive windows,
labels, and inputs to display live sensor data
and interact with it. The continuous reading of
data from the sensors is reflected on the GUI.

In conclusion, the project combines fundamental principles from sensor

technology, data processing, alert systems, and user interfaces to create an
efficient and responsive temperature monitoring system.

III) Materials Used for Construction:

 Arduino UNO Microcontroller: Acts as the central processing unit of the system.
 DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensors: Used to measure temperature and humidity in
different rooms or sections of the storage area.
 LEDs: Indicators that light up when a temperature threshold is exceeded in a particular room.
 Pushover API (Server): Used for sending notifications to a mobile device in case of critical
temperature changes.
 Jumper Wires: For connecting the components together.
 Breadboard: For mounting and connecting the components.
 Cardboard: For integration of all the parts.

IV) Construction and Working of the Model:

The Integrated Cold Storage Temperature Monitoring

System was built step-by-step, integrating hardware
components such as sensors, microcontrollers, and
output devices, along with software that handles the
data processing and user interface. The construction
involved multiple phases, including hardware assembly,
wiring, programming, and testing.
Hardware Construction:
To begin with, the core of the system was the Arduino
UNO microcontroller, which served as the central
processing unit. Arduino UNO board has three
sections of pins. The Analog pin section, the Digital pin
section and Power Supply pin section. The Digital and
Analog pins deal with all the data and power supply
gives power to the components. But in our case, we
only need digital pins and the power supply. Now, the
next problem was that, the power supply pins were
limited in numbers in the board. So, to connect all the
5 DHT11 temperature and humidity sensors, I used a
medium size breadboard. The sensor had three pins:
VCC, GND and Data. VCC is positive and GND is
negative. These two pins are used for power supply.
And, the data pin is used for data transmission. So, I
powered all the sensors through power supply section
with the help of the breadboard and then connected
their respective digital pins to the Digital section of
the board. Now, each of the sensors was designated to
monitor the temperature and humidity in a separate
room or section of the food storage unit.
I then connected LEDs to indicate when the
temperature crossed the set threshold for each room.
These LEDs were linked to specific pins on the Arduino
(because LED should glow according to its
corresponding sensor, and should not overlap with
each other), which would activate the LEDs when the
temperature was either too high or too low, providing
a visual alert to the user.
Programming the Arduino:
The Arduino IDE was used to write the code that
would control the sensors, and LEDs. The code
continuously reads data from the DHT11 sensors,
compares it against the preset thresholds, and
activates the appropriate LED based on the
temperature readings. The logic behind this was
simple: if the temperature exceeds the upper
threshold or falls below the lower threshold, the
system triggers the respective alert mechanism. C++
programming language was used in this IDE, and the
code was stored in onboard memory.
I also developed a Python program with Tkinter (a
library in Python for making graphics), which was
designed as the graphical interface. The Tkinter
interface displays real-time readings for each sensor,
such as the temperature and humidity. It allows the
user to input the desired high and low temperature
thresholds, which are sent to the Arduino for
processing. The Python program communicates with
the Arduino using serial communication.

I also incorporated a Pushover API for sending

mobile notifications. Whenever the system detects
an abnormal temperature reading, the API sends a
message to the user's mobile device, informing them
of the temperature change in the respective room.
The Pushover API integrates with the system and
ensures that the user receives timely notifications,
even when they are away from the monitoring
system.
Working of the System:
Once assembled and programmed, the system
operates as follows:
 The DHT11 sensors continuously measure
temperature and humidity in different rooms of
the food storage unit.
 These readings are sent to the Arduino UNO,
which compares them against the user-defined
thresholds for each room.
 If any room exceeds the set thresholds (either
too high or too low), the corresponding LED
lights up, and the sound starts playing in the
system as an auditory alert.
 Simultaneously, the Python program running
on the laptop or system displays these readings
and thresholds in real time. If an alert condition
occurs, the system sends a notification to the
user’s mobile device via the Pushover API,
notifying them of the issue.
 When the temperature returns to normal
levels, the system sends another notification to
inform the user that the conditions are now
stable.
 V) Applications:
The Integrated Food Storage Temperature Monitoring System has several applications,
including:
 Homes and Kitchens: To monitor the temperature of refrigerators and food storage areas.
 Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: To ensure perishable goods are stored within safe
temperature ranges.
 Warehouses and Food Processing Units: To monitor large-scale storage facilities and maintain
food quality.

This system helps in preventing food spoilage, reducing waste, and ensuring the safety of
consumables.

VI) References:
https://www.arduino.cc/
Core Python Programming (By Dr. R. Nageswara Rao)
https://www.mouser.com/
https://docs.python.org/3/library/tkinter.html
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python-gui-tkinter/
https://pushover.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/
https://www.ibm.com/in-en
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/
https://learn.sparkfun.com/
https://www.javatpoint.com/arduino-uno
https://canva.com/
VII) Basic Structure and Diagram of the Project:
 VIII) Illustrations:

When the temperature in all the sensors is normal

When the temperatures are abnormal, the LEDs of their corresponding sensor light up
 VIII) Illustrations:

Alert Notifications in Mobile Device

Graphical User Interface (GUI) with visual alerts