Capstone internship program at the agribiosystems machinery and prototyping of temperature-controlled food incubator

Date

2025

Adviser

Elisa San Juan - Onal

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

Food technology advancements throughout the years have sought to increase the nutritional value and shelf life of food through optimizing conditions for thermal processing methods by utilizing precise temperature control in incubators. However, these innovations remain largely inaccessible to small-scale food producers due to high costs and limited availability. Addressing the need for accessible and affordable temperature control systems aids in reducing disparities in agricultural and processing capacities, eventually promoting inclusive growth in the food industry. An internship was conducted at the Agribiosystems Machinery and Power Engineering Division (AMPED) which aims to enhance knowledge and skills in computer programming by prototyping a low-cost, Arduino-based temperature-controlled, small-scale food incubator. Cost-efficient innovations like this supports the Philippines’ karinderya culture that plays a vital role in local food economies offering affordable tools for safe, small-batch food preparation and preservation. AMPED provided resources and guidance to enhance researchers’ proficiency in coding, 3D printing and statistical analysis. The prototype performance was statistically assessed by running paired t-test, error and standard deviation calculations, and One-Way Analysis of Variance test with independent groups for 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C temperature setpoints. The paired t-test showed significant difference between real surface temperature and sensor readings, which was accounted for in the system's program. Analysis also showed that the prototype only had an output error of 1.15°C to 1.96°C. The prototype’s functionality was also tested by incubating rice and Aspergillus oryzae for 6 hours at 60°C. Upon functionality testing, the expected flavor profile was achieved. Costs of production and operation expenses of the prototype lay in the more affordable range when compared to commercial devices available in the market. These results validate the prototype’s effectiveness and demonstrate the feasibility of producing a cost-efficient alternative to commercial incubators, making temperature-controlled food processing more accessible to small-scale users.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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