IoT Approach for Development and Optimization of a System for Dry Peeling of Tomatoes

Lorusso A.

Writing – Original Draft Preparation

;Marongiu F.

Writing – Review & Editing

;Melesse T. Y.

Penultimo

Methodology

;Metallo A.;Mosca R.;Santaniello D.

2024-01-01

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Abstract

In recent years, tomato peeling has been done using steam and lye. Both methods are more expensive, less environmentally friendly, and highly polluting. Thus, a search for sustainable alternatives is needed. Among these is radiative heating. Heat is used to soften the skin of tomatoes and then peel them off, making this method simple, cost-effective, and easy to apply. However, there are some obvious limitations. Radiant heating peeling systems are sized based on the set-up and the average tomato diameter. Since tomatoes come in different diameters, the emissivity value and, consequently, the thermal power transferred by the lamp to the tomato will also differ. As a result, the process takes place at temperatures other than those optimal for the setup, so the product may not have the desired quality. The goal of this research is to suggest an improved dry peeling process that can standardize the process in terms of quality. A control system built on the Internet of things paradigm was investigated in order to provide a monitoring system to support an approximation of a solution. So, a process was created that takes the particular situation into account and implements the IoT principles.