Grain temperature monitoring system

EnCata engineered a grain temperature IoT system with stainless-steel spear sensors and RS-485 networking. The solution went from R&D and prototyping to a 200-unit batch in 2 months, helping the client improve crop storage control.

Industry:

Agriculture
Agriculture

TRL:

2 → 9

Project duration:

2 months

Grain temperature monitoring system

Technologies Used

CNC milling
Turning
Temperature sensor

Project Backgroung

Challenge

The problem with temperature monitoring and control in the bulk of stored vegetables and grain crops is common for the farming sector. Farmers and wholesalers need to precisely measure the temperature of the stored crops, piled, or siloed at the premise because it impacts its quality, shelf life, and price. 

In this project, we were solving the particular problem of a large agricultural company, providing them with the temperature control solution in the form of the temperature transducer device.

Challenges

01
02
03

Approach & Solution

Current temperature monitoring technologies for agriculture rely on sophisticated multiple transducers physically wired onto a router, which complicates its use. 

EnCata devised a solution based on an RS-485 communication port designated for remote monitoring. Data transfer at the measuring sensor was realized via optically-isolated interface RS-485. This solution enables multiple transducers to be organized in a network.

RS-485 communication

The mechanical design comprised a spear-like sensor with a sealed metallic enclosure at its other end - all made from stainless steel.

Such a design has the following advantages:

  • robust simple stainless steel rods sustain corrosive environment;
  • digital data transfer ensures much lower error margins when communicating to the control unit.
  • The transducer’s interface enables its use within any industrial system

In the first design iteration, we delivered 5 prototypes and tested them on site. And with the complete documentation package, we produced a batch of 200.

design iteration

Need help developing an agritech IoT device? Get in touch with us, and we’ll provide you with a project estimate quickly.

Results and Benefits

EnCata developed a simple and flexible sensor solution for its client to monitor grain temperature.

5 prototypes

were tested and delivered

200 units

produced in batch

2 months

from TRL 2 to TRL 9

Our Role

  • R&D 
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electronics development
  • Prototype manufacturing
  • Batch production

Explore Similar Cases

Smart Soil Irrigation System Development

EnCata helped a startup develop a smart soil irrigation system from concept to MVP. The system includes custom electronics, BLE, LoRaWAN, and solar-powered modules for real-time soil monitoring and control. Built and tested in just 8 months.

View more

Urban Farming IoT System for Plant Growth

EnCata engineered a smart farming IoT system that automates plant growth with sensors, custom PCB design, and cloud control. The solution developed and prototyped by our team helped the client to validate technology, secure patents, and prepare for market entry.

View more

Have a project to do?

Fill out the form and a member from our sales team will get back to you

Thank you!
Your request has been submitted! We shall contact you shortly

Oops! Something went wrong... Try to reload this page and resubmit

FAQ

At EnCata, what kinds of contracts do you use? Is it a fixed-term or an agile contract?
Can you provide me with a certification of competence?
What level of training do your specialists have?
Is it possible for us to cooperate with EnCata’s team?
Is it possible to discuss the project with your technical team?
Can EnCata facilitate mass production?
Do you sign NDAs?
Patent or Develop first?
Does EnCata outsource electronics services?
Do you write program code, either software or firmware?
Are there hardware engineers in your team?
What should I do now that I've approached you with my project idea?
Can EnCata help me with fundraising?