SHOE DRYER USING SOLAR POWER

AND HUMIDITY SENSOR

ISAAC JOHN A/L PICHAYMUTUHU

(17DEP20F2006)

POLYTECHNIC SULTAN IDRIS SHAH

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

(COMMUNICATION)

SESSION II: 2022/2023

 DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY AND OWNERSHIP

SHOE DRYER USING SOLAR POWER AND HUMIDITY SENSOR

1. I, ISAAC JOHN A.L PICHAYMUTHU (17DEP20F2006) is a final year student of

Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Communication), Polytechnic Sultan Idris Shah,
which is located at Sungai Lang, 45100 Sungai Air Tawar, Selangor.

2. I acknowledge that ‘SHOE DRYER USING SOLAR POWER AND HUMIDITY SENSOR’
and the intellectual property therein is the result of my original creation without taking or
impersonating any intellectual property from other parties.

3. I agree to release the Project intellectual property to ‘Polytechnic Sultan Idris Shah’ to meet the
requirements for awarding the Diploma in Electronic Engineering Computer to me.

I hereby declare that this research project is my original work and that it has never been

presented inany other institutes.

(ISAAC JOHN A/L PICHAYMUTHU) Date: 26/5/2023

(IC NO: 020601-10-1287)

Declaration by Supervisor

This research project has been submitted with my approval as the project supervisor.

(PN SITI HARLIZA BINTI MOHD RAZALI)

Date:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I want to give thanks and praise to God, the Almighty, for His blessings that

enabled me to successfully complete the project by guiding my research. I want to express my

gratitude to everyone who helped this project be completed successfully. I would like to express my

sincere gratitude and appreciation to my project manager, Pn Siti Harliza binti Mohd Razali, for her

guidance, support, and advice throughout the development of this project as well as for making all

the necessary tools and a suitable workspace available to discuss and carry out the idea. Her energy,

vision, sincerity, and drive have greatly motivated me. She has taught me the procedures to follow in

order to complete the project and present it as simply as possible. Being able to work and study under

her direction was a great honour and privilege. I am incredibly appreciative of what she has provided

for me. Additionally, I want to thank her for her friendship, compassion, and wonderful sense of

humour. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my parents, professors, and fellow

students who supported me up until the very end.

Sincerely,

Isaac John A/L Pichaymuthu

 ABSTRACT

This project, titled Shoe Dryer System using Solar Power and Humidity Sensor, is built, and
engineered to dry shoes considerably more quickly. All types of shoes can be dried in the desired
amount of time using a specially built cabinet with an interior that can tolerate high temperatures.
Even while Malaysia receives a lot of sunlight, we are also subject to unpredictably bad weather like
rain and monsoon season. The fact that drying takes longer when using the standard method—
drying in direct sunlight—is the second issue. The common shoe dryer, which is offered in markets
today and takes a lot of electricity and is expensive to acquire, is also immobile because of its heavy
weight.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY AND OWNERSHIP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT

CHAPTER1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Project Background
1.3 Problem Statement
1.4 Project Objective
1.5 Project Scope
1.6 Project Significance
1.7 Outline of Project Report

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Literature Review (Topic 1)

2.2.1 Automatic Shoe Dryer
2.2.2 Shoe Dryer with On and Off Button
2.3 Comparison of Previous Research
2.3.1 Newly Designed Shoe Dryer Vs Normal Shoe Dryer in Market

2.4 Literature Review (Topic 2)

2.4.1 Arduino Uno
2.4.2 Solar Panel
2.4.3 Microcontroller
2.4.4 LCD Display (16x2)
2.4.5 Humidity Sensor (DHT 11)

2.5 Chapter Summary

CHAPTER 3

PROJECT METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Project Design and Overview

3.3.2 Block diagram of Project

3.3 Project Hardware

3.3.1 Schematic Circuit

3.3.2 Description of Main Component
3.3.2.1 Arduino Uno
3.3.2.2 Hot AC Bulb
3.3.2.3 Solar Panel
3.3.2.4 Circuit Operation

3.4 Project Software

3.4.1 Flowchart of the System

3.4.2 Description of Flowchart

3.5 Prototype Development

3.6 Summary

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS

4.1 Introduction

4.2 The Operation of The Whole Project

4.3 Summary
CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Discussion

5.4 Recommendations

5.5 Summary

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

GANTT CHART DEE40082 PROJECT 2

APPENDIX B

DATASHEET

1. Arduino Uno
2. Hot AC Bulb
3. Humidity Sensor

APPENDIX C

PROGRAM CODING

1. Coding

APPENDIX D

PROJECT MANUAL (HOW TO USE)

APPENDIX E

FINAL PRESENTATION POSTER

 CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In contrast, to the conventional and traditional method of drying shoes, which involves exposure to
direct sunlight, this project, titled Shoe Dryer System using Solar Power and Humidity Sensor, is built,
and engineered to dry shoes considerably more quickly. All types of shoes can be dried in the desired
amount of time using a specially built cabinet with an interior that can tolerate high temperatures.
Users can adjust the preferred drying time based on the degree of moisture in any shoes using the built-
in 4x3 keypad and LCD. A hot AC bulb is utilized to generate heat, which is then applied to the drying
process to dry the shoes. The air ventilation fan will turn on and the ac hot bulb will automatically cut
off once the system starts up and the cabin temperature reaches a specific high degree. The hot ac bulb
will turn on once the temperature reaches a specified level, and this cycle will continue until the timer
expires and the entire system is shut off

1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND

This project is made for users mainly for drying shoes much faster using an ecofriendly method.
With this system it allows users to save money from paying less electricity bills. Besides that, this
device doesn’t need 24 hours monitoring since it has a timer which can automatically turn off right
after the drying duration ends. Moreover, this product can also monitor temperature or humidity in the
interior of this product so that it doesn’t overheat and burns the shoes
 1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Even while Malaysia receives a lot of sunlight, we are also subject to unpredictably bad weather
like rain and monsoon season. The fact that drying takes longer when using the standard method—
drying in direct sunlight—is the second issue. The common shoe dryer, which is offered in markets
today and takes a lot of electricity and is expensive to acquire, is also immobile because it requires a
wall electricity plug to operate.

1.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

There are three main objectives for this project, such as:

- To create a system with an Arduino Uno, humidity sensor, and solar panel for an eco-friendly shoe
dryer.
- Calculating the amount of time needed for the product to dry in a planned system and under direct
sunlight will allow you to evaluate its effectiveness.
- To create appropriate software code to create the automatic eco-friendly shoe dryer system

1.5 PROJECT SCOPE

This project focuses on developing a Shoe Dryer System using Solar Power and Humidity sensor
which is ecofriendly and can be carried and use anywhere. The component that acts as an input is the
4x3 keypad which asks the user to input drying period. The Arduino Uno and LCD 16x2 acts as a
system to process the input and gives instructions (Arduino UNO) to turn on the whole system hence
making the system work.
 1.6 PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE

This project is made for any kinds of users who uses shoes more frequent. This product is also for
users to dry their shoes without worrying climate change. This build is also automatic which makes it
easier for users to use. This build can easily be carried around anywhere because of its lightweight and
shape. This product saves energy and avoids wasting electricity energy. This build allows users to dry
their needful shoes much faster compare to ancient shoe drying method which is through direct sun
heat.

1.7 OUTLINE OF PROJECT REPORT

This project report consists of three (5) chapters. Chapter 1 consists of introduction, project
background, problem statement, project objectives, project scope and project significance. Chapter 2
consists of literature review while Chapter 3 discuss about the project methodology used in this
project that consist of project design and overview, project hardware, project software and prototype
development. Chapter 4 displays the discussion and results that is followed up by experiment and
analysis that are carried out. Chapter 5 discusses the conclusion of the project together with future
recommendations that can be implemented and summarizing the conclusion achieved.
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter explains about similar past projects which was built by other inventors in previous
years. There will also be more explanations about the methods, advantages, and disadvantages in those
other similar built projects throughout this chapter. It is much important to get more information about
similar past projects that has the same criteria, design, and function as this project. This information
and research help to achieve a higher aimed objective of this project and gives a detailed explanation
on what is needed and how to upgrade those similar past project using more advanced and useful
component.

2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.2.1 Automatic Shoe Dryer – A system that draws much current and the duration must be

set, and user have to manually off the system

2.2.2 Shoe Dryer with On and OFF Button – A system that doesn’t have a keypad to input

timer where user have to manually turn the system on and off
 2.3 COMPARISON OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH

Project A Project B Project C

Project
Name Automatic Shoe Dryer Using Shoe Dryer with On and
Solar Power AND Humidity Automatic Shoe Dryer
OFF Button
Sensor

Hardware
- Arduino Uno - Arduino Uno
- LCD 14x3 - Arduino Uno
- On / Off Knob
- 12V Rechargeable battery - LCD 14x3
- Hot Bulb
- Solar Panel - Hot Bulb
- Hot AC Bulb
- Humidity Sensor

Function A system that uses solar
power to charge the built in
battery and dry shoes much
faster. Has a build in keypad
to select preferable time to
dry shoes automatically
A shoe drying system that
uses electricity direct from
wall sockets. Time can be
selected manually using the
keypad and LCD. Dry shoes
faster
A shoe drying system that
runs manually after being
put on and off by users.
Uses electricity direct
from wall socket and
dries shoes faster

Software Arduino IDE Arduino IDE Arduino IDE

2.4 LITERATURE REVIEW (TOPIC 2)

2.4.1 Arduino UNO

Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P (datasheet). It has 14

digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16
MHz ceramic resonator (CSTCE16M0V53-R0), a USB connection, a power jack, an
ICSP header and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the
microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-
to-DC adapter or battery to get started

2.4.2 Solar Panel

A solar panel is a device that uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to transform sunlight into
electricity. Materials used to create PV cells produce electrons when exposed to light.
Direct current (DC) electricity is created when electrons move through a circuit; this
electricity can be used to power a variety of devices or stored in batteries. PV modules,
solar electric panels, and solar cell panels are additional names for solar panels.

2.4.3 Microcontroller

An embedded system's microcontroller is a small integrated circuit that controls a single

process. On a single chip, a typical microcontroller houses a CPU, memory, and
input/output (I/O) peripherals. Microcontrollers, also known as embedded controllers or
microcontroller units (MCU), can be found in a variety of devices, including vending
machines, robotics, office equipment, medical devices, and office machines. They are
essentially straightforward mini-personal computers (PCs) without a complicated front-end
operating system that are used to operate minor aspects of larger components (OS).
2.4.4 Lcd Display (16x2)

An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen is an electronic display module and has a wide range of
applications. A 16x2 LCD display is very basic module and is very commonly used in various
devices and circuits. A 16x2 LCD means it can display 16 characters per line and there are 2 such
lines. In this LCD each character is displayed in 5x7 pixel matrix. The 16 x 2 intelligent
alphanumeric dot matrix display can display 224 different characters and symbols. This LCD has
two registers, namely, Command and Data. Command registers stores various commands given to
the display. Data register stores data to be displayed. The process of controlling the display
involves putting the data that form the image of what you want to display into the data registers,
then putting instructions in the instruction register

2.4.5 Humidity Sensor (DHT 11)

The DHT22 is a basic, low-cost digital temperature and humidity sensor. It uses a
capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor to measure the surrounding air and spits out a
digital signal on the data pin (no analog input pins needed). It's simple to use but requires
careful timing to grab data.
 2.5 CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter shows similar previous project builds as the current project. All the similar projects
explained in the beginning of this chapter uses Arduino UNO as its microcontroller to control its own
system. The type of microcontroller that will be used in this current project will also be none other
than the Arduino UNO and it is selected because of its compact design which has multifunction
presets and because of its software used to code which can be understood easily to create a new
system. This software can be used to create different types of system and circuits. For starting, the
Arduino software application has already been equipped with a lot of examples of complete coding,
such as push button, led blink, WIFI scan, and many more. Besides that, in this chapter there are
explanations about some of the used component to build and complete this project such as the
microcontroller, LCD Display, Humidity sensor and solar panel.
 CHAPTER 3

PROJECT METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, student will explain the process of building and completing this final project, each
step and flow will be explained one by one about the project preparation. Further information of this
project will be informed throughout this report. Each step of the project is a process to complete the
project, every step is followed one by one and done carefully. If any error occurs, it will ruin the
project and might not operate as expected or makes the project look physically look imperfect. Before
the project is finalized, various processes need to be done according to proper procedures to ensure
that this project won’t have any problems in future.

3.2 PROJECT DESIGN AND OVERVIEW

In this chapter, the application that was used to design the 3D printing is an online software called
Tinkercad. Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use web app for creating 3D designs, electronics, and write
coding. The main components that were selected is solar panel, LCD Display, Heat Bulb, cooling fan
and Arduino UNO. As for the primary material to build the cabinet, wood is used due to its light
weight and easily reshape able. As for the upper compartment where the whole circuit, solar panel and
LCD will be placed is made of PVC.
3.2.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF PROJECT

Figure 3.2 Block Diagram of operation

3.3 PROJECT HARDWARE

ARDUINO UNO

SOLAR PANEL

COOLING
FAN/VENTILATION FAN

LCD (16x2)

LED/ HOT AC BULB

2 CHANNEL RELAY

Table 3.3: Project Hardware

 3.3.1 SCHEMATIC CIRCUITS

This figure shows the overall circuits diagram of this project using fritzing application for design the
circuits which is contains Arduino UNO, solar panel, cooling fan, LCD, LED, 2 Channel Relay.

Figure 3.3.1: Circuit Diagram

 3.3.2 DESCRIPTION OF MAIN COMPONENT

The main component of the proposed Shoe Dryer using Solar Power and Humidity Sensor is the
Hot AC Bulb and Arduino Uno board. The brief description and some special features are described
in the following.

3.3.2.1 Arduino Uno

Figure 3.3.2.1: Arduino Nano

The Arduino Uno is one kind of microcontroller board based on ATmega328, and Uno is an Italian
term which means one. Arduino Uno is named for marking the upcoming release of microcontroller
board namely Arduino Uno Board 1.0. This board includes digital I/O pins-14, a power jack, analog
i/ps-6, ceramic resonator-A16 MHz, a USB connection, an RST button, and an ICSP header. All these
can support the microcontroller for further operation by connecting this board to the computer. The
power supply of this board can be done with the help of an AC to DC adapter, a USB cable, otherwise
a battery. This article discusses what is an Arduino Uno microcontroller, pin configuration, Arduino
Uno specifications or features, and applications.
 3.3.2.2 Hot AC Bulb

Figure 3.3.2.2: Hot AC Bulb

Incandescent bulbs work by heating a filament wire to the point that it glows. Because incandescent
bulbs are powered by 120 V, 60 Hz AC voltage (50 Hz in some countries) might expect to see a 60 Hz
(50 Hz) modulation of the light as a result.

3.3.2.3 Solar Panel

Figure 3.3.2.2: Solar Panel

When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the
panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the
cell, causing electricity to flow.
 3.3.2.4 Circuit Operation

In this circuit a programmed Arduino Uno is connected with Hot AC Bulb, Solar panel,
Humidity Sensor. The working principle of the model based on the Arduino Uno which will be
supplied by the power supply of a battery 12V. The sensors is to measure the humidity inside the
heating cabinet

3.4 PROJECT SOFTWARE

Protues – Proteus is a simulation and electronic design development tool developed by Lab Center
Electronics. It is a very useful tool as it ensures that the circuit design or firmware code is working
properly before you begin to physically work on it. It has an extensive number of components in
its library which can be used to virtually design circuits. The designs can make easily compiled
and debugged through Proteus virtual meters (voltmeter and ammeter), oscilloscope, serial
monitor, and more.
3.4.1 FLOWCHART OF THE SYSTEM

Figure 3.4.1: Flowchart of system

3.5 PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT

This project is the development of a prototype, of a Shoe Dryer using Solar Power and Humidity
sensor, the device works as follows. The. Hot Ac Bulb start once the Ardunio Uno sends
signal to the 2 channel relay and turning on the Hot Ac Bulb hence starting the drying process.

Figure 3.5: Prototype project

3.6 CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter explains about the project’s design and overview where it states in detail about the
materials and components used for this build which will be used for this project is Proteus. Besides
that, the block diagram, and the flowchart. The block diagram explains about visual representation
of how different parts of a system work together to produce an output, meanwhile the flowchart
explains about the picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order. Moving on this
chapter explains about the hardware and software used to complete this project such as Arduino
UNO, solar panel, cooling fan for hardware and Proteus as the software
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS

4.1 INTRODUCTION
In this topic are going to discuss about the data analysis the each of the circuits and component
that have been used to complete the Shoe Drying System. This chapter also explains about
finding and analysis of results that obtained from the project.

4.2 THE OPERATION OF THE WHOLE PROJECT

Figure 4.2: Product of project

This project entitled Shoe Dryer Using Solar Power and Humidity Sensor is system which was
built for all types of shoes so that it can be dried in the desired amount of time using a specially
built cabinet with an interior that can tolerate hot temperatures. Users can adjust the preferred
drying time based on the degree of moisture in any shoes using the built-in 4x3 keypad and LCD.
Additionally, this project uses a weatherproof 25-watt solar panel to charge a 12V rechargeable
battery, which powers the system and reduces the need for conventional wall socket electricity and
repeated battery replacements. A hot AC bulb is utilized to generate heat, which is then applied to
the drying process to dry the shoes.
 Table 4.2: Results and Analysis

4.3 SUMMARY

The expected result after evaluating this project is that it gets to dry any type of shoes completely
in an acceptable time. Besides that, it is also expected that this project will endure a harsh weather
condition since it is built based on a weather prove materials such as a toughen wood for its outer
cabinet to store the shoes and a tough PVC container fixed on top to place the system and wirings.
This projects design is also made light weighted which would make it to be easily carried and moved
around without any difficulties.
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, will discuss and conclude our project, Shoe Dryer using solar Power and Humidity
Sensor. This system dries shoes in a preferable time according to the texture of the shoes. This system
dries shoes using heat produced by the Hot AC Bulb which is located at the top of the cabinet. The
vendalition fan helps for cooling down once the cabinet overheats.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Technology has become a crucial part of our society. Without technological advancements, so much
of our everyday lives would be drastically different. As technology develops, it strives to fulfill the
changing needs of society. New creations of technologies every single day such as the product that was
created in this project helps the people and users to overcome their daily difficulty such as relying on
sun for drying things. Moreover, this product which was design does not even need 24 hours
monitoring since it has its own timer which can automatically turn off the whole system right after it is
used.

5.3 DISCUSSION

This project which entitled Shoe Dryer using Solar Panel and Humidity Sensor is an improvement
from a similar previous project. But there are still move advance components and options that can be
added as a suggestion to improve this product even more. The First and foremost new recommendations
that can be added to improve the project in the future is that it needs to be equip with mobile notifier.
Through this upgrade users can monitor their shoes temperature and drying time even more accurately
without always checking on LCD panel. Besides that, the other upgrades that can be done is by
increasing the size of the compartment where the shoes will be placed. By applying this upgrade more
shoes can be dried simultaneously without needing to dry one by one. After that, the third upgrade that
can be done is by adding a internal cooling system inside of the compartment in order to cool down the
compartment If it gets overheated
 5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

This project which entitled Shoe Dryer using Solar Panel and Humidity Sensor is an improvement
from a similar previous project. But there are still move advance components and options that can be
added as a suggestion to improve this product even more. The First and foremost new recommendations
that can be added to improve the project in the future is that it needs to be equip with mobile notifier.
Through this upgrade users can monitor their shoes temperature and drying time even more accurately
without always checking on LCD panel. Besides that, the other upgrades that can be done is by
increasing the size of the compartment where the shoes will be placed. By applying this upgrade more
shoes can be dried simultaneously without needing to dry one by one. After that, the third upgrade that
can be done is by adding a internal cooling system inside of the compartment in order to cool down the
compartment if it gets overheated.

5.5 SUMMARY

In this chapter, we discussed how we can further improve our project so that it
can be even more functional and easy to be used.
 REFERENCES

1. http://www.arduino4u.com/2019/06/193-shoe-dryer-with-motor.html

2. http://www.arduino4u.com/2016/04/20-temperature-and-humidity- controller.html

3. https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/ThothLoki/portable-arduino-temp-humidity-
sensor-with-lcd-a750f4

4. https://www.pantechsolutions.net/arduino-mini-projects

5. https://www.instructables.com/The-Shoe-Dryer/

6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336325876_Development_of_Shoe_Drye
r_System_using_Microcontroller_with_GSM_Module
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

 GANTT CHART/ MILESTONE

APPENDIX B

DATASHEET

1. Arduino Uno
2. Hot AC Bulb
3. Raindrop Sensor

APPENDIX C

• PROGRAM CODING

APPENDIX D

• PROJECT MANUAL

APPENDIX E

• FINAL PRESENTATION POSTER

APPENDIX F

 7TH EEIPEDEX GOLD AWARD E-CERT

GANTT CHART
 APPENDIX B

DATASHEET

1. Arduino Uno
POWER CONSUMPTION

2. Hot AC Bulb
3. Humidity Sensor (DHT 11)

DESCRIPTION: The DHT11 is a basic, ultra low-cost digital temperature and humidity sensor. It
uses a capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor to measure the surrounding air
and spits out a digital signal on the data pin (no analog input pins needed). It's
simple to use but requires careful timing to grab data.
 APPENDIX C

PROGRAM CODING

1. Coding
APPENDIX D

HOW TO USE
 APPENDIX E

FINAL PRESENTATION POSTER

 APPENDIX F

7TH EEIPEDEX GOLD AWARD E-CERT