Design and Fabrication of Process Air-Flow and Control Systems of a Food Dehydrator for Powdered Akamu Production

@article{1714433,
      author = {Dennis Akinwonjowo, Favour Akpaibor, Immaculate Akele, Success Akanbi, Francis Maduka},
      title = {Design and Fabrication of Process Air-Flow and Control Systems of a Food Dehydrator for Powdered Akamu Production},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {8},
      pages = {2174-2175},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714433.pdf},
      abstract = {This research details the design and testing of a specialized system for producing dry powdered akamu, a traditional Nigerian fermented cereal porridge. While akamu is a major dietary staple, its high moisture content (approx. 51%) limits its shelf life to roughly seven days under normal conditions. This project addresses this by developing a dehydrator that utilizes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle for air dehumidification combined with electric heating. The system is managed by an Arduino-based smart control system that monitors temperature and humidity levels. Experimental results showed the system successfully reduced akamu moisture content to 26% within three hours, removing 3% more wet mass than traditional heat-only dehydrators.},
      keywords = {Akamu Preservation, Arduino Control, Dehumidification, Food Dehydration, Vapor Compression Cycle.},
      month = {February},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714433}
  }