DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to systems and methods employed for maintaining and protecting quality of food items stored in the warehouses in the form of bags or in bulk form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Food items are the most important resource for people’s livelihood as well as for the economic development of the country. In developing countries like India, agricultural supply chain suffers from systemic inefficiencies due to lack of proper storage and transportation facilities, leading to heavy losses of commodities throughout the country. India produces roughly about 265 million metric tons of food items including grains and nearly 30% is lost mainly due to poor front-end infrastructure of the storage facilities and improper warehousing facilities for protection against factors like moisture, rodent, temperature, insects etc. which results in improper food availability to the population of country, especially the lower strata of our society.
[003] The conventional methods of storing food items includes storing the food items either in bags in warehouse / go-downs or in bulk in cement or steel / metallic silos which are permanent structures or in cover and plinth (also known as open storage), many not conforming to scientific storage requirements. Consequently, it is observed that these types of storages are causing the food items to get damaged and deterioration in quality due to poor existing storage conditions, leading to massive losses for the country approximately to the tune of about Rupees 1.5 lakh crores annually, thereby affecting our nation’s food security adversely.
[004] Further, in traditional warehouses and cover and plinth type of bag storage, even if there is quick removal of bags for transportation, the food items are likely to be affected by moisture / fungal resulting in qualitative damage due to microorganisms and insects during interim storage / handling/transportation. Besides, the traditional warehouses need a lot of permanent land area and construction time to setup. Further, traditional constructed warehouses cannot be relocated to other areas as may be required, affecting the food items storage/transportation policy as well as maintenance cost. Upgradation, modifiability and adaptability of configuration are also difficult and costly.
[005] In cement or steel silos, the temperature and humidity factors can be regulated, but at a loss of versatility as food items can be stored only in bulk in this for a specific purpose. In addition, cement or steel silos need invariably more time for installation and higher initial capital for installation and mechanization of food handling systems for operationalization. Also, the infrastructure and maintenance cost mainly for the steel silos are higher. In India 90% of the grains stored are in bags hence steel silos have a major disadvantage in a country like India as they can store grains only in bulk.
[006] Furthermore, traditional warehouses and cement silos are permanent structures, and limits its versatility, expandability and relocation as and when necessary.
[007] Therefore, in order to augment the farmers and Government efforts to enhance the country’s post-harvest activities and marketing of agricultural commodities / food items, there exists a dire need for a warehouse for storing of food items resolving at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention discloses an IoT based automated warehouse for storing food items, comprising a base, a structure overlying said base having plurality of vertically extending supports, spaced around said base; a plurality of walls interposing said support structures; a roof for enclosing said structure from top; at least one gate for transportation of food items into said storage area; and an aeration module, a monitoring module, a microcontroller, a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module, in combination and in operative communication with one another, configured for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in said warehouse in such a way that said microcontroller automatically transmits control signals to start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators located in said warehouse, either individually or in combination, that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly throughout said warehouse for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire warehouse.
[009] According to an embodiment, said aeration module includes a plurality of aeration facilities extending across said storage area, having exhaust fans, blowers, and louvers, in operative relationship with each other.
[0010] According to the embodiment, said monitoring module includes plurality of temperature sensors and at least two humidity sensors having a two-way communication protocol, said sensors are configured to monitor, input values and output out real-time ambient temperature / ambient relative humidity (RH) data, in a digital form to said microcontroller.
[0011] According to the embodiment, said plurality of temperature sensors are placed inside said warehouse and of said at least two humidity sensors, at least one sensor is located inside said warehouse and the other sensor is located outside said warehouse.
[0012] According to the embodiment, said base is underlying a storage area, above ground at a predetermined level.
[0013] According to the embodiment, said structure includes a drainage system for passage of water, providing protection against water logging and has a plurality of rat deflectors as a rodent proofing measure.
[0014] According to the embodiment, said roof can made of dimensionally stable fabric material or steel or proflex or other desired materials.
[0015] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses an IoT based automated system for enabling storing of food items, comprising a microcontroller in combination and in operative communication with an aeration module, a monitoring module, and a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module, for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in a storage area, in such a way that said system transmits control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module, either individually or in combination that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly throughout said storage area for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire storage area.
[0016] According to another embodiment, said aeration module includes a plurality of aeration facilities extending across said storage area, having exhaust fans, blowers and louvers, in operative relationship with each other.
[0017] In said another embodiment, said monitoring module includes plurality of temperature sensors and at least two humidity sensors having a two-way communication protocol, said sensors are configured to monitor, input values and output out real-time ambient temperature / ambient relative humidity (RH) data, in a digital form to said microcontroller.
[0018] In said another embodiment, said plurality of temperature sensors are placed inside said storage area and of said at least two humidity sensors, at least one sensor is located inside said storage area and the other sensor is located outside said storage area.
[0019] According to still another aspect, the present invention discloses a method for storing of food items in a warehouse as claimed in claims 1-7 or in a system as claimed in claims 8-11 comprising the steps of:
a) monitoring real-time ambient temperature, ambient humidity parameters;
b) operating an aeration module, under normal operative conditions or under forced conditions; and
c) maintaining said ambient temperature, ambient humidity within optimum limits in such a way that, when monitored temperature and humidity parameters obtained from monitoring module reach their threshold pre-set parameter limits, set through said digital I/O regulation module, said microcontroller relays output control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module, either individually or in combination, that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly, for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire said warehouse/system.
[0020] According to still another embodiment, wherein said step (c) said digital I/O regulation module enables a user to define said pre-set threshold parameter limits at regular intervals of time for regulating said temperature and humidity throughout said storage area, based on operating conditions and stored food items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 through Figures 1A to 1B shows an IoT based automated warehouse for storing food items in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
Figure 1A shows cross-sectional side view of said warehouse according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 1B shows front and side elevational views of said warehouse according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows different modules of a system employed in a warehouse for enabling storing of food items, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and
Figure 3 shows front and top elevational views of said warehouse for storing food items in bags or in bulk according to an embodiment of the invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In general, the present invention claims a IoT system for enabling storing of food items, comprising a microcontroller in combination and in operative communication with an aeration module, a monitoring module, and a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module, for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in a storage area, in such a way that said system transmits control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module either individually or in combination that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly throughout said storage area for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire storage area.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the system may be incorporated into a number of configurations (flexibility). Structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. Furthermore, connections between components within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components as per storage requirements.
Figures discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged environment. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention.
[0022] Referring Figure 1 through Figures 1A to 1B shows the IoT based automated warehouse for storing food items according to an aspect of the present invention. The warehouse (100) comprises a base (101), underlying a storage area, above ground at a predetermined level or equal to or below ground at desired level, a structure overlying said base having plurality of vertically extending supports, spaced around said base; a plurality of walls (102) interposing said support structures (104) and a roof material / cover (103) enclosing said structure (104), the support structures (104) are made of mild steel.; a drainage system (not shown) outside the structure for the passage of water and protection against water logging as well as for rodent prevention, at least one gate (105) for the transportation of food items in said storage area.
[0023] Referring Figure 2, through Figures 1A to 1B and Figure 3 in the IoT based automated warehouse (100, 300), the system (200) discloses an aeration module (201), a monitoring module (202), microcontroller (203), a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module (204) in combination and in operative communication with one another, configured for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in said warehouse (100, 300) in such a way that when real-time monitored parameters, obtained from said monitoring module (202) reach their threshold pre-set parameter limits, set through said digital I/O regulation module (204), said microcontroller (203) relays output control signals to start / switch off at least exhaust fans (109), blowers (107) and indicators (not shown) located in said warehouse either individually or in combination, for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire warehouse.
[0024] The warehouse incorporates a tailor-made Microcontroller (203) based IoT (internet of Things), with particular reference to grain storage monitoring system, which works with inputs from temperature sensors, relative humidity (RH) sensors and fire sensors located at different levels and locations of the stacked bags / grains in the warehouse.
[0025] The inputs are given to a microprocessor electronic controller which is pre-programmed for different range of parameters set to be regulated. When the pre-determined parameters reach their threshold value, necessary output orders are relayed to start and switch off the exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators installed appropriately in the warehouse wall and monitored from a central office.
[0026] This is a fully automated warehouse, in which process the exhaust fans are switched on when temperature and relative humidity (RH) rises above pre-specified limits and gets switched off when temperature and relative humidity (RH) is restored, ensuring grain protection, aiding storage quality, while also economizing operations.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the aeration module (201) consists of a network of aeration equipment to channelize the air movement within the stacked grains in the warehouse, which is essential for quality maintenance of the stored produce. The aeration regulates the temperature, relative humidity RH and consequently the moisture within the stacked/ stored grains / food items. The aeration module of said warehouse/ system includes a plurality of aeration facilities, having exhaust fans, blowers, and louvers, in operative relationship with each other, covering substantially all inside area of the warehouse to maintain the quality of food items. The aeration blowers (107) are used to aerate the storage with required capacity.
[0028] According to the present invention, the blowers are located at the base, about a desired height from plinth level on either sides of the longitudinal walls of the warehouse but in a staggered fashion. Adjustable louvers are provided along the same height of the walls but alternately spaced between the blowers aid in natural ventilation as per requirement. Exhaust fans (109) provided at the top side of the same walls augments the removal of hot / wet vapours / internal air from inside the warehouse to outer atmosphere. As per operational requirements, the lower blowers can be linked with exhaust fans in the opposite side of the walls to create a systematic channel of aeration as per external temp and RH.
[0029] When the temperature or humidity are not within the prescribed limit for a particular food item stored in the warehouse (100, 300) then the exhaust fans (109) throws the hot air outside, whereas fresh air from louvered ventilators (108) provided at bottom level of wall / from blowers (107) moves in to balance inside and outside temperature. Provision of air circulation ensues either naturally and/or as aided facility.
[0030] According to the present invention, natural aeration is facilitated by the warehouse orientation. Gable walls are constructed to be facing north - south, while the longitudinal walls are facing east - west. Moisture / vapour movement from the eastern to western side happens during the forenoon and western to eastern side during the afternoon. The movement results in differential vapour pressure & temperature gradient changing the density of inter granular moisture. The louvres at bottom level and exhaust at top levels aid in the natural aeration process, resulting in cooling effect on the grains. These louvers can be partially opened or shut to regulate external air moving into the warehouse depending on outside temp / RH levels, which can be manual as the louvers are not electronically linked with the IoT. Basically, natural ventilation helps grain cooling and equalizing the temperatures between the eastern and western side, thus preventing moisture migration and subsequent grain damage / mould formation.
[0031] According to the present invention, forced Aeration is also facilitated in the warehouse. Air movement generally take place within gangways; but aeration should also focus on the stacked grains / commodity (150 MT in every 600 Sq. ft. per stack). Natural aeration may have only partial impact by the resulting surrounding temperature changes, which is inadequate during critical periods. This requires augmentation of air circulation using regulated forced aeration. During these times, adoption of forced aeration would be effected by provision of a chain of bottom level desiccation enabled blower system.
[0032] According to the present invention stacking arrangement shall be planned such that the gangways become the pathway for the movement of the air with the louvers aligned with the gangway paths suitably.
[0033] According to the present invention, the warehouse/ system employs a desiccant cycle. The blowers draws air from the surrounding environment and part of it passes through a layer of desiccant which reduces the moisture level in the air and passes to the interior space of the warehouse. The reduced humid air enters into the warehouse at a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure (1 atm) and displaces the humid air inside, which expands upwards due to the temperature and pressure gradients. This leads to exhaust from top ventilators.
[0034] According to the embodiment, the relative humidity (RH) is controlled inside with respect to outside humidity. When the relative humidity (RH) inside the warehouse rises above threshold limit, the controller automatically switches on the exhaust fans (109) and blowers (107) expelling humid air out and draw fresh desiccated air into the warehouse through the circulation chain of top and bottom vent system (108) incorporated in the warehouse.
[0035] According to the embodiment, the microprocessor (203) device is pre-programmed to suit for different range of parameters like temperature and relative humidity (RH) for different grains, as these two factors are crucial to maintain food grains in healthy condition. This technology can also be coupled with fire safety system for fire prevention. The sensors give input signals to microprocessor, whose output in turn control the exhaust fans and blowers as programmed therein.
[0036] According to the embodiment, depending upon the zone of the location of the warehouse i.e. coastal or interior area, the prevailing humidity and temperature of the location affects the moisture, temperature and air circulation. Seasonal changes also impact the quality of the stored grains. The rate of aeration could then be properly regulated using forced aeration with IoT digital microcontroller (203). The two key parameters temperature and intergranular humidity within stacks of food items are required to be regulated under proper scheduling regime. Aeration activates taking into account the prevailing external conditions for efficient management.
[0037] According to the embodiment, the required environment for ideal storage for any commodity should be in the range of:
Relative humidity: 70-80%
Temperature: Below 35 Degree Celsius and
Moisture: As per the adsorption desorption curves for that particular commodity.
Wireless mesh repeaters are provided to expand operating zone as per operational requirement of the warehouse.
[0038] According to the embodiment, monitoring module (202) of said warehouse/ system includes plurality of semiconductor sensors having a two-way communication protocol, placed in perforated hollow pipes, located within said warehouse, said sensors are configured to monitor, input monitored values and output out real-time ambient temperature / ambient relative humidity (RH) data, in a digital form to said microcontroller (203) that transmits control signals to activate exhaust fans/ blowers of said aeration module as programmed therein.
[0039] According to the embodiment, the sensors are semiconductor-based sensor with temperature range is 30 to 120 degrees centigrade and they have SS tube casing for protection.
[0040] According to the embodiment, said sensors include plurality of temperature sensors placed inside said warehouse / system and at least two humidity sensors, of which at least one sensor is located inside said warehouse and the other sensor is located outside said warehouse / system.
[0041] According to the embodiment, the microcontroller (202) is microprocessor based digital PID or PLC controller. The data extracted through sensors is integrated, summed, averaged, recorded and regulates the aeration module, if at any time there is inadequate stack effect or when the moisture content is high or temperature of the grain becomes too high because of the moisture/ insect infestation with respect to preprogrammed parameters.
[0042] According to the embodiment, digital input/output (I/O) regulation module (204) enables user to define said pre-set threshold parameter limits at regular intervals of time by logging to the microprocessor-based controller for recording and regulation of the key storage parameters, viz, temperature and relative humidity throughout said warehouse, upon operating conditions and desired food items 24 X 7.
[0043] According to the embodiment, the warehouse achieves temperature equalization. All agricultural commodities are hygroscopic in nature. If due to the moisture migration moisture content increases and goes beyond the safe level, then the grains start getting damaged and localized heating / hotspots are developed on top / bottom, which damages the whole stack or can even flare up. Thereon use of forced aeration methods with blowers can enable temperature variations to be smoothened out (equalization of temperature). Once the temperature is equalized there be no moisture migration, and grain cooling can also be observed. Hence moisture damage can be prevented to a great extent.
[0044] In an embodiment, the warehouse (100, 300) can be created of any shape like rectangular, square, circular etc. depending on the size, shape of the land available and the storage capacity required to be stored within that land.
[0045] In an embodiment, the base (101) of the warehouse (100, 300) is formed according to the soil condition and type, load capacity of the food items to be stored inside and weather conditions of the place.
[0046] Similarly, the walls (102) of the warehouse (100, 300) can either be plane sheets or corrugated sheets of MS or GI, fiber, stainless steel material, etc. Also, the walls (102) can be interlocked and are interchangeable with each other. Further, the size, thickness and height of the wall are dependent on the size of the storage and land available. The roof material can be attached on the top of the wall (102). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the height of the walls is adjustable and can be altered to increase or decrease as per the storage capacity. Also, the space between the compound and structure is laid with cement concrete to allow for movement of vehicles around the warehouse and has at least one entry gate and exit gate for vehicular movement for the logistics and transportation.
[0047] According to the present invention, the roof can made of dimensionally stable fabric material or steel or proflex or other desired materials.
[0048] In an embodiment, the drainage system is in the peripheral boundary of the warehouse (100, 300) to protect against water logging. Also, there are rat deflectors around the warehouse (100, 300) made of mild steel or GI sheets as a rodent proofing measure.
[0049] In another embodiment, temperature control sensors are installed in the warehouse (100, 300) to maintain the food quality. In the said warehouse (100, 300), a plurality of temperature sensors are installed within the storage which records the temperature all day. When the temperature is not within the prescribed limit as required for the protection of food quality, aeration blowers (107) are started to maintain the internal temperature within the prescribed limit. Moreover, aeration is done mainly when the outside climate is suitable.
[0050] In yet another embodiment, the humidity sensors are installed in the warehouse (100, 300) for the preservation of food quality and maintaining humidity level. In the structure of warehouse (100, 300), at least two humidity sensors are installed, one sensor is inside the storage and other sensor is outside the said warehouse (100, 300). When the humidity levels are high as against prescribed levels, then aeration blowers (107) are started for the maintenance of the humidity level.
[0051] In yet another embodiment, the present invention discloses a method of storing of food items in a warehouse/system comprising unloading of bags of food items from the transport and then, checking for the moisture content in the food items. Also, sending food items to cleaning unit where the food items are cleaned from dirt and mud while iron particles, if any, are removed by magnetic removal machine or any other cleaning machine. Further, rechecking the weights of the cleaned food items and then refilling in and re-stitching the bags are also carried out. These bags are then transferred inside the warehouse (100, 300) through a gate (105) and directed to the zone for stacking. In the warehouse (100, 300), one or more temperature control and humidity sensors are present for maintaining the temperature and humidity of the warehouse (100, 300). When the temperature and humidity within the warehouse are not within the prescribed limits as required for the protection of food quality, aeration blowers (107) are started to maintain the internal temperature and humidity level within the prescribed limits in the warehouse.
[0052] The method includes the step of (a) monitoring real-time ambient temperature, ambient humidity parameters;
the step of (b) operating an aeration module, under normal operative conditions or under forced conditions; and
the step of (c) maintaining said ambient temperature, ambient humidity within optimum limits in such a way that, when monitored temperature and humidity parameters obtained from monitoring module reach their threshold pre-set parameter limits, set through said digital I/O regulation module, said microcontroller relays output control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module, either individually or in combination, that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly, for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire said warehouse/system.
[0053] According to the method, in said step (c) said digital I/O regulation module enables a user to define said pre-set threshold parameter limits at regular intervals of time for regulating said temperature and humidity throughout said storage area, based on operating conditions and desired food items.
[0054] In an embodiment, fumigation inside the warehouse (100, 300) is done in regular intervals for the protection of food items from insects.
[0055] The warehouse (100, 300) can be doctored to any shape depending on the size, shape of the land available as well as the storage capacity required to be utilized within in that available land area.
[0056] According to the present invention, all WDRA norms shall be generally followed for good storage practices. The design enables scalability and relocatability, when adapted with fabric/proflex/other desired materials.
[0057] According to the present invention, smart sensing devices are integrated with Internet of Things (IOT) and Wireless Sensor Networks to preserve the quality and quantity of the stored products over time. Internet of Things is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators and connectivity which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to inter-operate within the existing internet infrastructure. The IoT allows object to be sensed or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit in addition to reduce human intervention. When IoT is augmented with sensors and actuators, the technology becomes an instance of the more intelligent class of cyber-physical system. These devices collect useful data with the help of various existing technologies and then autonomously flow the data between other devices.

ADVANTAGES:
[0058] The warehouse (100, 300) of the present invention is a comprehensive and scientific method of storage. Unlike in the conventional method of storage available today, the method of storage of the warehouse (100, 300) preserves the food quality by regular monitoring, fumigation and state of art of aeration facilities.
[0059] The warehouse of the present invention can be used for both bag and bulk type of storage. The warehouse can be setup quickly within about 4-6 months (compared to higher time requirement for conventional types), and cost-effective as compared to any other storage facilities available in country.
[0060] In addition, the warehouse provides water resistant, weather control, humidity, moisture and temperature regulation as required as well as anti-rodent storage solution to protect the food items from wastage, losses and to maintain the quality of food items during storage. The warehouse can be easily relocated to suitable locations based on land area, distribution requirements, loss reduction and cost effectiveness, and being vertically & horizontally scalable, improves the operational capability (technical & economical) by serving as multipurpose storage facility and enables policy.
[0061] The warehouse shall be designed and constructed with microprocessor-based grain management system to help durable storage and improve the quality of the grain, reduce the cost of storage as the losses are reduced and, the weight gain and weight loss are under control. The design enables scalability and relocatability, and in consonance with WDRA norms.

The present invention has been described in the context of a warehouse for a storing food grains in bags or in bulk. However, the warehouse of the present invention can be used for preserving any grains or food items. The warehouse / system disclosed in the present invention is automated with a microcontroller based IoT for maintaining required temperature and humidity. However, the warehouse/ system may even work without internet without limiting to the way as described herein. Further, the system is suitable in all places where there is a requirement of temperature and humidity control such as drug preservation, hospitals, restaurants, mines, and all commodity storages which are likely to get affected chemically and / or physically over time due to irreversible chemical processes without limiting to storing of food grains or food items. The system/warehouse based on IoT can be monitored locally or from a remote location and real time notification based on information analysis and processing can be delivered to the user without any hassle. The warehouse/system can be monitored through mobiles, tablets, personal computers or any other electronic devices or applications as suitable without limiting to particular devices described herein.
Any materials, types, number of sensors can be used not limiting to those of particularly describes herein. The warehouse can be of any shape, and pre-set limits depends on the environmental conditions. The roof can be made of any desired materials. The aeration module can have any type of desiccant.
In the foregoing detailed description of aspects embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of aspects, embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
It is understood that the above description and drawings are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Description and drawings are intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” is used as the plain-English equivalent of the respective term “comprising” respectively.
,CLAIMS:
1. An IoT based automated warehouse for storing food items, comprising:
a base, a structure overlying said base having plurality of vertically extending supports, spaced around said base;
a plurality of walls interposing said support structures;
a roof for enclosing said structure from top;
at least one gate for transportation of food items into said storage area; and
an aeration module, a monitoring module, a microcontroller, a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module, in combination and in operative communication with one another, configured for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in said warehouse in such a way that said microcontroller automatically transmits control signals to start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators located in said warehouse either individually or in combination that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly throughout said warehouse for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire warehouse.

2. The warehouse as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aeration module includes a plurality of aeration facilities extending across said storage area, having exhaust fans, blowers, and louvers, in operative relationship with each other.

3. The warehouse as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein said monitoring module includes plurality of temperature sensors and at least two humidity sensors having a two-way communication protocol, said sensors are configured to monitor, input values and output out real-time ambient temperature / ambient relative humidity (RH) data, in a digital form to said microcontroller.

4. The warehouse as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein said plurality of temperature sensors are placed inside said warehouse and of said at least two humidity sensors, at least one sensor is located inside said warehouse and the other sensor is located outside said warehouse.

5. The warehouse as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein said base is underlying a storage area, above ground at a predetermined level.

6. The warehouse as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein said structure includes a drainage system for passage of water, providing protection against water logging and has a plurality of rat deflectors as a rodent proofing measure.

7. The warehouse as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein said roof can made of dimensionally stable fabric material or steel or proflex or other desired materials.

8. An IoT based automated system for enabling storing of food items, comprising:
a microcontroller in combination and in operative communication with an aeration module, a monitoring module, and a digital input/output (I/O) regulation module, for regulating ambient temperature, ambient humidity in a storage area, in such a way that said system transmits control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module either individually or in combination that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly throughout said storage area for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire said storage area.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said aeration module includes a plurality of aeration facilities extending across said storage area, having exhaust fans, blowers, and louvers, in operative relationship with each other.

10. The system as claimed in claims 8-9, wherein said monitoring module includes plurality of temperature sensors and at least two humidity sensors having a two-way communication protocol, said sensors are configured to monitor, input values and output out real-time ambient temperature / ambient relative humidity (RH) data, in a digital form to said microcontroller.

11. The system as claimed in claims 8-10, wherein said plurality of temperature sensors are placed inside said storage area and of said at least two humidity sensors, at least one sensor is located inside said storage area and the other sensor is located outside said storage area.
12. A method for storing of food items in a warehouse as claimed in claims 1-7 or in a system as claimed in claims 8-11 comprising the steps of:
a) monitoring real-time ambient temperature, ambient humidity parameters;
b) operating an aeration module, under normal operative conditions or under forced conditions; and
c) maintaining said ambient temperature, ambient humidity within optimum limits in such a way that, when monitored temperature and humidity parameters obtained from monitoring module reach their threshold pre-set parameter limits, set through said digital I/O regulation module, said microcontroller relays output control signals to automatically start / switch off at least exhaust fans, blowers, and indicators of said aeration module, either individually or in combination, that are configured to throw hot air outside, and draw in a fresh flow of air / fresh desiccated air, spreading evenly, for ensuring temperature equalization, protection of quality and environment friendly storage in entire said warehouse/system.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step (c) said digital I/O regulation module enables a user to define said pre-set threshold parameter limits at regular intervals of time for regulating said temperature and humidity throughout said storage area, based on operating conditions and stored food items.