Prototype for an Automated Home-use Coffee Roaster (#1692)

Authors

Diaz Bonilla, Elvin Saul

Abstract

The current research project aims to deliver an appealing proposal for an emerging market, such as household or micro-business use. It focuses on developing a coffee toaster prototype, with special attention to aspects like maximum automation integration, energy efficiency, cost production optimization, proper user interface development, efficient dimensions and weight, and predictable coffee roasting. Likewise, the research concentrates on control variables that provide better results in determining when the system has completed the toasting process. The project stems from the growing interest in adopting new methods to address coffee industry needs, considering various implications in an increasingly specialized and personalized manner for stakeholder groups. In the case of coffee roasting, this research draws inspiration from previous studies conducted in the Mexican sector with similar items, such as domestic coffee roasting, efficient process development, automation integration, and cost-effective manufacturing. The current document is built on a mixed methodology, where independent or control variables yield quantitative results that can be parameterized based on desired outcomes. In correlation with quantitative data from independent variables, there are qualitative aspects such as the color, smell, and texture of roasted coffee beans as a result of the prototype process. Research variables include temperature, revolutions per minute, relative humidity, timer, fuel supply opening angle, coffee color, and aroma. A prototype was successfully built with optimal dimensions and geometries for data collection. Similarly, the structure’s shape addresses the needs of aromatic bean roasting and mixing.