Landry, J.A. and Norris, E. 1995. Software for the Control of Vegetable Storage Environment. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 11(3) : 453-458
Abstract
Computer control techniques were applied to potato storage environment regulation. An integrated software package was developed for data acquisition and control of various environmental parameters and devices. Accurate temperature and humidity levels were to be provided as well as minimal CO2 control. Fully automated, manual as well as mixed mode control capabilities were supported. Various automated treatments were possible. For added reliability, routines were developed to automatically verify the integrity of most sensors. High security dial-in access to the control program, together with periodic control scheme and environment data recording, were provided. An existing computer controlled system was adapted to the control software and tested in a commercial potato storage. The system proved to be effective in controlling the desired environmental parameters. Due to its modular structure, this software can easily be adapted to control other vegetable storage.