Polangui General Comprehensive High School

ROBOT COMPOST TURNER FOR FASTER DECOMPOSITION

Submittted by:

JAIMIE MIKAELA TAN GUMATA

Researcher

Submitted to:

Rachelan L. Buenaventura

Research Adviser
INTRODUCTION

Improper organic waste management poses significant environmental and public health

challenges, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the

proliferation of disease vectors (Smith et al., 2020). Conventional waste disposal

methods, such as open burning, landfilling, and indiscriminate dumping, contribute to

climate change and soil degradation (Jones & Brown, 2019). Composting offers a

sustainable alternative by converting organic waste into nutrient-rich biofertilizers through

aerobic decomposition (Zhang et al., 2018). However, traditional composting methods

face several limitations, including prolonged decomposition time, foul odor emissions,

potential pathogen survival, and inconsistent nutrient quality (Kumar et al., 2021). These

drawbacks reduce the efficiency and adoption of composting as a viable waste

management solution (Wilson & Lee, 2022).

To address these challenges, technological innovations such as automated compost

turners have been introduced to optimize the composting process (Chen et al., 2020). A

robotic compost turner enhances aeration, regulates temperature, and ensures uniform

decomposition by mechanically mixing the compost pile (Garcia et al., 2021). This

accelerates microbial activity, reduces anaerobic zones, and minimizes odor emissions

(Park et al., 2019). However, a critical research gap persists in the integration of real-

time, intelligent monitoring systems with autonomous compost turners to dynamically

adjust turning frequency and optimize composting conditions based on sensor data (e.g.,

moisture, temperature, oxygen levels). Similarly, the current composting process and

microbial additives are mainly used to accelerate maturation, and they lack pertinence for
gaseous emission reductions during composting (Chen et al., 2020; Zhao et al., 2020).

While some studies have explored autonomous navigation and basic turning functions,

few have systematically evaluated the interplay between robotic turning efficiency,

compost quality metrics (e.g., cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity), and

energy consumption in industrial-scale settings ( Li et al., 2023). Additionally, the potential

for shared or decentralized composting systems using autonomous turners remains

underexplored, despite its relevance for small-scale farmers and municipalities (Sanchez,

2022; Cichocki et.al, 2022). By automating the turning process, the robotic system

ensures consistent oxygen supply, which is critical for efficient aerobic decomposition (Li

et al., 2020). Additionally, it reduces labor costs and physical strain associated with

manual turning (Adams et al., 2021)

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a robotic compost turner

designed to speed up the decomposition of organic waste while maintaining compost

quality (Taylor & White, 2023). The research explores the impact of automated turning on

microbial activity, temperature dynamics, and decomposition rates compared to

traditional composting methods (Nguyen et al., 2022). By integrating sensors for real-time

monitoring of moisture, temperature, and oxygen levels, the robotic system ensures

optimal composting conditions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing processing

time (Robinson et al., 2021).

The findings of this study will contribute to sustainable waste management by providing

an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly composting solution (Harris et al.,

among farmers and waste management facilities, ultimately supporting circular economy

practices, soil enrichment, and climate change mitigation (Martinez et al., 2022).

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to make a robot compost turner device with the help of an automated

turning mechanism called composed turning roller to speed up the process of

decomposing waste organic matter.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following:

1. How can an automated robotic compost turner optimize turning intervals every 48 - 72

hours to reduce compost maturation time by 30% without increasing energy use beyond

5kg of organic waste matter?

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the robot compost turner in terms of:

a. Speed

b. Bacterial Content

c. Soil moisture

d. PH level

HYPOTHESIS

Alternative hypothesis

The automated compost turner will be effective in reducing the time required for compost

maturation, enabling faster decomposition within 48–72 hours.

The automated compost turner will not be effective in reducing the time required for

compost maturation, enabling faster decomposition within 48–72 hours.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

This study is anticipated to improve aeration, maintain optimal moisture and temperature

levels, and enhance microbial activity, resulting in faster compost maturation compared

to traditional manual composing methods.

ENGENEERING GOAL

This study aims to create a robotic compost turner device that is made up of mechanical

components, sensors, and a control system designed to automate the turning process

and accelerate compost maturation.

METHODOLOGY

This study will be using experimental method and framework to evaluate the efficiency of

the device to create a robot compost tuner. A robot compost tuner for faster

decomposition with sensors that ensure ph level, oxygen level temperature, soil

maturation, enabling faster decomposition within 48–72 hours.

I. MATERIALS

MATERIAL QUANTITY

Steel Round Conveyor Roller 3pcs

Steel Frame
Steel Blades

500L Water Tank 1 pcs

Air Atomizing Nozzle Spray 12 pcs

(~45 hp) Tractor 1 pcs

Bearing, Shafts and Pulleys

Protective Covers and Guards 1 set

(200-300 W) Solar Panel 1-2 pcs

Charge Controller 1 pcs

12V DC Diagram Pump 1 pcs

12V-5V Buck Converter 1-2 pcs

Circuit Breaker 1-3 units

Float Sensor 1 pcs

SHT31 Moisture Sensor 1 pcs

Soil Moisture Sensor 1-2 pcs

PH Level Sensor 1 pcs

Oxygen Level Sensors 1 pcs

Thermocouple Amplifier Module 1-2 pcs

Electrical Conductivity Module 1 pcs

Microcontroller:ESP32 Dev Board 1 pcs

SIM800L GMS Module 1 pcs

0.96” I²C OLED Display 1 set

Relay Module 1-2 pcs

IRLZ44 Logic-level MOSFETs

Jumper Wires 20-30 pcs

100 kΩ Resistor 2-5 pcs

0.1 µF ceramic 2-5 pcs

IN5819 Diodes 2-3 pcs

II. PLANNING

Researcher's began by creating a sketch of the device that shows the placement of

the sensor and electrical parts inside the circuit box . After creating the sketch,

Researcher's searched for the best materials suited for the device and ensured if it

can maintain the durability, function abilities, stability of the materials will be bought

from online and local suppliers to ensure a high quality and a budget friendly

materials. Before constructing the device, Researcher's s first will measure the sizes

of the sensor and solar panel that will fit into the container. Then if the measure was

accurate, and all of the materials were collected, the Researcher's will began

constructing the device with the help of the sketch that will serve as an outline of the

device researchers will be creating.

III. CONSTRUCTION

By outlining the sketch, the researchers will begin connecting each sensor into

the microcontroller. Researchers will consult an expert in field of electricity and

devices to help them create an effective device.

robot compost turner. The procedure will start with the secure mounting of the

sensors and solar panel into the structure of the frame of the robot . Proper

positioning of all the sensors by the researchers will be done in order to accurately

measure PH level, temperature, oxygen level, and soil moisture.

In order to ensure the device's operation and safety, researchers will consult an

electronics and device assembly expert. Wiring connections will be insulated to

avoid short circuits, and all components will be tested separately prior to full

integration.

Once the sensors, solar panel, and power source are in place, the main body of

the compost turner will be constructed to ensure durability and stability. The final

step is to program the system so that the researcher can monitor the sensors.

When the sensors are triggered, the readings will be shown on a display board,

and any sensor malfunctions will also be indicated.

Once assembled, the whole device will be put through its first trial to determine

any technical problems prior to moving on to the test stage.

If the compost turner or sensors malfunction, first verify that the solar panel is

receiving sufficient sunlight. Next, check all wiring connections to ensure there are
 no loose or disconnected wires. If the sensors continue to malfunction, clean them

to remove any dust or dirt that could interfere with their readings.

Then, reboot the system by switching it off and on to restart the Arduino. If the

problem persists, re-upload the Arduino code to confirm the system’s functionality.

Should the issue remain unresolved, consult an electronics specialist for further

analysis.

IV. PROCESS OF FUNCTION

The solar panel converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is regulated by a

charge controller to provide a consistent voltage supply to the Arduino

microcontroller, the compost steel round conveyor roller for faster decomposition,

and the air atomizing nozzle for maintaining optimal air moisture levels.

Upon startup, the Arduino initializes and tests all components, confirming that the

compost roller and all sensors are functioning correctly. The float sensor

continuously monitors the water level in the tank during operation. If the water level

is sufficient, the compost roller remains active, ensuring continuous fertilizer

production. If the float sensor detects a critically low water level, the Arduino logs

the event for diagnostics and uses the GSM module to send an SMS notification

to the owner’s registered phone number, prompting a refill.

The air atomizing nozzle, controlled by the Arduino, automatically stops mist

generation when the moisture sensor detects that the air has reached the ideal
humidity level. The nozzle resumes operation if the air becomes too dry, as

determined by regular moisture checks. Once the tank is refilled, the float sensor

detects the restored water level, and the Arduino resets the system to normal

operation. If the water level remains low for an extended period, periodic

notifications are sent to ensure timely replenishment, prevent over-drying, and

protect the composting process.

The pH level sensor monitors the acidity or alkalinity of the compost, ensuring it

remains within the optimal range for microbial activity and nutrient availability. If

the pH deviates from the target range, the system records the anomaly for

corrective action. The oxygen level sensor measures the availability of oxygen

within the compost pile to ensure aerobic conditions, which are essential for

efficient decomposition. If oxygen levels fall too low, it indicates poor aeration,

prompting a review of turning frequency or ventilation adjustments. The soil

temperature sensor continuously measures the internal temperature of the

compost pile, allowing the system to track thermophilic and curing phases,

ensuring pathogens are destroyed and decomposition proceeds effectively.

This integrated setup ensures remote notifications, efficient energy use, and

automated environmental control for continuous and effective compost production.

However, the system has limitations, including dependency on adequate sunlight

for the solar panel, potential delays in SMS alerts due to GSM network issues,

inability to operate without continuous power or sufficient solar illumination, and

reduced performance in areas with poor cellular coverage. Additionally, very low
 water levels that go undetected by the float sensor, or sensor malfunctions in pH,

oxygen, or temperature monitoring, could impact compost quality if not addressed

promptly.

V. TESTING

The device will be tested multiple times to determine its efficacy. The researchers

will conduct evaluations by selecting random samples of experts and users of

traditional composting methods from different age groups to rate the device’s

functionality in terms of:

• Effectiveness of the device as a robotic system for faster decomposition

• Effectiveness in moisturizing the soil and accurately measuring pH levels

• Effectiveness in sending SMS notifications to users when the water supply runs

out

• Effectiveness in monitoring oxygen levels within the compost pile to ensure aerobic

conditions

If the device receives consistently high ratings across these criteria, it will be

considered effective.
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