What it does
The Solar-Based IoT Clothing Dryer offers a compact, energy-efficient solution for drying clothes in high-rise buildings. It addresses space limits, weather challenges, and high electricity use by combining solar energy, Arduino automation, and IoT control.
Your inspiration
The idea was inspired by the everyday struggles faced by high-rise residents in Malaysia, where unpredictable weather, high humidity and limited space make traditional clothes drying methods inefficient. Many households rely on outdoor drying or costly electric dryers, which come with drawbacks such as unpleasant odours and high electricity bills. Observing these issues, our team aimed to create a sustainable, user-friendly solution. We combined solar energy with smart automation using Arduino and IoT technology to develop a compact and an efficient dryer that works regardless of weather, offering an eco-friendly alternative for urban living.
How it works
The Solar-Based IoT Clothing Dryer uses fan heaters and an exhaust fan inside a compact enclosure to dry clothes efficiently. Powered by a 12 V supply, it heats air and removes moisture through ventilation. An Arduino Mega reads temperature and humidity from sensors to control the system automatically. When humidity is high or temperature is low, the fans turn on to ensure effective drying. An ESP32 WiFi module connects the system to the Blynk app, allowing users to monitor and control it remotely. It can dry 10–20 clothing items at once, with optimised airflow and energy use. Built with lightweight materials, the dryer is portable, easy to assemble, and designed for high-rise homes.
Design process
The design process began with identifying the main problem inefficient clothes drying in high-rise homes due to limited space, high humidity and unpredictable weather. We brainstormed multiple concepts and selected a compact, solar-powered IoT dryer with automation features. We started by creating 3D CAD models using SolidWorks to visualise the structure and plan internal components like fans, sensors, and wirings. Our first prototype focused on basic functionality using aluminum frames and polycarbonate panels. Early testing revealed issues such as weak airflow, unstable structure, and sensor placement challenges. We improved the second prototype by strengthening the frame with L-brackets, sealing gaps using EVA foam for better insulation, and repositioning components for improved airflow. We also optimised the fan control logic adjusting heater activation based on temperature ranges and introduced staged fan operation to conserve energy. Electronics were upgraded with a stable 12 V DC supply, Arduino Mega for control and ESP32 for WiFi connectivity. The Blynk app was integrated for real-time monitoring and remote control. This process refined both mechanical and electrical aspects resulting in a more efficient, portable and user-friendly dryer tailored to urban high-rise users.
How it is different
Our design stands out by combining energy efficiency, smart control, and space-saving features tailored for high-rise living. Unlike conventional dryers that are bulky and consume high electricity, our system uses a compact enclosure with fan heaters, powered by a 12 V supply, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly. It integrates Arduino automation and IoT connectivity via the Blynk app, allowing users to monitor and control the dryer remotely — features not commonly found in typical dryers. The modular, detachable structure makes it portable and easy to store, which is ideal for small apartments. Additionally, sensors adjust drying conditions in real-time, optimising performance while saving energy.
Future plans
Our next steps include integrating actual solar panels and batteries to fully realise the renewable energy goal. We plan to improve the fan heater for stronger airflow and enhance the IoT system with features like push notifications and drying mode presets. A custom mobile app will be developed for multi-user access. Long-term, we aim to reduce production costs for commercial scalability and secure certifications for market readiness.
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