Smart Clothes Drying Rack

What it does

This smart drying rack solves the problem of drying clothes during unpredictable weather. Powered by solar energy, it detects rain and temperature, activates fans and heaters to speed up drying, and automatically retracts to protect clothes from rain.

Your inspiration

Living in Malaysia, where rain can occur suddenly and frequently, we often face the challenge of drying clothes efficiently. Traditional racks do not offer protection from rain, causing delays and musty-smelling laundry. Growing up as a kid, having to watch the laundry in case it rains while our mothers did housework and hearing similar frustrations from friends, we realised a need for a smarter solution. Inspired by smart home innovations and renewable energy trends, we decided to design an affordable, portable drying rack that adapts to weather conditions, uses clean energy, and saves people time and effort while keeping clothes fresh.

How it works

Our smart drying rack is powered by a 12 V solar-charged battery. It includes sensors to detect clothes (ultrasonic), temperature and humidity (DHT22), and rain (rain sensor). When clothes are detected, the system activates four fans to speed up drying. If rain is sensed, the gear motors, controlled via multiple L298N drivers, automatically retract a protective cover over the rack. The heater system adjusts based on temperature: it turns on if it is too cold and turns off if it gets too hot (above 60 °C) to prevent damage. The entire system is managed by an Arduino microcontroller and designed for energy efficiency, portability, and indoor as well as outdoor use. To add to this, we have coupled in solar panel usage to maximise energy efficiency compared to traditional dryers. In later updates, we have included a way to control the drying rack. In this, we offer users a choice of either an automatic mode or manual mode, all from the comfort of their phones.

Design process

The design process began with identifying a common household issue: drying clothes during Malaysia’s unpredictable weather. We conducted a market survey among local households and students to understand pain points, rain damage, slow drying, and lack of indoor space. From there, we brainstormed solutions that combined automation and renewable energy. We sketched multiple concepts, ran a bunch of numbers and reports of all sorts, finally settling on a solar-powered frame with integrated sensors, fans, and heaters. The prototype focused on frame design and rain protection, using PVC Foam. However, it lacked stability, so we strengthened it using a metal frame with caster wheels for mobility. We added a retractable rain cover controlled by gear motors and rain sensors. For electronics, we began testing using breadboards and simplified wiring to save cost and time, using modules like IRF520 for heater control. We iteratively tested sensor response, airflow efficiency, and drying time. Based on tests, we optimised fan placement and adjusted temperature limits for safety. The current version integrates all core features with improved structural support, a cleaner wiring setup, and a user-friendly control switch.

How it is different

Unlike typical drying racks, our smart drying rack combines solar power, weather detection, and automated response in a compact, portable frame. It does not just hold clothes, it actively dries them using integrated heaters and fans, adjusts to temperature changes, and shields clothes from rain with a retractable cover. Most alternatives are either passive (traditional racks) or expensive smart dryers with high energy consumption. Our design uses clean energy, is cost-effective for average households, and fits easily on apartment balconies, making it ideal for urban living. With the latest trend of housing in Malaysia opting for less balcony or no balcony space, this is ideal, be it using indoors or outdoors. Its real-time sensor system intelligently manages drying conditions, a feature not commonly seen in conventional racks or indoor dryers. This integration of affordability, automation, and environmental friendliness makes it truly unique.

Future plans

Moving forward, if given a chance of sponsorship, we plan to enhance the rack’s design for mass production by simplifying wiring with PCBs and adding a user-friendly mobile app for remote control and drying status updates. We aim to improve weatherproofing for long-term outdoor use and explore partnerships with green tech companies or smart home startups. Our goal is to commercialise the product for urban households and student residences, starting with small-scale pilot testing. We also plan to apply for local innovation grants to scale up manufacturing and refine energy storage options for rainy or cloudy days.

Awards

We have not been selected for any awards as of now. However, we have received an 'A' for this subject and have also been highlighted during sharing sessions by Dyson. We have also been to an exhibition in our university where it was complimented by multiple panelists from other universities and companies.