Title: Design, construction and testing of a solar-powered chemical sprayer with a back-up solar battery for agricultural spraying operation
Authors: Benjamin. B. Uzoejinwa, Eke Dickson, Augustina C. Okolie,, Chidindu P. Ifeanyi-Obiorah,, Martin C. Obiora, Chukwunonso S. Ozokolie, and Anthony O. Ezeama
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 35-40
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
An overview of the operation of the manually knapsacksprayers has confirmed that it could be uncomfortable when considering some consequences such as body pains, unpleasant feelings and other extended health challenges. Given this known impact, the present study was designed to improve upon the manual method by employing a movable chemical sprayer powered by solar energy to overcome shortage of traditional energy and farm drudgery associated with the operation of the conventional sprayers in Africa and other parts of the world. Thus, in this study, a movable solar powered chemical sprayer with a back-up solar battery was designed, constructed and tested. The main parts of the system consist of photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells, a charge controller, a rechargeable battery and DC motor speed control with a pump, which was attached to a 10-litres capacity tank, for sucking and pressurizing the liquid to the boom of the sprayer through a flexible hose. The results of the performance evaluation carried on the developed system revealed that the efficiency of the system is 78.3%, the flow rate of the volume of liquid discharged from the sprayer (nozzle flow rate) and pump flow rate are 0.08L/min and 3.5L/min, respectively, while the time required for charging the battery completely was found to be 330 minutes (5.5 hours) from 10.55V - 13.85V, with the current intensity of 1.6 amperes. The battery discharging time was different from its charging time due to the drop of the battery voltage from 13.85 - 10.55 Volts. The results also unveiled that the developed system is more efficient, economical, eco-friendly, and reduces drudgery and fatigue than the manually operated/ conventional sprayers.