DEVELOPMENT OF BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPERTED WEEDER.
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Date
2020-02-04
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Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra.
Abstract
Weeding operation is most important interculture operations to overcome the limitations of traditional method of weeding, an electrical power source is being used to increase output and operational cost. Keeping the above facts, the present investigation has been carried out. A BEV weeder was developed in the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Dr. PDKV Akola. The developed BEV weeder had overall dimension (L x B x H) of 990×660×1000 mm. It was observed that an electric motor of 350 W, 24 V BLDC capable to propel the vehicle with the design gear ratio of 50:1. Two 12 V, 18 A batteries were used as power source which continuously work for 2.4 h at maximum power requirement. The developed BEV weeder was tested on the experimental field for optimization of the operating parameters for soyabean crop. The independent parameters selected for optimization were three approach angles of sweeps (60°, 70° and 80°), three forward speed (2 km/h, 2.5 km/h and 3 km/h) and three depth of operation (2 cm, 3 cm and 4 cm). Box Behnken model of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by using Design Expert Software was used to optimize machine parameter for minimum specific draft and maximum weeding efficiency. The RSM results shows that depth of operation and forward speed had significant effect on specific draft at 1 % level of significance followed by approach angle. Similarly, approach angle and depth of operation had significant effect on weeding efficiency at 1 % level of significance followed by the forward speed. The RSM result showed that the weeder satisfactorily performs with approach angle (70°), forward speed (2.437 km/h) and depth of operation (2.368 cm) with minimum specific draft of 0.323 N/mm and maximum weeding efficiency of 88.38 %. Average battery voltage and motor current required for BEV weeder during field trials were observed as 23.87 V and 12 A respectively. Whereas the draft required and weeding efficiency developed weeder were observed as 15.97 kgf and 86.35 % respectively. The theoretical field capacity, effective field capacity and field efficiency of BEV weeder were 0.11 ha/h, 0.08 ha/h and 74.42 % respectively. The fabrication cost of BEV weeder was calculated as Rs 17100. The cost of operation of the BEV weeder was observed as Rs.653/ha as compare to bullock drawn blade harrow (Rs. 900/ha). The saving over the cost of operation was observed as 27.39 %. During the techno- economic feasibility of BEV weeder the payback period was analyzed to be 1.14 years of the machine operation. The breakeven point and benefit cost ratio were observed as 168 h/yr and 1.14 respectively. Overall, in operation and economic point of view the developed BEV weeder machine had satisfactory performance.
Description
The present research work was carried out to develop the battery electric vehicle operated weeder with low cost and time saving over the traditional methods. Optimization of the operating parameters were carried out for minimum specific draft and maximum weeding efficiency. Performance evaluation of weeder were carried out for optimized parameter.
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Citation
BACHANWAR, SHITAL SUNIL. (2020). Development of battery electric vehicle operated weeder. Department of farm power and machinery (Agricultural Engineering), Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. M. Tech. 2020. Print. xiii, 104p. (Unpublished).