ABEN 4420: Renewable Energy for AB Application

Laboratory Exercise 1

I. INTRODUCTION

Solar radiation, emitted by the sun as light or electromagnetic radiation, varies in

intensity across the Earth's surface. Solar technologies harness this energy, converting
it into usable forms. However, since most of the farmers are poor and have smaller
farms, there is a need to develop a portable agricultural vehicle that is affordable even
for poor farmers. The solar-powered multi-purpose farm vehicle that was developed
in CREaTe reduces the human effort in the field of agriculture and finds a solution to
increase the mechanization in the fields. This vehicle runs on solar energy which is
renewable and easily available. The solar-powered multi-purpose farm vehicle can act
as a rice paddy mixer, water pump, or transportation and trailer vehicle.

II. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the laboratory exercise, the students must:
a. understand the parts and specification of multi-purpose vehicle,
b. identify the purpose of the vehicle, and
c. explain the working principle

III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

A solar vehicle's ability to gather sunlight and transform it into useful energy for the
engine is entirely dependent on its photovoltaic cells. Instead of using thermal
conversion to transform solar energy into useful electricity, photovoltaic cells directly
convert solar energy into electrical power. Because of this, we can simply store
converted electricity in batteries and use them to run a car's engine, just like we would
with a typical electric car.

This solar vehicle is the same with typical solar car/vehicle is equipped with solar
panels that are specially made to be installed on places that receive the most sunlight
—the rooftop. Silicon, a mixed alloy of galium and indium, and nitrogen gas make up
the photovoltaic cells on the solar panels. These substances are able to absorb light
energy from solar radiation because of a natural retentive property. In specially
created storage sections, the stored energy is subsequently released as free-moving
electrons.

Batteries is the name given to this storage facility. Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium,
among other unique elements, are among them. The engine can be powered by these
batteries' capacity to transform free electrons into useful energy. The battery is then
connected to a switch control mechanism, which is responsible for turning on and off
the vehicle, reverse and forward, paddy mixing and water pumping. The space
provided for the placement of these parts was in the rear part of the vehicle.

DESIGN CONSIDERATION

1. Solar Panel Integration: The design incorporates solar panels on the cart's roof to
capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. The panels were positioned
optimally to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day.

2. Battery Capacity: The cart has a battery system with sufficient capacity to store the
solar energy generated. This ensures that the cart can operate even when sunlight is
not available, such as during cloudy or nighttime conditions.

3. Energy Management System: An efficient energy management system is crucial to

regulate the flow of energy between the solar panels, battery, and electric motor. The
system optimizes energy usage, storage, and distribution to maximize the cart's
performance and range.

4. Lightweight Design: To enhance the cart's efficiency, it is designed with

lightweight materials to reduce energy consumption. This includes using lightweight
metal materials that maintain structural integrity while minimizing weight.

5. Aerodynamics: Streamlining the cart's design can reduce wind resistance and
improve energy efficiency. Smooth contours and tapered shapes can help optimize the
cart's aerodynamics and reduce energy losses.

6. Charging Infrastructure: Consideration should be given to the design of a charging

infrastructure that allows the cart to connect to external power sources when needed.
This includes a plug-in charging port.

7. Safety and Durability: Safety features, such as handles, disc brake for strong
brakes, wirings with label and metal roof frame, should be incorporated into the
design. Additionally, the cart is built with durable materials and protective features to
withstand potential impacts.

8. User Interface and Monitoring: The design includes a user-friendly interface that
allows users to monitor the solar energy generation, battery status, and overall system
performance. This can help users optimize their energy usage and understand the
cart's capabilities.
 By considering these design considerations, a solar electric cart can be developed to
harness solar energy efficiently, reduce reliance on external power sources, and
provide a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solution.

PARTS AND SPECIFICATION

a. Solar Panel - devices which are used to absorb the sun's rays and convert them into
electricity or heat (1).

SPECIFICATION OF SOLAR PANEL

Product name Risen Solar Panel

Number of Panel 4
Dimensions 667x527x25 mm
Weight 3.35 kg
Maximum Power 55+0 ~ 3W

Solar Cell Type Monocrystalline Solar

Panels (Mono-SI)

High efficiency rate;

optimised for
commercial use; high
life-time value
Number of cells 120
Color of the frame Black

b. Solar Pump - The water supplied by the solar water pump can be used to irrigate crops,
water livestock or provide potable drinking water. A solar water pump system is
essentially an electrical pump system in which the electricity is provided by one or
several PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels (2).
SPECIFICATION OF SOLAR
PUMP

Model LSWQB-24
 Power 280W
Inlet / Outlet 1 in diameter
Max head 25 meters
Flow rate 1500L per hour
Voltage 24V
Current 8A

c. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Solar charge controller – reduces

complexity of system while output of system is high efficiency.
SPECIFICATION OF MPPT SOLAR CHARGE
CONTROLLER

Model MPPT -60A

Current 60A
Voltage 12/24/36/48V
MAX PV Voltage 160V
12V System 720W
24V System 1440W
MAX PV Input Power 36V System 2100W
48V System 2800W

12V System DC 20V-

80V
Input Specification DC 24V System DC 37V-
105V
36V System DC 50V-
160V
48V System DC 72V-160V

PURPOSE OF OPERATION

With its ability to tow trailers, mix rice in paddy fields, and function as a water pump,
this solar-powered multipurpose vehicle can be used in a variety of agricultural
situations, particularly in areas with limited access to dependable power sources.
1. Rice paddy mixer – the solar powered multi-purpose vehicle is equipped of rice
rake at the bottom of the vehicle (picture include in ppt). this could be used to mix the
wet paddy rice in the drying field while giving efficient and comfort to the operator
and to the drying operation.

2. Water pump – water pump is installed at the back of the vehicle which is connected
to the solar battery. The water pump can be used to supply water to fields which is
needed pump to deliver water. (insert picture)

3. Transportation and trailer vehicle- the solar powered multi-purpose vehicle can be
used to travel from point A to point B. it is also equipped hitch that could be used to
pull small implement and trailer (insert picture).

FUNCTION OF THE SOLAR POWERED MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE

1. For Soil Preparation

 Rice Paddy Mixer- Before planting, the vehicle can be used to mix and
prepare the soil in rice paddies, ensuring proper aeration and water
distribution for optimal crop growth.

2. Irrigation
 Water Pump- The integrated water pump allows for efficient irrigation of
crops. Farmers can use the vehicle to transport water and distribute it across
the fields, promoting consistent and adequate moisture levels.

3. Crop Planting and Maintenance

 Rice Paddy Mixer- After soil preparation, the mixer can aid in creating the
right conditions for planting rice or other crops.
 Water Pump- Continuous water supply supports the germination and early
growth stages of crops.

4. Harvesting Operations
 Trailer Attachment- The vehicle can be used for harvesting by pulling trailers
loaded with crop harvesters or manually harvested produce.

5. Transportation of Agricultural Inputs

 Trailer Attachment- Farmers can use the vehicle to transport fertilizers, seeds,
and other agricultural inputs to and from the fields.

6. Livestock Farming
  Trailer Attachment- Farmers engaged in both crop and livestock farming can
use the vehicle to transport feed, equipment, or harvested crops for animal
consumption.

7. Off-Grid Farming
 Solar Power System- In areas without reliable access to the power grid, the
solar-powered vehicle ensures a continuous and sustainable energy source for
agricultural activities.

8. Remote Farming Communities

 Solar Power System: The vehicle is particularly beneficial in remote areas
where conventional fuel is scarce or expensive, providing an affordable and
eco-friendly alternative.

9. Customizable Attachments
 Adaptability- The modular design allows for the development of additional
attachments, making the vehicle adaptable to various agricultural tasks and
practices.

10. Environmental Sustainability

 Solar Power System- The vehicle contributes to reducing the carbon footprint
and environmental impact associated with traditional fuel-powered
agricultural machinery.

IV. CONCLUSION

V. REFERENCES

Mr. D.N Srivastava, Prasad, R., Nishad, R., Akhtar, S., & Singh, R. (2022). Solar
Multi-Functional Agricultural Vehicle. International Advanced Research Journal in
Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 9, Issue 5, May 2022. https://doi.org/
10.17148/IARJSET.2022.9558

Retrieved from: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/solar-panel

- :~:text=Definition%3A%20Solar%20panels%20are%20those,generate
%20electricity%20through%20photovoltaic%20effect.

Retrieved from: https://www.ctc-n.org/technologies/solar-water-pumps - :~:text=The

%20water%20supplied%20by%20the,several%20PhotoVoltaic%20(PV)%20panels.
VI. APPENDICES