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Book of Extended summaries ISDA

Book of Extended summaries ISDA

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International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &<br />

Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad<br />

mount 1.5-hp DC motor, motor controller, power transmission system, drive wheels, and hitch<br />

system to attach small operating tools like rotary weeder, blade harrow, cultivator, mini ridgers<br />

etc to make the prime mover for multiple operations. Power to 1.5 hp-motor is drawn from<br />

solar PV module through solar charge controller and motor controller. The output <strong>of</strong> MPPT<br />

device maintains the constant voltage at 55 V and supplies the current in the range <strong>of</strong> 8-18<br />

amps depending upon load exerts during operation. Prime mover is behind with travel speed in<br />

the range <strong>of</strong> 2-5 km/hr. Accelerator also facilitates reverse and forward motion. While<br />

operation 30-meter cable <strong>of</strong> 4 sq.mm was used to draw the power from solar system which<br />

covers approximately an area <strong>of</strong> 0.05 ha.<br />

Field testing<br />

Solar powered prime mover was tested for weeding and shallow tillage at research farm, ICAR-<br />

CRIDA, Hyderabad. Minimum solar irradiance <strong>of</strong> 4 kWh/m 2 /day is received in the month <strong>of</strong><br />

August and maximum <strong>of</strong> 6.6 kWh/m 2 /day is received between March-May with available<br />

sunshine days <strong>of</strong> 310 days. There is great potential to produce electricity by harnessing solar<br />

energy. For weeding, rotary tiller and blade harrow were used. For shallow tillage, blade<br />

harrow and mini ridger were used which are commercially available in local market. During<br />

operation, observations were made on power consumption by different implements and load<br />

exerted due to depth <strong>of</strong> operation.<br />

Results<br />

Preliminary trails were conducted, and performance was tested when solar radiation ranged<br />

between 4kWh/m 2 /day to 6.5 kW/m2/day. It was observed that the weeding tools could be<br />

successfully operated with 80-92% efficiency in kharif season (July-October) with current<br />

consumption within limit <strong>of</strong> design. The power consumption for weeding was similar<br />

irrespective <strong>of</strong> rotary tiller or blade harrow for a given depth <strong>of</strong> operation and width <strong>of</strong> cut. For<br />

shallow tillage the power consumption was higher than cultivator and need good solar<br />

radiation. With 1.5 hp design, 3-tyne cultivator could be operated successfully within limit <strong>of</strong><br />

power availability. Power consumption varied with depth <strong>of</strong> operation and field operations.<br />

Conclusion<br />

Solar powered prime mover <strong>of</strong> 1.5 hp could be viable in dryland agriculture depending upon<br />

availability <strong>of</strong> radiation in cropping season. However, electricity transportation within the field<br />

could be an issue which need to be resolved with appropriate management strategies. Such<br />

solar powered prime mover could be suitable for small farm holders.<br />

769 | Page Emerging approaches (RS, AI, ML, Drones etc) for crop management &assessment

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