Design and Fabrication of an Innovative Solar - Powered Agricultural Wheel Sprayer

This study focused on the design and fabrication of an innovative solar-powered agricultural wheel sprayer to provide an eco-friendly and efficient solution for small- and medium-scale farmers. The sprayer is designed to utilize solar energy to power a DC water pump, which pressurizes and distributes liquid pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides through adjustable brass nozzles mounted on a spray boom. The system comprises key components, including an 150W solar panel, a 12V rechargeable battery, a charge controller, a PVC tank (16L), and a wheeled metal frame for ease of mobility across farmlands. Performance evaluation of the sprayer was conducted by assessing parameters such as spray coverage, battery efficiency, flow rate, and operational time. The results indicated that the sprayer can efficiently cover a large area with uniform spray distribution, ensuring minimal chemical wastage and reduced dependency on fossil fuel-powered sprayers. The machine demonstrated high operational efficiency of 90%, with an average spray area of 29.5 m² per battery charge and a flow rate of 5L/min, making it suitable for smallholder farmers with limited access to electricity. The study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of solar-powered agricultural sprayers, emphasizing their potential to reduce operational costs, minimize environmental pollution, and enhance farm productivity. It also recommends further research into automated spray control, hybrid power systems, and smart sensor integration to improve efficiency and adaptability.