Document Type : Original papers
Authors
1
Agricultural Engineering and Bio Systems Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt.
2
Department of Electrical Eng. Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, 81542 Aswan, Egypt
3
Head of the Agricultural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Aswan University
4
The Sugar Crops Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
Abstract
Amid growing environmental and economic challenges, solar energy has emerged as a promising renewable energy source, offering significant economic and environmental benefits. The agricultural sector, which heavily depends on fossil fuels for activities such as irrigation, harvesting, and transportation, stands to gain substantially from integrating solar energy technologies. These technologies help reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts. Sugarcane farming, in particular, is a resource-intensive and labor-dependent activity that can benefit significantly from adopting modern solar-powered mechanization technologies.
This study focuses on the development and application of a solar-powered sugarcane loader designed to improve loading efficiency while minimizing operational costs and environmental impacts. The proposed system comprises key components, including solar panels, batteries, and an electric motor, tailored to meet the energy demands of a loader weighing 1500 kg with a loading capacity of 250 kg and an operating speed of 2 m/s. Energy calculations indicate a daily requirement of 24,000 Wh, supported by 700 W solar panels and battery storage. Despite an initial investment of 500,000 EGP, the solar-powered loader offers negligible operating costs, making it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional manual and mechanical methods.
The results highlight the significant advantages of using solar-powered loaders in sugarcane farming, demonstrating their ability to enhance productivity, reduce carbon emissions, and promote resource sustainability. The study recommends adopting solar energy technologies, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight, as a long-term solution for sustainable agricultural mechanization.
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