DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR-POWERED PADDY SPREADING AND TURNING MACHINE WITH A WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROLLER

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a solar-powered paddy spreading and turning machine with a wireless remote controller and to evaluate its operational performance. The study was divided into six parts: machine design and construction, wireless control system testing, electrical power generation from a photovoltaic system, control and driving performance, paddy releasing and spreading/turning processes, and moisture reduction testing.

The results showed that: (1) the developed machine consisted of a structural frame, a wireless control system, a solar power generation system, and a control and drive system, all of which operated correctly. (2) The photovoltaic system generated an average total energy production of 654.44 Wh, which was consistent with the battery storage capacity of 600 Wh. The system was able to generate and store electrical energy in a balanced and efficient manner. (3) In terms of energy consumption, the highest power usage in the control system occurred during the opening of the paddy container, while the highest power consumption in the driving system occurred during forward and backward movement. Additionally, carrying paddy increased the overall energy consumption of the machine. (4) The paddy releasing process allowed continuous discharge of paddy onto the ground with uniform distribution. The spreading and turning process increased the distribution area, reduced grain density, and enabled the lower layers of paddy to be exposed to sunlight more effectively due to the structure of the spreading blade. (5) After spreading and sun drying for 6 hours, the paddy weight decreased, and the moisture content was reduced by 9.4% (wb).