Battery Powered Agricultural Sprayers: A Review

Abstract

Agricultural technology is undergoing rapid change, with continuous improvements in farm machinery, buildings, and production facilities. The quest for cheaper and enhanced energy sources is essential for the efficient and seamless operation of these facilities. Day to day depleting reserves of fossil fuels has motivated researchers to work on alternate source of energy. A battery has been proved a good alternative to fossil fuels for the operation of moving objects. A battery-powered agricultural sprayer, driven by a DC pump running on electricity stored in a battery, offers numerous advantages. Their operation is more cost-effective due to lower maintenance costs and has a lesser environmental impact compared to pumps powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). Additionally, they produce less vibration than petrol sprayers. With such sprayers, farmers can conduct spraying operations themselves, thus enhancing efficiency without needing additional labor. Several researchers carried out work on battery powered sprayers, in the different locations of the world. Different types of sprayers have been modified and successfully and efficiently operated on electricity generated in batteries. The review cover both solar power charged batteries and domestic electricity charged batteries. Research findings also indicated the reduction in drudgery of human labours involved in the spraying operation. These sprayers are an excellent means to cover large areas quickly and effortlessly. In summary, this innovative solution addresses the challenges of manual labor while promoting efficient, precise and sustainable agricultural practices.