Folding Mechanism modification of the CLSU-developed Mobile Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation System (MSPIS)
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Date
2024
Authors
Juvie Anne M. Lingas
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Abstract
The increasing need for sustainable irrigation solutions in remote agricultural areas has driven the development of Mobile Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation System (MSPIS). Although there are clear advantages to using these systems, the process of assembling and folding the solar panel is time-consuming and labor intensive.
This study was conducted to minimize the time and labor intensity needed to set-up the system's solar panel on field. The performance evaluation of the folding mechanism was done in terms of measuring the time consumed in operating the system. The treatments were laid out following a completely randomized design (CRD). Three different factors were considered in gathering the data needed for this study. A set of ranges was distributed to the factors A, B, and C. Factor A represents the age range from 15-31 (A1), 32-48 (A2), and 49-65 (A3). Factor B represents the height range from 149-159 cm (B1), 160-170cm (B2), and 171-181 cm (B3). Factor C represents the person's sex, male is represented by C1, and female is represented by C2. Combining the three factors resulted in 18 combinations that had three replications, for a total of 54 samples.
The results of this study, which used a factorial ANOVA, show that there was no significant difference between the three factors in terms of assembly, folding and operation time. A3B1C2 had the longest mean time of assembly, reported at 38.19 seconds, while A2B2C1 had the shortest mean time of assembly, reported at 32.5 seconds. A1B2C2 has the longest mean time of folding reported at 31.5 sec, while A2B2C1 has the shortest mean time of folding at 24.16 sec. A1B2C2 (69.08 sec) has the longest time consumed, while the combination A2B2C1 (56.58 sec) has the shortest time consumed for the whole operation.
The modified design in this study minimized the time in using the machine and can be easily operated by a single person. Where the assembly time can last up to almost 40 seconds and a folding process takes a maximum of 35 seconds. However, it is recommended to use two people in operating the machine for easier and faster operation. Moreover, observation suggests that adding another pivot arm to connect the two solar panel supports on both sides of the machine to prevent the jamming of the roller bearing of the solar panel frame.