Design and development of a mobile solar powered maize dehusker cum sheller

Maize (Zea mays L.) also called as corn is one of the most important cereal crop in the world agricultural economy. Maize is one of the most widely cultivated crop grows in both tropical and warm temperate latitudes. In present study, the portable small sized DC motor (0.5 hp) operated mobile maize dehusker cum sheller was designed to solve the issue by considering physical properties of maize. The basic considerations for development of a mobile maize dehusker cum sheller were taken into account and the conceptual model of the mobile maize dehusker cum sheller was developed using CATIA V5 software. The principle of dehusking and shelling actions were shearing and tearing by rubber type dehusking elements and friction by taper section with cuts on both side of section given for shelling purpose in a top cover of machine. The developed machine having overall dimensions (L x W x H) of 1250 x 720 x 800 mm. The selected operational parameters viz., moisture content (11.23, 13.07, 15.36%), feed rate (20, 40, 60 kg h^-1) and rotational speed (415, 460, 510 rpm). Overall performance was found satisfactory for maize dehusking cum shelling operations. The mobile unit (OMSPAM) performance revels that generally OMSPAM takes 7 to 8 hours for full charging of battery and the full charge battery holds for 5-6 hours in working condition. The vehicle travels at a speed of 35 km h^-1 (25 km h^-1 fully laden) and range of distance travelled is 120-130 km with solar panel (on sunny day). The total operating cost per hour as 169.22 h^-1.