DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRIC SPRAYER FOR GREENHOUSE AND SMALL OPEN FIELD

Abstract

Hand-held and backpack sprayers are inexpensive tools used to apply pesticides on small acreages. Greenhouse, small vegetables field, small orchards, and tree plantations are examples of areas that often require pesticide applications to protect them from weeds, insects, and diseases. Effective pest control depends on applying the proper amount of pesticide. In greenhouse conditions inside are different from open field. The conventional sprayers, such as the self-propelled or tractor mounted boom sprayers are not suitable for a greenhouse conditions. The electric developed sprayer was evaluated, and its performance was investigated and compared to Suzuki 2.13 kW air assist knapsack sprayer. The experiments were carried out at during 2015/2016 seasons. The developed hydraulic sprayer may able to operate as vertical and horizontal boom sprayer. It's able to apply in piper crops in greenhouse and small field area of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea var. Capitata) under Egyptian conditions. The results showed that the horizontal boom set gave high value of deposition compared to vertical boom set. As well as, the increasing of operating pressure tends to increase the deposition values for developed solar sprayer. The deposit spray values under open field conditions were 0.133μg/cm2, 0.187μg/cm2 and 0.208μg/cm2. The coverage values under open field conditions were 37.8%, 39.1% and 44.5% for 125 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa operating nozzle pressures respectively. As well as, the coverage percent values under greenhouse conditions were 27.8 %, 29.7% and 33.8 % for 125 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa operating nozzle pressures respectively. The power consumed was 0.263 kW, 0.289 kW and 0.300 kW at 125 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa respectively. As well as the battery power reduction rate were 0.051 and 0.164 with PV panel charger under small open field and greenhouse after one hour operating time respectively.