This project outlines the design and development of a solar-powered automated grass cutter. The machine operates through solar energy, aiming to eliminate human effort in lawn maintenance. It incorporates both automated and manual control modes, managed via a Bluetooth-enabled mobile application. Key components include a 12V rechargeable battery charged by a solar panel, Arduino UNO, NodeMCU, IoT integration via the Blynk app, and IR sensors for obstacle detection.
The system focuses on reducing noise and air pollution associated with conventional fossil-fuel-powered mowers while providing an eco-friendly, efficient alternative. The inclusion of sun-tracking solar panels enhances energy efficiency. The grass cutter can operate both day and night, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.
Key Features:
Power Source: Solar energy with a rechargeable 12V battery.
Control Mechanism: IoT-based controls via a smartphone application.
Components: Arduino UNO, HC-05 Bluetooth module, L293D motor driver, IR sensors, and geared DC motors.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces pollution, eliminates fossil fuel dependency, and minimizes maintenance costs.
Applications: Suitable for residential and industrial lawns, with potential for unskilled users and elderly accessibility.
The project demonstrates successful implementation of renewable energy and IoT for sustainable lawn maintenance while minimizing physical exertion and operational costs. The prototype achieved satisfactory performance, highlighting its potential for wider adoption.
Materials and Methods
We have used geared dc motor for controlling cutter movement. Operating voltage needed for the motor used in cutter is of 3-12V range battery of approx.120 rpm. We used NODEMCU board for the controlling purpose of the motors which are used for different movement parts. We have used server of Blynk application for controlling purpose of the motors. The all are based on the internet of things. We have used virtual pin of the Blynk app for controlling the digital GPIO pins of NODEMCU (esp8266). We have target to make the lawn mover fully automated and IOT based. We have used voltage distributer for distributing of the voltage from the battery according to our need. We have used relay for controlling of the supply of the from the battery which also controlled by our smart phone. We have used three 3D dc motor driver (L298 H-bridge driver) which is used for the controlling of the motors.
We have used IR sensors for obstacles detecting so that it cannot get damage or hit any things for protecting the lawn mower grass cutter. All the connection according to our lawn has shown below
.we have used solar panel which is programmed by using ARDUINO IDE as panel is also fully automated. Solar panel is sun tracking which will help to increase the efficiency of the solar panel in any condition and increase the overall efficiency of the grass cutter. We have used eight virtual pins in BLYNK application for all the controlling function the grass cutter.
ARDUINO UNO
The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board which has ATmega328 from the AVR family. There are 14 digital input/output pins, 6 Analog pins and 16MHz ceramic resonator. USB connection, power jack and also a reset button is used. Its software is supported by a number of libraries that makes the programming easier.
HC-05 BLUETOOTH MODULE
Bluetooth trans-receiver we used here HC-05 is used to transmit the data from android operating smart phone. It can be operated on 3.3V to 6V DC power supply. Any serial stream from 9600 to 115200bps can be passed seamlessly from device. The range of Bluetooth is 15 meters and works on 2.4GHz ISM band.
L293D MOTOR DRIVER
The L293D are quad push-pull drivers capable of delivering output currents to 1A or 600mA per channel respectively. Each channel is controlled by a TTL- compatible logic input and each pair of drivers (a full bridge) is equipped with an inhibit input which turns off all four transistors. A separate supply input is provided for the logic so that it may be run off a lower voltage to reduce dissipation. Additionally, the L293D includes the output clamping diodes within the IC for complete interfacing with inductive loads. Both devices are available in 16-pin Batwing DIP packages. They are also available in Power S0IC and Hermetic DILPackage.
SOLAR PANEL
A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts solar energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect Photons in sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semi conducting materials, such as silicon.
Electrons (negatively charged) are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity. Due to the special composition of solar cells, only allow the electrons to move in a single direction.
DC MOTOR
Direct Current (DC) motor is a rotating electrical device that converts direct current, of electrical energy, into mechanical energy. An Inductor (coil) inside the DC motor produces a magnetic field that creates rotary motion as DC voltage is applied to its terminal. Inside the motor is an iron shaft, wrapped in a coil of wire. This shaft contains two fixed, North and South, magnets on both sides which cause both a repulsive and attractive force, in turn, producing torque.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
In this project we are using Lead Acid Battery 12v, 2ahm rechargeable battery which is used to store the energy from solar.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The project entitled with “IOT Based Grass Cutter with Solar energy” is successfully completed and the results obtained are satisfactory. The project is more suitable for a common man as it is having much more advantageous and it can be operated by using solar energy. This will give less physical exertion to the people and can be easily handled. This system has the facility of charging the batteries while the solar powered grass cutter is in motion. Grass cutter can also be operated in night time, as there is a facility to charge these batteries in day light. A workable Iot based solar grass cutter prototype is focusing on the renewable energy as the primary source of energy has been successfully fabricated with high working efficiency.
CONCLUSION
The IoT-based grass cutter with solar panel uses innovative technology in an eco-friendly manner. Given that there is no gasoline expenditure, no emissions, no fuel residue, and minimal wear and tear. The solar panel tracks the sun, which improves efficiency and gives the battery a power source. The automated grass cutter is powered by IoT This grass cutter has the unique characteristic of being controllable from anywhere in the globe because to its internet connection, which is accessible via a mobile device. Using this grass cutter will significantly lessen a person’s effort while also preventing serious accident from occurring during lawn upkeep. Introducing this grass trimmer into our culture even senior citizens and unskilled individuals can gain access to it, eliminating their dependency on others. The work can be completed much more easily because to the straightforward operating principle. Using the resources at hand, this project was effectively finished, and the outcomes were adequate. The created model is very effective, and the user can modify the mower’s course by instructing it via a mobile device. As a result, equipment can be shielded from harm, which lowers the risk to people. As a result, the newly created robot will be able to handle the challenge of cheap operating costs, simple maintenance, and renewable energy.