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Researchers at New Zealands Massey University have developed a robotic lawnmower with three 50W solar panels and a 20Ah lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery.
A team from the Massey AgriFood Digital Lab at Massey University, New Zealand, has developed a photovoltaic robotic lawnmower.
The one baptized as SunScout Pro has three fully integrated 50 W solar panels that charge a 20 Ah lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. One of the photovoltaic panels is located on top of the robot, while two other modules are attached to a sliding and retractable structure.
“By reducing the solar module to its essentials and adopting more efficient shielding designs along with our flagship stacked panel configuration, we have been able to create lightweight solar panel solutions that are perfect for mobile applications,” the research team states.
The PV system has a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) voltage range between 15V and 45V. The MPPT solar charger has an efficiency of more than 99% and the maximum solar power input is 400W. LiFePO4 battery has a nominal voltage of 38.4 V and an energy capacity of 768 Wh. The team claims that it offers 5,000 charge cycles.
“Assuming the SunScout Pro charges its batteries an average of four times per week, which is equivalent to 208 times per year, the guaranteed 5,000 charge cycles would provide up to 24 years of use,” the research team states.
When the robotic lawnmowers batteries are low, it unfolds its two additional photovoltaic panels and faces the sun to recharge them more quickly. The average battery charge time is four hours with a 70% discharge. The apparatus measures 850mm x 450mm x 400mm and weighs 45kg. Its cutting width is 40 cm and the cutting height is programmable between 25 mm and 75 mm. Shreds grass at a speed of 50 meters per minute, covering an area of ??1,200 square meters per charge.
The concept was first developed in 2020 and its feasibility was confirmed by a Massey University study in 2021. The first prototype was put to the test in December 2022 and a working prototype was completed in January 2023. The development team Massey University started setting up assembly lines in New Zealand and Germany in February this year and is now trying to garner customer support through a Kickstarter campaign. If successful, it plans to launch the product in June and begin shipping in August.
The products will have a two-year warranty and will retail for $2,630 ($4,000), according to the Kickstarter campaign page. |
