DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF TRACTOR POWER TAKEOFF (PTO) ELECTRICITY GENERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

This research work was carried out to design, fabricate and test the performance of tractor power take off (PTO) electricity generation system. This idea was conceived in order to utilize the tractor after pre-planting and planting operations with a view to improving its utilization efficiency and improve farmer’s income. The concept of the design was to convert the mechanical energy of tractor PTO into electrical energy. The implementation consists of gears, belt and pulley, shafts, gear housing, frame, bearings, AC generator. Test results of the system using five different rotor speeds of 900, 1100, 1300, 1500 and 1800 rpm indicated both output voltage and current generated increased with increase in speed of rotation while the resistance decreases with increase in speed. Highest output voltage and current of 220 V and 34 A, respectively were obtained from speed of 1800 rpm whereas low output voltage and current of 120 V and 6.5 (Ω) were obtained from speed of 900 rpm. On the other hand highest resistance of 9.6 (Ω) was obtained from speed of 900 rpm whereas low resistance of 6.5 (Ω) was obtained from speed of 1800 rpm. The equipment is easy to use, demands less effort and easy to dismantle and assemble for transportation and maintenance.