Design of Solar Photovoltaic Energy System to Power a 3 HP Motorised Cassava Shredding Machine in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract— This study presents the finalized design and simulated performance of an autonomous Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system specifically engineered to power a 3 hp motorized cassava shredding machine at the Ahia Ndoro market in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. The machine, which incorporates an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, and a manual winding mechanism, has a maximum input capacity of 16 kg of cassava. The system was designed to meet a total daily energy requirement of 18.7 kWh, corresponding to a maximum operational power output of 2.3 kW. The final component specification requires an array of 20 solar panels (rated at 435 W each), a total of 12 batteries (each with 250 Ah capacity), and an inverter with an input power of 3 kVA. For system integrity, the maximum DC parameters were calculated to be 173 A at 24 V, while the maximum AC parameters were 10.13 A at 230 V. The solar charge controller was specified with an amperage of 97 A. Performance simulations confirmed the system's robust operational capacity: the minimum monthly energy provision of 23.3 kWh per day (recorded in August, the month of lowest solar radiation) comfortably exceeds the required daily energy of 18.7 kWh. The maximum daily production reached 218 kWh per day, yielding an annual average Solar Performance Ratio (SPR) of 75%. Consequently, the proposed SPV system is confirmed to satisfy and secure the energy demands of the Abacha shredding machine, offering a reliable and sustainable power solution.