Performance evaluation of solar-powered compost tea brewer / John Raymond C. Bonita

Thesis Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering University of Rizal System - Tanay 2016

Includes bibliographical references

Organic-based agricultural production is a rapidly emerging technology in the Philippines as well as the use of solar energy. The use of a complete photovoltaic brewing system is seen as a potential possibility in boosting agricultural production in an environment-friendly and sustainable manner. The primary objective of the study is to fabricate and test the performance of a compost tea brewer by integrating a photovoltaic system to the brewing system. Testing and evaluation were conducted at Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute (SANRI) of the University of Rizal System - Tanay, Rizal. Brewing was simultaneously done on the two brewers, the commercial compost brewer and solar-powered compost tea brewer. Based on the results, the PV system produced an average power of 25.48 watts and the computed system efficiency is 19.23% the electrical conductivity of the vermi tea brewed using the solar-powered compost tea brewer is not significantly different from the produced by the commercial compost tea brewer. Cost analysis showed that operating the solar-powered compost tea brewer, investment cost will be covered in 1.25 years. Harnessing solar energy in the production of organic agriculture has been proven to be effective and sustainable. The brewer relies only on a photovoltaic (PV) power and capable of a 24 hour continuous operation. The panel's computer conversion efficiency is 12.75%.