Authors :
I.U Onyenanu; U.O. Uwadibe
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mr3zhenz
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/27vas7r9
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2283
Abstract :
This study aimed to develop an affordable
mechanized solution to address this challenge.A coconut
dehusking machine prototype was designed, fabricated,
and tested. It consists of a rigid steel frame, two counter-
rotating cylindrical drums fitted with spikes, an electric
motor, a V-belt drive system, and a control panel.
Components were sized through structural and
mechanical calculations. Fabrication utilized locally
sourced materials within a 250,000 NGN budget.Testing
showed the machine achieving 90% dehusking efficiency
at 120 nuts/hour. Operational costs are minimized
through a 1.5HP electric motor. Finite element analysis
verified the structural integrity of machine components
under operational loads.Results indicate the objectives of
developing an affordable and efficient mechanized
solution were achieved. Widespread adoption has the
prospect of enhancing coconut farming viability,
boosting rural livelihoods, and promoting agro-
industrialization in Nigeria through coconut value
addition. This study demonstrates how appropriately
designed technology can support sustainable agricultural
development in resource-constrained communities.
Keywords :
Coconut, De-Husking, Mechanization, Machine, Design, Fabrication, Nigeria, Smallholder Farmers, Affordability, Appropriate Technology, Productivity, Drudgery Reduction, Post-Harvest Processing.
This study aimed to develop an affordable
mechanized solution to address this challenge.A coconut
dehusking machine prototype was designed, fabricated,
and tested. It consists of a rigid steel frame, two counter-
rotating cylindrical drums fitted with spikes, an electric
motor, a V-belt drive system, and a control panel.
Components were sized through structural and
mechanical calculations. Fabrication utilized locally
sourced materials within a 250,000 NGN budget.Testing
showed the machine achieving 90% dehusking efficiency
at 120 nuts/hour. Operational costs are minimized
through a 1.5HP electric motor. Finite element analysis
verified the structural integrity of machine components
under operational loads.Results indicate the objectives of
developing an affordable and efficient mechanized
solution were achieved. Widespread adoption has the
prospect of enhancing coconut farming viability,
boosting rural livelihoods, and promoting agro-
industrialization in Nigeria through coconut value
addition. This study demonstrates how appropriately
designed technology can support sustainable agricultural
development in resource-constrained communities.
Keywords :
Coconut, De-Husking, Mechanization, Machine, Design, Fabrication, Nigeria, Smallholder Farmers, Affordability, Appropriate Technology, Productivity, Drudgery Reduction, Post-Harvest Processing.
