Design and Implementation of Battery-Operated Brush Cutter with Improved DC Motor Control System
Matthew Ejiofor Anih *
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Babatunde S. Emmanuel
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In this piece of academic work, an advanced battery-powered brush cutter with an intelligent DC motor control system is designed and optimized to address the limitations of conventional gasoline-powered tools in sustainable land management. The study focuses on the development, testing, and validation of a high-efficiency system that integrates a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and microcontroller-based pulse width modulation (PWM) for precise motor speed regulation. By replacing fossil fuel-dependent engines, the constructed design reduces carbon emissions by 92% and operational noise by 75%, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative for lawn, garden, and farmland maintenance. The system’s adaptive speed control enables users to dynamically adjust cutting power across diverse terrains, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining cutting precision. A robust battery management system (BMS) ensures safe operation by monitoring voltage, current, and temperature, extending battery lifespan and reliability. Prototype testing under real-world conditions demonstrated significant improvements in energy efficiency (35% reduction compared to traditional DC motor systems) and operational versatility. The project highlights the viability of leveraging locally sourced materials and reverse engineering to achieve scalable, cost-effective solutions for agro-industrial applications. This work not only advances brush cutter technology but also contributes to global sustainability goals by prioritizing zero direct emissions, reduced noise pollution, and user-centric innovation. Future research directions include modular battery-swapping mechanisms and solar hybridization to further enhance sustainability.
Keywords: DC motor, brush cutter, battery-powered management, microcontroller, speed control, sustainable technology