NOVEL POST-HARVEST RESIDUE MANAGEMENT MACHINE

Abstract

This invention provides a hybrid-powered, portable machine for processing crop residues into biochar, compost, or animal feed. Combining modular functionality and renewable energy sources, the machine supports sustainable residue management, reducing environmental impact and improving soil fertility. Its user-friendly design and real-time monitoring system enable small-scale farmers to efficiently manage post-harvest residues on-site.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural technology, specifically a post-harvest residue management machine that processes crop residues into valuable products like biochar, compost, and animal feed. The machine integrates renewable energy sources, offering a sustainable alternative to crop residue burning and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Crop residue burning is a widespread practice, especially in developing agricultural regions, where farmers seek quick and cost-effective ways to clear fields for the next planting cycle. However, residue burning contributes significantly to air pollution, releasing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which deteriorate air quality and contribute to respiratory health issues and global warming. Additionally, burning depletes soil organic matter, reducing soil fertility and long-term crop yields. The lack of accessible, efficient residue management systems further exacerbates this issue.
While some existing systems target specific residue management functions, such as biochar production or composting, they are often too costly, bulky, and energy-intensive for small-scale farmers. Current options also lack versatility, focusing solely on one function rather than offering an integrated, multi-functional solution that can handle a variety of crop residues. These limitations highlight the need for a cost-effective, portable, and energy-efficient machine that can support small-scale farmers in managing crop residues without contributing to environmental degradation.
This invention addresses these challenges by providing a multi-functional, portable machine that utilizes solar and biomass power to process crop residues on-site. This machine transforms agricultural waste into biochar, compost, or animal feed, allowing farmers to manage residues sustainably, reduce pollution, and improve soil fertility, thereby offering an eco-friendly alternative to residue burning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a portable, hybrid-powered machine for post-harvest residue management. The machine processes crop residues into biochar, compost, or animal feed through various modules, including a pyrolysis chamber, composting unit, and pelletizing feed processor. Powered by solar and biomass energy, this machine is designed for small-scale farms, providing an environmentally sustainable solution to residue burning while producing valuable agricultural inputs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: DEPICTS THE MACHINE'S MODULAR STRUCTURE, INCLUDING THE INTERCHANGEABLE BIOCHAR PRODUCTION, COMPOSTING, AND ANIMAL FEED PROCESSING UNITS.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Novel Post-Harvest Residue Management Machine is a versatile, portable machine designed to convert post-harvest crop residues into biochar, compost, or animal feed. The machine's modular structure enables various attachments for different residue management functions. Built with a lightweight frame and mounted on wheels, it can be easily transported across fields, allowing farmers to manage residues on-site.
The machine operates using a hybrid power system that combines solar and biomass energy. Solar panels mounted on the machine's top provide primary energy, storing excess power in a battery to ensure continuous operation during the day. A biomass furnace offers an alternative energy source by using processed crop residues as fuel. This dual power setup supports efficient, uninterrupted operation, making it suitable for off-grid areas.
The biochar production unit features a pyrolysis chamber that heats crop residues between 300°C and 700°C in the absence of oxygen, converting them into biochar. An automated feeder regulates the flow of residues into the chamber, maintaining steady pyrolysis conditions for optimal biochar yield. A temperature control system monitors the chamber's environment, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent biochar quality. The biochar produced can be applied to soil to enhance fertility, increase water retention, and sequester carbon.
The composting unit includes a chopping and grinding system to reduce residue size, followed by an aeration setup to support rapid decomposition. The composting process is enhanced by moisture and temperature control sensors, creating ideal conditions for microbial activity and nutrient-rich compost production. The unit can mix residues with organic materials like manure to accelerate compost formation, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.
The animal feed processing unit converts residues into digestible pellets by chopping and mixing them with supplements like molasses to improve nutrient quality. This module includes a pelletizer that compacts processed residues into dense, easy-to-store feed pellets. This unit benefits livestock farmers by transforming waste into a low-cost, nutritious feed alternative, supporting farm sustainability.
The machine incorporates a smart monitoring and control system, accessible through a digital control panel and a mobile app connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Real-time monitoring of temperature, moisture, and residue feed rates enables farmers to optimize machine performance remotely. The system provides data analytics on residue conversion efficiency, biochar output, and compost quality, helping farmers make informed decisions.
, Claims:1. A portable, hybrid-powered machine for post-harvest residue management, capable of converting crop residues into biochar, compost, or animal feed.
2. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a modular design enables interchangeable biochar production, composting, and feed processing units.
3. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the power system combines solar panels and a biomass furnace for continuous operation.
4. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a pyrolysis chamber operates at 300°C to 700°C, converting residues into biochar.
5. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the composting unit includes a chopping system, aeration setup, and moisture/temperature sensors.
6. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the animal feed processing unit converts residues into digestible pellets with optional nutrient additives.
7. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a digital control panel and mobile app allow real-time monitoring and operational adjustments.
8. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it enhances soil fertility through biochar production and compost application, supporting sustainable agriculture.
9. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it reduces environmental impact by offering an alternative to crop residue burning.

10. The machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein its compact, wheeled structure facilitates transportation across agricultural fields for on-site residue management.

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